Cocaine on the rise in Ireland: what latest report says about women and addiction

Cocaine use is rising in Ireland – and women are increasingly affected.

According to the latest report from the Rutland Centre – one of Ireland’s leading residential addiction treatment centres – the number of clients using cocaine rose by almost 40% in just one year.

And women now make up over a third of those in treatment.

The findings from the 2024 Annual Report reflect growing concerns about how addiction is changing in Ireland, with more people – especially women – facing multiple addictions and complex health challenges.

Here, we look at what’s behind the surge in cocaine use, why women are especially affected, and the health risks of cocaine and poly-drug use.

Key findings from the report

The Rutland Centre’s latest annual report reveals major changes in addiction patterns across Ireland.

Cocaine use is climbing fast, especially among women.

• 23% of clients used cocaine in 2024 (up from 17% in 2023) – that’s a 38% increase in just one year
• Cocaine is now the second most common drug after alcohol

More women are seeking help:

• Women made up 34% of all clients in 2024
• Cocaine use among women is rising faster than among men – often used alongside alcohol, especially in social settings

Most clients are dealing with more than one addiction:

• 77% of people in treatment had two or more addictions
• 37% were managing three or more

Learn more: Cocaine facts

Why cocaine use is rising among women

Cocaine is increasingly seen as a more “functional” drug – particularly by women.

It’s associated with alertness, energy, and weight control, and doesn’t leave behind the visible signs of use that alcohol can, such as hangovers or bloating.

These factors, while anecdotal, have been noted by Rutland Centre clinicians, who say many women view cocaine as more discreet and socially acceptable than alcohol, especially in appearance-conscious or professional environments.

This perception plays a role in why some women turn to cocaine during social drinking. Many don’t realise how dependent they’ve become until they try to stop and can’t. In many cases, cocaine use follows alcohol consumption, leading to what the report calls complex, “poly-substance” addiction.

Stigma and family responsibilities often delay women seeking help, meaning treatment is sometimes accessed later when issues have already escalated.

The rise in female admissions to addiction services also highlights a growing need for gender-informed support and earlier intervention.

Health and social risks of cocaine use

Cocaine use can lead to serious health problems, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.

Physical health risks

Cocaine places immense strain on the body. It can raise your heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Over time, it can also damage vital organs including the brain, lungs, and digestive system. When mixed with alcohol, cocaine produces a toxic compound called cocaethylene, which is even more harmful – particularly to the heart and liver.

Mental health and emotional strain

Beyond physical effects, cocaine can severely impact mental wellbeing. Users may experience heightened anxiety, paranoia, and mood swings, which can escalate to panic attacks or deep depression.

Dependency often develops gradually, making it difficult to stop using even when the person wants to. These emotional struggles can be especially overwhelming for individuals managing work, relationships, or family responsibilities.

Risks for women and families

For women, cocaine use may affect reproductive health and increase risks during pregnancy. It can also disrupt parenting, strain family relationships, and contribute to mental health issues – particularly when substance use is hidden due to stigma or fear of judgment.

Learn more: How long does cocaine stay in your system?

The role of drug testing and monitoring

Drug testing can play a key role in identifying cocaine use early, helping individuals get the support they need before problems escalate.

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer a wide range of fast, accurate drug tests suitable for private, legal or workplace use.

Types of drug tests available for cocaine use:

• Hair drug testing – Segmented analysis can be used to identify patterns in drug use (up to 12 months), while overview analysis is beneficial if you’re looking to obtain a general insight into a person’s drug use (up to 12 months)
• Nail drug testing – Up to 12-month overview of drug use
• Oral fluid testing – Detects very recent use (up to 48 hours)
• Urine drug testing – Narrow-window period of detection (up to 4 days)

Each method has specific benefits, depending on whether you need a snapshot of recent use or a longer-term history.

Why testing matters:

• Detects use that may otherwise go unnoticed
• Supports medical or treatment decisions
• Helps monitor progress in recovery
• Useful in legal, family or safeguarding contexts

Fast, accredited cocaine drug testing in Ireland

Cocaine use is on the rise in Ireland – and more women than ever are being affected.

The good news is that support is available, and recovery is possible, especially when intervention happens early. That’s where drug testing for cocaine can play a critical role. 

At AlphaBiolabs, we provide fast, accurate and confidential drug testing services for private individuals and families, legal professionals and employers across Ireland.

We also offer FREE sample collection at our walk-in centres for legally-instructed tests.

To learn about the options for cocaine drug testing, visit this page.

To request a quote for drug testing, call us on 01 402 9466, email info@alphabiolabs.ie, or for court-admissible tests, complete our online quote form.