The Irish Times published an advice column on Sunday, 16 August 2026, responding to a reader’s question about a partner’s heavy alcohol consumption and cocaine use. The column, which appeared on irishtimes.com, addresses the reader’s difficulty in coping with the situation.
According to the report, the reader described their boyfriend as someone who frequently drinks heavily and takes cocaine. The reader told the advice columnist that they are finding it hard to manage the relationship under these circumstances, according to irishtimes.com.
The column is part of the newspaper’s ongoing advice series, where readers submit personal dilemmas for professional guidance. In this case, the focus is on substance use within a romantic relationship and the emotional strain it places on the partner who is not using drugs or alcohol to the same extent.
The Irish Times piece does not provide specific details about the columnist’s recommendations, as only the headline and a brief summary were available. However, the framing of the question suggests the column explores how a person can navigate a relationship when their partner’s behaviour involves regular heavy drinking and illegal drug use.
The publication of this column reflects a broader societal conversation about cocaine use in Ireland and its impact on intimate partnerships. The Irish Times has previously covered similar topics, including the normalization of cocaine in social settings and the challenges faced by loved ones of users.
What to watch next: Whether the Irish Times follows up with a more detailed response or additional reader stories on substance use in relationships.
