In 2017–18, 952 publicly-funded alcohol and other drug treatment services provided just under 210,000 treatment episodes to an estimated 130,000 clients. The four most common drugs that led clients to seek treatment were alcohol (35% of all treatment episodes), amphetamines (27%), cannabis (22%) and heroin (6%). Two-thirds (66%) of all clients receiving treatment were male and the median age of clients was 34 years.

  • Cat. no: HSE 224
Findings from this report:
  • An estimated 130,000 clients sought AOD treatment in 2017–18

  • AOD treatment agencies provided just under 210,000 treatment episodes

  • A total of 952 publicly-funded alcohol and other drug treatment agencies provided services to clients

  • Two-thirds (66%) of all clients who sought AOD treatment were male