Mayor of Cork County launches Tabor Group Annual Report 2017

Alcohol remains the drug of choice – but cocaine and heroin use on the rise

Seven in ten people seeking help for addiction at Tabor Group in 2017 were for alcohol-related problems, while one in five sought treatment for cocaine or heroin abuse.

Cannabis has fallen in popularity, while opiate/heroin abuse is on the rise – according to figures released as part of Tabor Group’s Annual Report 2017.

The numbers seeking help for gambling has more than doubled in the past year. Issues with food remains high; particularly among female patients, at 30%.

Report launched

Tabor Group launched their 2017 Annual Report during the County Mayor’s visit to the redeveloped men’s extended treatment centre at Fellowship House, Spur Hill, on June 6.

Click Here To Read Annual Report

Chairman of Tabor Group, Denis Healy said: “Across Tabor Group’s three residential centres, over 300 people accessed treatment and alcohol addiction continues to remain the number one issue.

“However, we are seeing the patient profile changing, with mental health challenges and a history of childhood trauma becoming more evident.”

Reasons for referral

Of the 213 people who accessed treatment at Tabor Lodge (28 Day Residential Treatment Programme) – the main reasons for referral were alcohol (65%), substance abuse (30%), gambling (5%) and food (1%).

Mr Healy added: “The patterns that we have seen over the last number of years continued throughout 2017 with high numbers of clients presenting with poly-drug use and dual diagnosis of mental illnesses.”

Patients presenting with heroin/opiate addiction has almost doubled since 2016 from 5-8%; while cocaine use has almost trebled from 4-11%.

Homelessness and unemployment

In addition to alcohol issues, Fellowship House Extended Treatment Centre for Men saw a 9% increase in the use of heroin among its 49 residents. The age profile has also changed significantly since 2016, showing that 43% of clients are 18-24 and 31% are 25-44. The biggest change is that more men in the 35-44 age group are seeking treatment – up 20% to 22%, since 2016.

Homelessness and unemployment are major issues with the men receiving extended treatment, with 92% unemployed and 63% reporting that they are homeless.

Alcohol a problem for all female patients

At Renewal Extended Treatment Centre for Women, 100% of clients cite alcohol as a drug of choice but addiction to alcohol alone is rarely seen. Large numbers report combined issues with ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine, heroin and prescribed medication.

UCC Study

A research study on the extent of ‘dual diagnosis’ and ‘adverse childhood experiences’ showed that over 40% of clients report four or more adverse childhood experiences. The study, carried out by the Department of Applied Psychology at UCC during 2017, showed that over 50% show a diagnosis of mental health challenge.

In response, a training programme was devised and presented to ensure Tabor Lodge became more ‘trauma informed’ as an agency.

Fellowship House Redevelopment

Work began in 2017 on the redevelopment of Fellowship House at Spur Hill, Cork. When completed, Fellowship House will be a state-of-the-art facility. The new centre will increase capacity from 10 to 16, with a further six in supported accommodation and the remainder housed in independent accommodation.

New Eating Disorder Group – set up by Renewal

Food and/or eating disorders affect 30% of women and a new Eating Disorder Support Group was set up in 2017. This group is open to both men and women.

About Tabor Group

Tabor Group is a leading provider of residential addiction treatment services in Ireland.  We provide support and care to clients suffering from addictions to alcohol, substances, gambling and food.

Tabor Group is comprised of three residential addiction treatment centres: Tabor Lodge, Renewal and Fellowship House.  Tabor Lodge first opened in 1989 and began providing treatment for people suffering with alcohol misuse. It has grown to three centres, providing and care to people suffering with addictions to alcohol, substances, gambling and food.

For more information on Tabor Group’s services click here.