Cocaine use among women in Ireland is rising sharply — and the trend is setting off alarm bells across addiction services.
That’s according to a new report from Coolmine Therapeutic Community, one of the country’s leading alcohol and drug treatment providers.
The findings point to a troubling shift in the landscape of addiction, with cocaine becoming increasingly normalised — and no longer confined to the groups or regions traditionally associated with its use.
The report highlights sustained demand for treatment services during the first three months of this year, compared with the same period last year.
Behind those numbers is a deeper, more complex reality: addiction is spreading, evolving, and pulling more families into its orbit.
One of the most striking developments is the surge in women seeking help for cocaine use — a demographic change that signals a broader cultural shift.
What was once seen as a niche or socially bounded drug has moved into the mainstream, cutting across gender, geography, and social background.
Pauline McKeown, CEO of the organisation, did not mince words:
“What we are seeing in this report is a clear shift in the nature of addiction in Ireland. The rise in cocaine use, particularly among women and in regions where it was previously less common, is deeply concerning. It highlights how widespread and normalised cocaine has become across our communities.”
But the report doesn’t just expose a growing crisis — it also reveals the widening ripple effects of addiction. Coolmine recorded a significant increase in demand for wraparound services supporting families, underlining how substance misuse rarely affects just one person.
McKeown stressed the importance of this broader approach:
“At the same time, the significant growth in family support shows that when we invest in accessible, holistic services, we can reach not just individuals, but entire families impacted by addiction. Our focus is to continue to expand these supports while responding quickly to emerging trends.”
The message from the frontline is clear: Ireland’s addiction problem is changing, and the response must evolve with it. Early intervention, whole-family support, and community-based care are no longer optional — they are essential tools in confronting a crisis that is becoming harder to ignore.
For more information, visit the Coolmine Therapeutic Community website.
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