Over 500 people sought alcohol treatment last year in County Donegal – one of the highest number in the country.
The figures, released by the Health Research Board in its alcohol treatment data for 2025, show a drop of just one in Donegal from 2024.
Across 2025, 535 people were reported to have sought treatment for problematic alcohol use in this county.
The number of cases in Donegal has remained consistent over the nine-year period where trends are being monitored.
Donegal has one of the largest number of people in Ireland to seek alcohol treatment last year.
Just Dublin (2,889) and Cork (806) recorded a higher number while Donegal had more than Limerick (420) and Galway (281).
A total of 1,294 cases were treated for problem alcohol use within the HSE West and North West region, which includes Donegal. That represents a drop from 1,428 the previous year, but is ip from 1,154 in 2017.
Nationwide, 8,798 cases were treated for problem alcohol use in Ireland in 2025, representing a slight increase compared with 2024. Of those, 43.1% were classified as new cases.
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Almost one-third of cases reported using another drug along with alcohol. Cocaine remains the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol.
The nine-year trend from 2017 to 2025 shows the proportion of cases reporting polydrug use increased from almost 20% in 2017 to 32% in 2025.
The 2025 figures show cocaine (72%) was the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol, followed by cannabis (50%), benzodiazepines (17%), and opioids (10%). The proportion reporting cocaine as an additional drug increased from 42% in 2017 to 72% in 2025.
In 2025, men accounted for six in ten cases with a median age of 42 years. Women had a median age of 44 years.
Commenting on the findings, HRB Chief Executive, Dr Gráinne Gorman, said: “Behind each of these figures is a person in need, as well as affected loved ones.
“By monitoring trends in the demand for alcohol treatment, and the types of drugs people mix with alcohol, the HRB helps to ensure policy and treatment services are tailored to support the best treatment options possible, and reduce the harm caused by problem alcohol use.”