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.
Digital Therapeutics and Behavioral Science in Alcohol Recovery
The €426,000 grant from the Health Research Board (HRB) to fund the development of a behavioral support app reflects the growing integration of digital therapeutics (DTx) in the Irish healthcare system. Amid record demand for addiction treatment services, public resources are under significant strain. The app utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models and behavioral economics to help users track their alcohol intake, identify triggers, and build personalized reduction plans.
Clinicians and researchers will analyze user engagement data to evaluate the app's clinical efficacy, ensuring data privacy in compliance with GDPR. This digital tool is designed to serve as an early intervention support, helping individuals manage moderate habits before they escalate into clinical dependencies requiring specialist medical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the €426,000 HRB-funded app?
The app is designed to provide accessible, evidence-based behavioral support to help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption, relieving pressure on public addiction treatment services.
What methodology is used in the app's design?
It utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) frameworks, habit-tracking algorithms, and personalized feedback systems designed by behavioral scientists and clinicians.
Is user data collected by the app secure?
Yes, all user data is fully anonymized, encrypted in transit and at rest, and managed in strict compliance with the Irish Health Research Regulations and GDPR.
Digital Therapeutics and Public Health Integration
The state funding for behavioral health apps reflects a growing acceptance of digital therapeutics (DTx) as a valid support tool in public health. By combining traditional face-to-face counseling with app-based behavioral monitoring, public health providers can offer more comprehensive, low-cost interventions. Continuing research into clinical outcomes will be essential to secure long-term public health integration.
