A new report has indicated that problem drug use has increased in many parts of the country.
The study from the Health Research Board also shows that nearly a fifth of those seeking treatment were under 18 years of age.
The research was carried out over a six-year period between 2001 and 2006.
While it shows a relatively small increase nationally in the number of new drug treatment cases, the figures show dramatic increases in regional areas.
In the western areas of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon the number of new cases increased by 100%. The southeast saw a 76% increase, while the midlands recorded a 57% increase in new cases.
Across Ireland, the main problem drugs reported were cannabis and opiates. The number of new cases reporting cocaine as their main problem drug was still relatively low, but did increase over the period.
The typical profile of the problem drug user in treatment is a young male in his 20s.
