The number of people seeking treatment for heroin abuse almost trebled in the southeast in 2005 compared to the previous year, according to Health Service Executive (HSE) research published yesterday.
The number seeking treatment for alcohol and drug misuse rose by 12 per cent.
The report, based on data collected in Carlow, Kilkenny, south Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, reveals that 2,786 people sought support from the regional services.
The majority were men in the 20-34 age group. Almost 30 per cent claim to have only been educated to primary school level.
Just 5 per cent said they had completed third-level studies.
Just over 12 per cent say they first used drugs between the ages of 10-13, and 40 per cent said cannabis was the first drug they had used.
While alcohol continues to be the overwhelming "problem substance" - accounting for almost two-thirds of all those seeking treatment - the figure has fallen slightly since 2004.
The report also found an increase in alcohol and drug misuse among older people, with those in the over 60s age category accounting for 5 per cent of cases.
Tony Barden, regional drug co-ordinator for the HSE in Waterford, said: "The big increase for heroin is partly due to better data collection and an improvement in attracting more people into services."
He said there had been a marked rise in cocaine's popularity "over the last 18 months", and he expects to see an increase in those seeking treatment in the year ahead.
