Alcohol accounted for 58% of treatment presentations at Coolmine services in Cork and Kerry in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures just released.

The alcohol figure is slightly up from 57% a year earlier and well above the national share of 41%. The figures come from Coolmine’s latest regional trends report.

Powder cocaine made up 18% of presentations, down from 22%, while crack cocaine presentations rose to 2% from 1%.

Cannabis increased to 12% from 11%, heroin accounted for 3% and benzodiazepines for 5% of people treated at Coolmine South West.

Despite powder cocaine’s smaller share, Coolmine’s cocaine programme received 76 new referrals between July and September this year.

“Alcohol continues to bring more people to treatment than any other substance,” said Stephen Cashman, the organisation’s South-West regional services manager.

He said people may live with alcohol’s effects for a long time before seeking help, while demand for specialist cocaine support remains clear.

Nationally, Coolmine recorded 2,761 treatment presentations from January to September, broadly similar to 2,720 in the same period last year.

Powder and crack cocaine together accounted for 34% of national presentations.

Stephen Cashman called for sustained investment in accessible, evidence-based treatment and family support, saying recovery can help people reconnect with children, return to education or find work.

For more information visit www.coolmine.ie