Number of new drug treatment cases rises 50% in five years

THE number of new drug treatment cases has jumped by almost 50% in the last five years, new figures show.

Data compiled and analysed by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows that the number of new cases involving people aged under 18 has also risen.

A HRB report, Treated problem drug use in Ireland, shows that as a proportion of the local population, counties Waterford, Wexford, Louth and Carlow have experienced the greatest rise in numbers of new cases.