Number of addicts seeking treatments for crack cocaine use continues to grow

Many crack cocaine users are caught in a cycle of homelessness services and subject themselves to 'high risk situations' in order to maintain their addiction. File picture

The number of crack cocaine users seeking treatment is continuing to grow, prompting fears that its burgeoning use could mirror past heroin epidemics in Ireland.

Across the first three quarters of 2026, 8% of service users at addiction treatment service Coolmine Therapeutic Community identified crack cocaine as their primary drug of choice - rising from 6% in 2025.