Experts expect the real figures are much higher.

A recent survey revealed that 22% of Irish workers report being addicted to or having an unhealthy relationship with illegal substances, with 16% specifically struggling with class A drugs. The data came from the 2024 Workplace Wellbeing Index, which surveyed 1,000 workers and 200 HR managers across various business sectors. Additionally, 29% of respondents reported issues with nicotine, and 21% struggled with alcohol use.

Beyond substance issues, nearly one-third of workers (33%) acknowledge having an unhealthy relationship with social media, one in five reported struggling with pornography or sex addiction, and 19% reported a gambling addiction.

Eddie Mullins, CEO of the addiction and homelessness charity Merchant’s Quay, told The Irish Times that he believes the true figures are much higher. “I think there’s an awful lot of people who are habitually using drugs or trying to conceal it and hide it, and a survey would fail to capture that,” he said.

Mullins expressed that cocaine use has reached “epidemic proportions” in Ireland, noting that society often focuses on chronic addiction and street level drug selling and taking, overlooking the many users who hold jobs or attend college while maintaining drug habits. He emphasised that middle-class individuals particularly are driving high levels of cocaine use, and that remote work arrangements have reduced scrutiny on employees dealing with drug-related issues.

The survey also found that substance issues were more prevalent among men, individuals under 24, and those with disabilities or health conditions. Managers and employees frequently contacted outside regular work hours reported particularly high rates of drug use.

The new figures demonstrate that substance use and addiction issues are impacting Ireland on all levels of society, with an increase in class A use among full-time workers and the middle class. As the issue becomes more and more prevalent, it highlights a need to have open conversations about problem substance use. If you are struggling with addiction, please visit this link to find out more about support options.

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