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In response to rising demand for addiction services across Ireland, Minister Murnane O’Connor has announced €426,000 in funding for a new digital intervention tool designed to help individuals reduce their alcohol and substance use. The two-year project, funded under the Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund, is led by HSE Health and Wellbeing and will deploy evidence-based behavioral change techniques, interactive exercises, and personalized support.
The announcement comes alongside newly published data from the Health Research Board (HRB) and the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) for 2025, which paints a sobering picture of problematic substance use in Ireland. According to the report, alcohol treatment cases reached a record annual high of 8,798 episodes in 2025, representing a steady upward trajectory in demand for support services.
Key Metrics from the 2025 HRB Alcohol Report
The NDTRS report highlights several critical trends in alcohol treatment across the country:
- First-time presenters: Approximately 43% of cases in 2025 represented new individuals seeking treatment for the first time, emphasizing the need for robust early intervention strategies.
- Dependency levels: Almost half of all treated cases were clinically classified as alcohol dependent, with an additional 30% reported as harmful drinkers.
- Polydrug use: One of the most significant challenges identified is that nearly one in three cases required treatment for polydrug use (using alcohol in combination with other substances).
When combined with drug treatment figures, the total number of recorded treatment episodes in Ireland reached 24,220 cases in 2025—a 10% increase compared to the 22,040 episodes reported in 2024.
📈 Treatment Volume Acceleration
The 10% year-on-year increase in combined drug and alcohol treatment cases indicates a significant rising demand on public health infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity of scalable digital health solutions.
Lowering Barriers via eHealth and Prevention
The newly funded online behavioral tool aims to lower the barrier to entry for individuals who may feel hesitant to seek traditional, face-to-face clinical services. By utilizing non-judgmental, evidence-based digital pathways, the HSE plans to target marginalized groups, young people, and individuals residing in rural health regions who face geographic or social barriers to care.
Speaking on the launch, Minister Murnane O’Connor remarked: “The data published today showing alcohol treatment illustrates the harms that problem alcohol use can have on individuals, as well as their families, and communities. We need a holistic response that supports the individual and their family members to address the harms of alcohol dependency. The draft National Drugs Strategy presents an integrated response that aims to reduce the harms associated with all substances.”
Expanding Community Care: The Hub-and-Spoke Model
To support the digital app, the Department of Health is expanding its physical, integrated community alcohol services. Funding from the department has increased from €1 million in 2025 to €1.8 million in 2026 to roll out services nationwide.
These physical community centers operate on a "Hub and Spoke" model, integrated within existing acute and non-acute healthcare environments. This model ensures that individuals using the digital app can be seamlessly transitioned to in-person, multi-disciplinary community care if their clinical needs escalate.
For those seeking support or information on local resources, the HSE provides an interactive directory of over 450 drug and alcohol services nationwide. Individuals concerned about their own or a loved one’s substance use can reach the confidential Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459 or find resources on drugs.ie.
