ALCOHOL remains the leading addiction scourge for women seeking support and a lifeline through addiction services across the Mid West.
That’s one of the most startling findings from Coolmine Therapeutic Community, who published its first quarter statistics for the year this week.
Alcohol accounted for 32 per cent of all cases in women attending the service during this time, with cocaine the second most prevalent substance (at 27 per cent of treatment cases).
Cannabis presentations made up 16 per cent of cases, while presentations involving benzodiazepines were ‘stable’ and heroin-related presentations declined, Coolmine said.
Over 110 individuals accessed treatment and support through Coolmine’s Mid West services, which provide gender-specific care for women.
Coolmine reported a significant reduction in missed appointments and no-shows, falling from 71 in the first quarter of 2024 to just 23 in the same period in 2025.
David McPhillips, Coolmine Mid West service manager said the figures “show real progress — not only in engagement but also in outcomes”.
“We’re seeing more women seeking help, fewer people are missing appointments, and more are completing treatment.”
In Limerick, Mahon House offers a range of services including assessments, day programmes, case management, counselling, and mental health interventions. It provides support to people in addiction and continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those in recovery.
12 families were supported during the first quarter of 2025, including through the Parents under Pressure programme.
Employment remains a challenge in the region, the Coolmine report found, with only 10 clients of the service in employment compared to 82 unemployed.
