ALCOHOL and other drug use in Northern Ireland increased by two-thirds during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research.
The study, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drug Alliance (NIADA), found that boredom was given as the main reason (94 per cent), while deteriorating mental health was uncovered as a major issue.
The research, which was carried out by Ulster University (UU), examined the impacts of Covid-19 on NIADA clients’ drug use, physical and mental health needs, as well as the impact on substance use services.
The research found that while almost two-thirds (58 per cent) of those surveyed used one main drug during the pandemic, 42 per cent used two or more other drugs.
Alongside boredom, feeling anxious or depressed (92 per cent) and social isolation (81 per cent) were also given as reasons for increased drug usage.
For clients in the 30-44 years age group, being furloughed and working from home were substantial factors for some clients.
The majority of those surveyed reported using alcohol as their main drug; the second most reported main drug was cannabis, followed by cocaine or crack cocaine, benzodiazepines and pregabalin.
An increase in injecting-related harms and polydrug use was also identified in the study.
Despite higher demands on drug treatment and support providers in the voluntary and community sector, the study found services remained flexible, responsive and innovatively adapted.
Dr Julie Harris, lecturer in criminology at UU, said: “These findings highlight that despite challenges and increased demand for substance use services, voluntary and community providers innovatively adapted services to meet clients immediate and continuing needs.
“However, the findings also make it clear that political, organisational and financial investment across departments and sectors is needed to tackle the continued impacts of increasing drug-related harm in Northern Ireland.
"Collaborative and inter-departmental working is essential to the implementation of the Substance Use Strategy by the Department of Health to mitigate the multi-faceted reasons for problematic substance use and related harm.”
Pauline Campbell, chair of NIADA, added: “The findings in this study are extremely important.
"Collaborative working among NIADA members and Ulster University has provided much needed evidence on the issues faced by those who are impacted by substance use.
"This research has also underlined how working together can strengthen the voice of the statutory, voluntary and community sector.”
