ALMOST half of LGBTQI+ young people in Ireland have taken drugs, and three in ten drink at harmful or hazardous levels, according to new research.
The report, funded by the Department of Health and carried out by Trinity College Dublin, draws on survey responses from 1,591 people aged 14 to 30, collected as part of the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study.
It found that 46.6 per cent had used drugs in their lifetime. That rose with age, from 17.4 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds to 69.7 per cent of those aged 25 to 30.
Cannabis was by far the most common drug, followed by codeine-based drugs and cocaine. Most said they used drugs for fun, but 60 per cent cited stress relief and 37 per cent said it was to treat depression or anxiety. Drugs were most often taken at home, followed by clubs and pubs.
Around one in eight showed moderate to severe risk drug use. Living in an urban area and a history of attempted suicide were linked to higher risk.
Harmful drinking was far less common among the youngest group, with almost 90 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds rated low risk. Men in general were more likely than women or trans people to drink hazardously or use drugs at a risky level.
The study also found high levels of mental health difficulties, with almost half reporting severe anxiety symptoms.
The authors want LGBTQI+ young people treated as a key group in the National Drugs Strategy, with ring-fenced funding for LGBTQI+ inclusive supports.
