The Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use has heard it's "widespread" in Ireland.
The assembly, which was formally established in March, is holding its second meeting at Dublin Castle this weekend.
It is expected to run until October when it votes on its recommendations.
Items on the agenda
Members are hearing about the experiences of families and frontline workers about how drug use has impacted their lives, their work and their communities.
The legislative changes Ireland could make to reduce the impact of drugs on society is being discussed.
Paul Reid, chairman of the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use, says drug use affects marginalised communities more:
He said: "While drug use is prevalent all over Ireland, it does really hurt certain communities more."
Personal stories
Fionn Connolly-Sexton says he started using drugs to deal with the traumas of the past.
He said: "I developed a few anxiety disorders and ADHD which basically made my life hell as I got into my early 20s.
"The world just felt wrong to me all the time".
Shannon Connors, who was born into addiction, says it's had a devastating impact on her life.
She said: "There's a point where something happens, and obviously you have to face the consequences of your addiction.
"A lot of that would be criminality and then you get criminalised for it.
"It continues then throughout your life because your criminal record is not something you can actually forget about".
