Alcohol treatment cases have risen by almost 20% in the last seven years, official figures show.

The number of alcohol cases presenting with additional problem drugs has increased even further, driven by a three-fold jump in cocaine.

Health experts are very concerned at the combined use of alcohol and cocaine, saying the mixture of substances “increases toxicity” to major organs and fuels violent behaviour and suicidal thoughts.

Chief Executive Officer at Alcohol Action Ireland, Sheila Gilheany, says it's often children and young people who suffer the most because of Ireland's alcohol problem.

Sheila spoke to us this morning on The Agenda about this. 

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