Cocaine use in Kerry has risen in twelve months.
That’s according to Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s report for the first quarter of 2026.
Nationally, the therapy/addiction charity supported over 1,300 people in the first three months of the year.
The report shows that service retention rates at Coolmine in Kerry reached 92% between January and March.
That’s up from 64% during the first quarter of 2025.
Self-referrals accounted for 57% of those accessing treatment; while 60% of those coming forward for addiction treatment were male, and 40% were female.
The figures show alcohol remains the most common drug in Kerry, with 51% of service users seeking treatment for it.
17% of people accessing services in Kerry sought treatment for cocaine addiction, up 4% in a year.
Benzodiazepines (13%), cannabis (11%), and heroin (9%) were the next most common substance treatments.
Coolmine says engagement within the traveller community doubled, from 60 to 102.
The report shows, 45 children were supported across services in the first quarter of 20206, including 30 in full-time residential care.
The addiction charity says this growth reflects expanded services, particularly in Kerry and Cork.
