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Observed annually on 26 June, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – also known as World Drug Day – is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the global impact of drug misuse and the illicit trade that drives it.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 1987, the day brings together governments, organisations, healthcare professionals, and communities to reflect on the scale of the drug problem worldwide and promote evidence-based responses to it.
This year’s theme, “World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses”, reflects the reality that while drug misuse is not a new problem, its complexity continues to evolve. New substances, changing patterns of use, and the growing sophistication of illicit drug markets mean that the response must continually adapt.
In Ireland, this evolution is clearly visible. Drug misuse remains widespread, with implications that extend far beyond the individual, affecting families, children, the legal system and the workplace.
Here, we explore the current picture of drug misuse in Ireland and how drug testing can play a role in addressing its impact.
The scale of the problem
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2024, the number of people who use drugs globally rose to 292 million in 2022; a 20% increase over the previous decade.
Despite years of international efforts, global drug use and the number of substances available on illicit markets continue to rise.
In Ireland, the picture is similarly concerning. Data from the Health Research Board’s (HRB) 2023 Healthy Ireland Survey found that:
- 7% of the population reported using an illegal drug in the previous 12 months
- Adults aged 15-24 were most likely to report any drug use, particularly cannabis and ketamine
- Cannabis remains the most widely used drug, with 7.4% of respondents having used it in the past year
- Cocaine was the second most taken drug, used by 2.4% of respondents
- Ecstasy and magic mushrooms were also prevalent, each reported by 1% of respondents
The most recent treatment data from the HRB’s National Drug Treatment Reporting System further underlines the scale of the challenge.
In 2024 alone, there were 13,925 cases that involved treatment for problem drug use in Ireland – the highest annual number on record. Cocaine accounted for 40% of all drug treatment cases, with a 250% increase in cocaine treatment cases recorded since 2017.
How drug misuse affects families, children and communities
The impact of drug misuse is rarely contained to the person using. It extends outward, affecting families, children, relationships, and communities in ways that can be profound.
For families, living with a loved one who misuses drugs can create an environment of uncertainty, emotional strain and, in some cases, risk.
Children growing up in households where drug misuse is present may experience neglect, instability, or disruption to their education and development. In some cases, concerns about parental drug use can lead to involvement from social services, local authorities, or the family courts.
In legal settings, drug misuse is a recurring and significant issue. It frequently arises in:
- Child custody and contact proceedings, where a parent’s substance use may be relevant to assessments of parenting capacity and the safety of contact arrangements
- Safeguarding investigations, where social workers and local authorities need objective evidence to make informed decisions about a child’s welfare
- Family mediation, where allegations of drug misuse can undermine trust between parties and complicate discussions about parenting arrangements
Beyond the family, drug misuse also places significant pressure on public services, including healthcare, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system.
How drug testing can help
Drug testing cannot solve the complex social and personal challenges that underlie drug misuse, but it can play a role in providing clarity, supporting informed decision-making, and helping individuals and professionals take appropriate action.
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For private individuals and families
For some people, concerns about drug misuse are deeply personal. You may be worried about a family member, a partner, or someone close to you, and looking for answers that can help you understand the situation more clearly.
Our peace of mind drug testing is designed for exactly these circumstances. Whether you’re seeking reassurance or need clarity before deciding on next steps, a private drug test can provide fast, accurate results discreetly and confidentially.
As the name suggests, the results of peace of mind drug tests are for your own personal use and cannot be used in legal proceedings.
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For legal proceedings and safeguarding
Where drug testing is required as part of family court proceedings or safeguarding investigations, the requirements are more specific. Samples must be collected under strict chain of custody conditions by a professional sample collector, ensuring that results are legally admissible and suitable for use in court.
AlphaBiolabs’ court-approved drug testing services are trusted by family law solicitors, social workers, and local authorities across Ireland. All analysis is performed at our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, and our reports are accepted in every Family Court.
We also offer court-approved drug testing for private individuals needing a drug test for other legal or official purposes.
Choosing a drug testing provider you can trust
Whether you’re a private individual seeking answers about a loved one, or a legal professional, social worker or local authority employee seeking court-admissible evidence, choosing a reputable testing laboratory is essential.
At AlphaBiolabs, we have over 20 years’ experience providing drug testing services for members of the public, family law solicitors, social workers, and local authorities.
Whatever your circumstances, we can recommend the most appropriate test to suit your needs.
To find out more about our drug testing services, call 01 402 9466, email info@alphabiolabs.ie or visit our Learning Centre.
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