Multiple addictions reported by 64% of Rutland admissions

Last year, 64% of individuals admitted to the Rutland Centre exhibited multiple addictions, according to the centre's annual report. The report emphasized the escalating demand for treatment services, as people increasingly present with complex and multiple addictions. The Rutland Centre, which aids those dealing with substance and behavioural addictions, operates near full capacity.

In 2025, the centre provided 5,545 bed nights, a 21% increase since 2021. Alcohol was reported as problematic in 59% of admissions, while cocaine was problematic in 40% of cases. Other substances were cited by 44% of admissions, with gambling addiction affecting 15%, sex or pornography cited by 13%, and food or eating disorders affecting 9%.

Nearly two-thirds of Rutland clients reported two or more addictions, while 37% of those with multiple addictions reported three or more. The Rutland Centre's Head of Clinical Services, Emma Kavanagh, noted that people rarely arrive with a single issue. Instead, they often present with co-morbid problems involving alcohol, cocaine, other substances, behavioral addictions, and often coexist with trauma, mental health concerns, and significant family pressures.

Effective treatment must address the whole person rather than treating each problem separately, requiring specialist clinical expertise and a range of treatment options suitable for people at various stages of addiction and recovery.

Rutland Centre's Chief Executive Maebh Mullany stated that demand for treatment is rising, with increased phone calls and higher occupancy at the centre. Despite adding new services like a detox centre and a new national outpatient program, she emphasized that demand is not diminishing. The centre's report highlights robust outcomes for individuals accessing treatment, with a 98% treatment completion rate in the residential program and an 81% completion rate in the outpatient program.

Mullany attributes the increase in addiction rates to various factors, including more responsive and accessible services, greater availability of drugs, gambling, and social media. She noted that while services have improved, the increasing demand for mental health and addiction treatment requires increased funding from the HSE and the Department of Health, emphasizing the need for political will in this year's budget to ensure sustainable solutions.