The number of people treated for problem alcohol use last year increased by 8% to 7,421 cases, according to the latest data from the Health Research Board (HRB).
The average age cases first began drinking was 16, while the average age of those in treatment was 47.
Almost half of cases were unemployed. One in 13 cases was recorded as homeless.
HRB Senior Researcher Suzi Lyons said that almost six in ten cases consumed alcohol daily.
She said that women seeking treatment for problem alcohol use are typically consuming 15 standard drinks every day and show a preference for spirits, followed by wine.
For men, the figure is 20 standard drinks a day, but they prefer beer, followed by spirits.
Problem use of more than one substance was reported by 25% of cases, with cocaine being the most common additional drug used alongside alcohol.
Read the report in full here.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Philip Boucher-Hayes, Ms Lyons added that two thirds of cases presenting for treatment are already alcohol dependent by the time they present, which she said makes treatment more complex and the journey to recovery more difficult.
She pointed out that one in four people are also being treated for additional drugs, mainly cocaine, cannabis and benzodiazepine, which again makes this more complex.
Ms Lyons said that combining alcohol with cocaine can lead to further problems, such as a risk of overdose or liver damage.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said he was not surprised by the findings.
He said: "I hold a lot of meetings here with different groups who are working on the ground, and this is what they have been telling us.
"What we really need in the Budget coming up now in October is the Government to finally take this serious and fund supports for addiction and supports for people in recovery.
"We need a suite of measures and it needs to be backed up with resources."
