Press Release: Merchants Quay Ireland highlights the importance of looking beyond the stigma

National homelessness and addiction charity Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) is encouraging people to look beyond the stigma and talk about the real issues facing those experiencing homelessness and addiction in Ireland this Recovery Month.

Throughout September, MQI will be engaging high-profile individuals to talk about homelessness and addiction and how we can reduce stigma to focus on supporting people on their recovery journey.

Today, MQI CEO Eddie Mullins began the first of his daily 5k runs that will take place throughout the month of September to raise awareness about the stigma associated with addiction and the impact of recovery during. He was joined by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings this morning to discuss some of the most pressing issues around addiction and how we can support those going through recovery across the country.

Commenting, Taoiseach said; “It’s important for us to raise awareness around the issues of homelessness and addiction this Recovery Month. Merchants Quay Ireland plays a crucial role in challenging stigma and supporting the most vulnerable in society in a non-judgemental and compassionate way. By looking beyond the stigma, having conversations about these issues, and celebrating those on their own personal recovery journeys this Recovery Month we can help ensure every individual is given the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Eddie shared: “We are navigating a complex environment. Increased homelessness has seen more people turn to drugs to cope. Treatment is becoming increasingly complicated with the emergence of crack cocaine, polydrug use, and more awareness around dual diagnosis.

In the last year we have seen a 13% increase in the number of crack pipes collected on our streets by our community engagement team at MQI, visits at our women-only service Jane’s Place have gone up 55% from 2024-2025, while our stigma research from 2025 shows that 66% of people would tend to avoid people who are drug dependent.

Until we shift away from stigma and blame and start having open, solution focused discussions on these topics we will remain trapped in an ever-complicating loop.”

• Homelessness and addiction: According to the latest research from HSE, 124 people died while homeless in 2022 with 84% having had a history of substance use.
• Growth of crack cocaine use: Merchants Quay Ireland has seen the number of individuals using crack cocaine as their primary drug increase from 13.6% of clients in 2024 to 16.1% of clients in 2026 (to date). They have also seen a 13% increase in the number of crack pipes collected (839 in 2024 to 950 in 2025) on community patrols.
• Stigma: MQI’s 2025 stigma research showed that 66% of people would tend to avoid people who are drug dependent with 50% saying people who are drug dependent really scare them.
• Need for gender-specific support: MQI’s women-only service Jane’s Place has seen the number of visits increase by 55% (165 in 2024, 255 in 2025), pointing towards an increase in the need for support and the uptake of the wraparound service on offer including GP visits and unlimited therapy sessions.

Recovery Month is an annual awareness month focused on challenging the stigma associated with addiction and celebrating recovery. Throughout September, MQI will be sharing the real-life experiences of individuals who are bravely tackling addiction.

This Recovery Month, MQI are asking people to look beyond the stigma, support recovery, and help create a society rooted in compassion, dignity, and understanding.