When the heroin runs out, crack cocaine takes over Dublin

Dublin is currently grappling with a significant increase in crack cocaine use, which is worrying local drug counselors, who are describing the situation as a crisis.

A surge in treatment cases

The latest statistics from the Health Research Board (HRB) show a staggering 594% increase in people seeking treatment for crack cocaine addiction in Ireland, from 173 cases in 2017 to 1,201 in 2023. Fergal Connolly, a former user, shared his experience of the descent into addiction: “I kind of went from maybe a couple of beers, to a couple of ecstasy, to some other stuff, and then I ended up on heroin and crack.”

The community is in trouble

Daity Doolan, associated with the South Inner City Alcohol and Drug Partnership and a Sinn Féin councillor, highlighted the scale of the crisis. “It really is a crisis,” he said, noting the widespread nature of addiction in Dublin households. “It’s happening outside the school gates in the playground.” He noted that communities are struggling to cope with the scale of drug use and the intimidation that accompanies it. “Drug-related intimidation affects individuals, families and entire communities who are held ransom by drug dealers.”

Transition from heroin to crack

Dublin has historically struggled with heroin, but shortages linked to geopolitical changes in Afghanistan have led to a sharp rise in crack consumption. In 2023, nearly 4,923 individuals sought treatment primarily for cocaine, whether in powder or crack form.

The need for services designed for women

Cheryl Kelly, addiction counselor for the Donore Drug and Alcohol Team, highlighted the unique challenges women face with addiction. “Women will find themselves in situations where they may be involved in forced sex work or fear social services,” she explained. HRB reported an increase in the number of women seeking cocaine treatment from 284 in 2017 to 1,387 in 2023. “It was very important for me to get involved … in creating a pilot program for women,” Kelly added, stressing the importance of creating safe spaces of support just for women.

A wide range of users

Alan Kinsella, a case worker at Coolmine Therapeutic Community, said the program, which was specifically designed for cocaine users, was consistently full. “When a program that’s so drug-specific is rich and intense, it sort of tells the story of the extent of cocaine, particularly in inner-city Dublin,” he observed. He noted that cocaine addiction does not discriminate by social class, saying, “There is no social boundary that defines cocaine addiction. We see people from all walks of life.”

Dublin’s growing crack crisis highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to help those affected.

(Includes data from online sources)