An annual increase in alcohol addiction cases in Clare has been attributed to a culture of social acceptance.
It comes, however, as a Clare rehabilitation centre is also giving a cautious welcome to a reported decline in drug addiction cases.
New figures from the Health Research Board show that 169 people in Clare were treated for drug addiction last year, an annual drop of 16%.
Cocaine accounted for over 40% of treatments, Cannabis almost a quarter, with Heroin and Benzondiazepines making up the rest.
Deputy Manager at Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, Meadhbh Firmino da Silva Santos says while there are positive trends, they’re still seeing a huge volume of presentations concerning cocaine.
When attention turns to Alcohol, Clare recorded a 9% increase in addiction cases last year, with 132 people receiving treatment.
Additionally, 72 people received treatment for Alcohol addiction in this county for the very first time, the highest figure recorded in 18 years.
Former Clare hurling Goalkeeper and Clarecastle native Noel Considine, who battled alcoholism for over 30 years, is assuring that anyone can get on the road to recovery and that help is available.
You can listen to the full interview here:
