[2] According to Eurostat, 24% of Ireland's population engages in heavy episodic drinking at least once a month, compared to the European average of 19%.
[3] Alcohol is both an important economic industry for Ireland[4] and a key facilitator for social interactions.
Some Catholic groups joined the movement in the 19th century, with the goal of liberating their country from the English by curbing what they perceived as morally decadent behaviour brought on by alcohol consumption, as well to combat the prevailing stereotypes of the Irish that they believed facilitated their oppression by the English.
[6] Another factor associated with higher rates of alcohol consumption in Ireland has been the proximity of brewing and distilling locations.
Studies show that towns with the highest alcohol consumption were historically closest to brewing and distilling locations.
[2] During the 20th century, both civil society organisations and the government sought to increase the availability of treatment and services for individuals suffering from alcohol dependency.
The first Irish chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous was established in 1940 in Dublin,[9] and there are now over 864 meeting groups around the country.
[10] In 1945, the Mental Treatment Act was passed, which gave legal recognition to the problem of alcoholism.
[11] The first procedure involved the examination of a patient by a health-professional within 24 hours of an application for entrance to hospital.
[11] The Act acknowledged, and sought to address, the challenges of getting people to voluntarily accept treatment for alcohol abuse.
[13] The consumption of alcohol is a cultural norm, that is believed to have developed through religious customs of the society.
[14] Alcohol is understood by the Irish government as a significant factor that contributes to cases of child neglect.
[17] Over 92,000 jobs are generated by the alcohol industry, and it supports, both directly and indirectly, the Irish tourism sector.
[19] According to the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, the industry supports over "7457 public houses, 641 hotel bars, 52 000 jobs in on-trade retailers and 2458 fully licensed restaurants".
[2] A study carried out between 1997 and 2010 found that there were 3289 admissions to hospitals due to acute alcohol problems.
[20] Current research shows that many attendees at the accident or emergency departments in Ireland are there due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
Both private and public health offer support to those suffering substance addiction problems.
[21] Al-Anon is a service that provides support and assistance for families and friends of people with drinking problems in an anonymous situation.
[22] Various charities exist in Ireland aimed at helping to stop alcohol-related harm and alcohol abuse.
SASSY is a service that provides aid and support to young people under 18 years of age who are suffering as a result of drug or alcohol use.
Other group meetings are run separately to the Health Service Executive, which provide support to those many people affected by problematic drinking.
For many people, private health insurance may cover stays in some selected drug treatment centres.