Detoxification centres for drug users are out of step since most target the use of just one drug while most addicts take several types of drugs, a report out today will show.
Supervised injecting centres should be set up to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C, it added. Such centres exist in Madrid and Sydney.
Two-thirds of those surveyed used multiple drugs with 30 per cent using two drugs over the past month, 25 per cent using three drugs and 12 per cent using four drugs.
Less than 2 per cent of participants said they used more than five drugs within the past month.
The report involves 388 people attending needle programmes and was compiled by Merchants Quay Ireland and Ana Liffey Drug Project.
Most used heroin (86 per cent), followed by 49 per cent using prescribed methadone, 34 per cent using benzodiazepines, 24 per cent using cannabis, 22 per cent using alcohol and 6 per cent using cocaine.
The report shows 45 per cent of users who inject drugs had hepatitis C. It also showed 27 per cent of respondents reported sharing injecting equipment which puts them at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C.
"The report confirms people are still using heroin, but polydrug use is now the dominant trend. This means detox services in Ireland have to match the need. In Ireland there are currently no detox options for this group," said Tony Geoghegan, chief executive of Merchants Quay Ireland.
“Furthermore the report shows a critical need for testing for hep C and other blood-borne viruses in this at-risk group to improve individual health through appropriate treatment but also to reduce the spread of these diseases.”