10k treated for substance abuse in 3 months

Almost 10,000 people received specialist treatment for drug, alcohol and other substance abuse problems in the first three months of the year — including 18 children and teens.

New figures revealed by the HSE show the concerning level of demand on the service included those suffering from alcohol abuse, heroin addiction, serious cocaine problems — and legal, over-the-counter medications.

Details obtained by trade newspaper Medical Independent confirm that between January 1 and March 31 a total of 9,698 people throughout the country were receiving specialist treatment from the public health service.