As Ireland's foremost academic expert on addiction, Dr Jo-Hanna Ivers, Associate Professor in Addiction at Trinity College Dublin, has dedicated her career to understanding and addressing the complexities of substance use with a particular focus on opioid addiction.
‘Opioid overdose is a critical issue globally, with many regions, including Ireland, experiencing increased rates of opioid overdose. Currently, Ireland has a death rate from drugs more than three times above the European average. Drug poisoning deaths remain the leading cause of deaths. Of these deaths, 7 in 10 cases involved opioids. Thus, understanding what is driving opioid overdose remains a key priority,’ explains Dr Ivers whose extensive training, education, and experience in specialist addiction services have positioned her at the forefront of addiction research.
Here at Trinity College Dublin, she leads a broad research programme of projects aimed at tackling the opioid crisis in Ireland.
These projects include Reducing Drug-Related Stigma which aims to develop a strategy to reduce drug-related stigma. Stigma affects self-esteem, physical and psychological health, and relationships - all of which directly impact an individuals' ability to access necessary support services. The hidden nature of those living with active drug use disorders due to stigma means the public has little opportunity to challenge their prejudices. Research has shown that interacting with stigmatised individuals and hearing their stories profoundly destigmatises listeners.
The Non-Fatal Overdose study examines the experiences of individuals who have survived non-fatal opioid overdoses, aiming to improve coordination among service providers and develop timely interventions to prevent future overdoses.
A third project focuses on Treatment Patterns and Trends in Opioid Use in the older population from 2015-2021. This analysis identifies trends in opioid use and associated health issues, providing insights to shape public health policies.
Her research recommends that an effective public health response must address the criminalisation of substance use. There is also a need to develop research on policy models prioritising treatment over punishment, such as health diversion programmes.
Dr Ivers is committed to fostering collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to ensure their collective efforts translate into meaningful change. She has achieved this through her roles as a scientific adviser to the Citizens Assembly on Drugs, a former member of the Scientific Committee of the EMCDDA, and as an expert scientific member of the Pompidou Group of the European Council on Drug Policy and Human Rights.
Dr Jo-Hanna Ivers