Over 50 per cent of homeless people in Ireland are using drugs, according to a report carried out by the Merchants Quay Project.
The study, commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), found that although drug use was not the primary cause of homelessness it was a "key reason" for people remaining homeless.
In interviews with 355 homeless people across the country, alcohol abuse was described as "the primary drug of choice" among the homeless, with 70 per cent admitting to regular use.
Cannabis was the most commonly used illicit drug followed by heroin, with 36 per cent of those surveyed admitting to being problematic drug users.
Dr Des Corrigan, chairman of the NACD, said: "It is clear from the research that the vast majority of drug users who are homeless are poly-drug users."
Dr Corrigan, who handed the 12 key recommendations from the report to the Government, said it was clear that family conflict was the main reason for people becoming homeless.
Minister for State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Housing Noel Ahern said:
"People who carry the burden of both problematic drug use and homelessness are particularly vulnerable.
"The report provides the government with valuable information and will be important in the ongoing implementation of the homeless and drug strategy."
