Alcohol and drug treatment cases jump almost 80% since 2017

The study found changes in the three categories of drinkers between 2017 and 2024, with a significant drop in those assessed as 'dependent' — from 72% to 56%. File Picture: Clara Molden/PA 

Alcohol treatment cases have risen by almost 20% in the last seven years, official figures show.

The number of alcohol cases presenting with additional problem drugs has increased even further, driven by a three-fold jump in cocaine.