Behavioural Addiction On The Rise in Ireland – St John of God Annual Research Foundation Conference Hears

Leaders from the Limerick Health Equity Oversight Group met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig in Dublin to progress Ireland’s first Health Equity Region. The meeting, part of a long-term collaboration between HSE Mid West and Limerick City and County Council, explored Manchester’s Marmot Place model for tackling health inequalities and shared lessons on community-centred health improvement.

Tuesday 11 November 2025: A major conference will today hear of a significant rise in behavioural addictions across Ireland. The 35^th Annual St John of God Research Conference will hear warnings of a sharp rise in addictive practices such as gambling, video gaming, excessive internet use, screen time/scrolling and excessive purchasing.

Speakers from Ireland and Europe have come together today for the event taking place at the Talbot Hotel in Stillorgan County Dublin. The conference is focusing on the theme of ‘Exploring Addiction – Research, Regulation and Rehabilitation,’ as leading researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community advocates examine the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in addiction research, treatment, and policy.