Addiction services have seen a surge in the number of people contacting them with problems related to alcohol and drugs. One service, Coolmine Therapeutic Community, saw an 80% increase in calls after the first set of Covid-19 restrictions.
It is expecting another surge after Christmas and once the latest restrictions are eased. Elaine is in her 40s and her family has endured generational addiction.
Heroin and crack cocaine consumed her life for 30 years. Twice, Elaine has been through a six-month residential programme at a facility in Dublin that caters for mothers and their young children.
As a graduate of the programme, she can still attend meetings. The pandemic has brought others back seeking support too, while some who were in