The report shows that almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of those admitted to the Centre’s residential and outpatient programmes reported two or more addictions, while 37 per cent of that group reported three or more.

The findings come as the latest Health Research Board (HRB) data recorded 15,422 treatment cases for problem drug use, excluding alcohol, in 2025 – an increase of 2,127, or 16 per cent, on 2024. Separate HRB data recorded 8,798 alcohol-treatment cases, the highest annual total in the nine-year period reported.

Publishing its Annual Report ahead of Budget 2027, the Rutland Centre said treatment capacity and long-term recovery supports must continue to develop in response to changing demand.

Maebh Mullany, chief executive of the Rutland Centre, said: “The national data and our own experience point in the same direction: demand is rising and people are presenting with increasingly complex needs. Here at The Rutland Centre, we are already operating close to capacity, and access could become more difficult unless treatment capacity keeps pace.

“At the same time, our outcomes show what can be achieved when people access the right treatment. Our new detoxification service is already providing an important pathway into longer-term care, with one-third of residential admissions in the first half of 2026 coming through the service. Budget 2027 provides an opportunity to build on the progress made with the support of the HSE and health insurers through sustained funding for treatment, staffing and long-term recovery supports.

The Rutland Centre’s Annual Report shows that alcohol was reported as problematic by 59 per cent of admissions in 2025, other substances by 44 per cent and cocaine by 40 per cent. Gambling was cited by 15 per cent, sex and/or pornography by 13 per cent, and food or eating by 9 per cent. As clients could report more than one addiction, these categories overlap.

This complexity is also evident nationally. Almost one in three alcohol-treatment cases recorded by the HRB in 2025 involved problem use of another drug. Among those cases, cocaine was the most common additional drug, reported in 72 per cent.

Emma Kavanagh, head of clinical services at the Rutland Centre, said: “People rarely arrive with one issue in isolation. We are increasingly treating co-morbid problems involving alcohol, cocaine, other substances and behavioural addictions, often alongside trauma, mental-health concerns and significant pressure within families.

“Treatment must be able to respond to the whole person rather than addressing each problem separately. That requires specialist clinical expertise and a range of treatment options that can meet people at different stages of addiction and recovery.”

Against this complex backdrop, the Rutland Centre reported a 98 per cent completion rate for its residential programme and an 81 per cent completion rate for its outpatient programme in 2025.

Of those who entered the Centre’s stabilisation programme following relapse, 52 per cent completed the programme and returned to mainstream continuing care. More than half of those entering stabilisation completed the programme and returned to mainstream continuing care.