'Significant decline' in problem opioid use among young Irish adults, research finds

Opioids, which include heroin, methadone and codeine, are addictive, sedating narcotic drugs, according to the Health Research Board. File picture: Getty

The level of problematic use of heroin and other opioids among young adults in Ireland has been declining in recent years, according to a new report by the Health Research Board (HRB).

Research carried out by scientists at University College Cork on behalf of the HRB found there has been “a significant decline” in problem opioid use by those aged 15-34 years between 2015 and 2019. However, it said the overall level of problematic use of opioids over the period had remained stable.