Trends in Utilization of Drug Treatment

Treatment

"It is important to note that each record in the NDTRS [National Drug Treatment Reporting System] database relates to a treatment episode (a case), and not to a person. This means that the same person could be counted more than once in the same calendar year if he/she had more than one treatment episode in that year.
"The number of cases entering drug treatment each year and reported to the NDTRS increased by 52%, from 5,176 in 2005 to 7,878 in 2010. The increase in the total number of people requiring drug treatment services, including previously treated cases returning to treatment is a strong indication that problematic drug use remains a pressing issue, and presents complex and multiple challenges to those providing treatment. The clear spread and increase in treated drug use throughout the country reflect not only the extent of problem drug use but also an increase in treatment availability and compliance with the NDTRS.
"Figure 5.3.2.1 presents the rates for the incidence (new cases) and prevalence (all cases) of treated problem drug use for the years 2005–2010, expressed per 100,000 of the population aged 15–64 years, based on census figures for 2005 and 2006 and Central Statistics Office (CSO) estimated figures for 2007 to 2010.The incidence increased consistently each year, rising from 70 cases per 100,000 in 2005 to 106 cases in 2010. The number of new cases entering treatment is an indirect indicator of recent trends and points to an increase in drug use over the six-year period.
"The prevalence also increased consistently during the reporting period, rising from 423 cases per 100,000 in 2005 to 544 cases in 2010. This indicates that problem drug use is a chronic, recurring health condition that requires repeated episodes of treatment over time."