Problem opioid use among people aged 15-34 years fell significantly between 2015 and 2019, however it increased among those aged 35-64 years, a new study by the Health Research Board (HRB) has found.

Opioids, which include heroin, methadone and codeine, are addictive, sedating, narcotic drugs. While some of these drugs have valid medical purposes, their misuse can lead to many health and social issues.

According to the HRB study, there were an estimated 19,875 problematic opioid users in Ireland in 2019, with 11,729 of these living in Dublin.

Nationwide, the majority of problematic users – 72% -  were male. Some 73% were aged 35- 64 years.

The CHOs with the highest number of estimated problem users in 2019 were Area 7 (Kildare, west Wicklow, Dublin west, Dublin south city, Dublin south west) with 5,493 problem users, Area 9 (Dublin north, Dublin north central and Dublin north west) with 5,135 problem users and Area 6 (Dublin south east, Dublin south and Wicklow) with 2,580 problem users.

The study noted that the prevalence of problematic use among younger age groups had declined significantly – dropping from 1,357 in 2015 to 730 in 2019, a fall of 46%.

However, among those aged 35-64 years, problematic opioid use had increased from 13,110 in 2015 to 14,495 in 2019 – a rise of 11%.

Based on the findings, the researchers noted that the typical problem user in Ireland today is male, aged between 35 and 64 and living in Dublin.

“The decline in opioid use among young people is a positive development and could be attributed to the negative image of heroin among young people or the provision of prompt treatment that can break a cycle whereby heroin users introduce the drug to others, or a combination of these factors,” commented the study’s lead author, Dr Michael Hanrahan of University College Cork.

However, he warned that this finding should also be viewed in light of recent HRB data, which found that the use of stimulant-type drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy, has increased among younger age groups since 2014.

The researchers emphasised that estimating the prevalence of opioid use on a national and regional basis “is an important part of monitoring problematic drug use in Ireland and for planning the distribution of drug treatment services”.

“The findings in this report will add to policy-makers’, service providers’ and the general public’s understanding of the problematic drug use phenomenon in Ireland,” they added.

The HRB study can be viewed in full here.