More than 7,600 people received opioid-substitution treatment in the first six months of this year, this is according to figures obtained under the Freedom of information conducted by Newstalk. It follows reports from the US that suggest  prescription opiates - considered a gateway drug to harder illegal substances - have resulted in what has been called an opioid crisis.

Adjunct Professor for general practice in Trinity College and Family Doctor in Kildare Dr. Brendan O’Shea joined Ivan to discuss how big of an issue this is in Ireland.