Drug and alcohol use increases by 60% in Northern Ireland

Alcohol and drug use in Northern Ireland increased by 60% during the pandemic, with boredom being the main reason for the increase. A study, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drug Alliance, found the majority reported using alcohol as their main drug followed by cannabis, cocaine or crack cocaine.

92% of users said feeling anxious or depressed was the reason they used drugs, while 81% cited social isolation as the primary reason.