Huge increase in cocaine-related deaths mostly caused by men in 'prime of their life'

There has been a 250% increase in cocaine-related deaths in Ireland since 2013, and the majority of those are driven by men in the "prime of their life." 

The National Health Information Systems (NHIS) has released new data surrounding drug deaths between 2013 and 2022. 

It found that men in their late 30s are among the highest cohort of people dying from cocaine, according to Newstalk. 

"They are, on average, in their late 30s and this means that these are people who are dying prematurely in the prime of their life and would have left behind, for example, not only mothers and fathers, but also partners and children," Dr Suzi Lyons, NHIS spokesperson told Newstalk Breakfast. 

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In 2022, cocaine was the second most common drug implicated in poisoning deaths in Ireland.

There were 32 cocaine-related deaths in 2013, but by 2022, that number rose to 115. 

Dr Lyons said that increase is representative of what's happening "in the wider population." 

"Many other studies and the data show a significant increase in the number of people using cocaine in the general population. Therefore, we can't be surprised to see its impact on poisoning deaths," she explained. 

What stood out to Dr Lyons was that it was men, who are not particularly young, that are dying from cocaine.

"The majority of cocaine deaths are men, eight in 10," she said.

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She added that this time of year will be very difficult for the families of the men who have died, "because many of these deaths would have been preventable." 

"I suppose what the data's telling us about cocaine-related deaths is that many cocaine deaths involved other substances - most commonly heroin and opioid methadone, which is a prescription medication for the treatment of opioid addiction. And benzodiazepines - you might know them as Valium or Xanax," Dr Lyons said. 

Anyone who feels they have a problem with drugs or alcohol can call the HSE’s confidential helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm.