The HSE has reported a doubling in the number of people completing an online drug-addiction screening test that helps substance abusers to quit.

Drugs.ie, an HSE website that provides information on addiction, says the number of people completing its “drug use disorders identification” test increased from 11,300 in 2017 to 23,500 in 2018 — a 108% rise. The number of people contacting the service for addiction support was 3,400 — up by a third.

Tony Duffin, chief executive of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, said his service had also noticed more people reporting addiction issues. He said it was essential to provide information online as that was often the first place people looked.

“People privately message us describing their own or their loved one’s serious…