Murphy and colleagues analysed data collected about a cohort of young people aged under 21 who presented for treatment for substance use to the Matt Talbot treatment service between 2001 and 2011.¹ The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in substance use between young people residing in urban and rural areas. The cohort consisted of 436 young people; just over half (51.3%) were rural attendees – 223 from Cork County and one from Kerry (rural attendees) and 212 from Cork City (urban attendees). Young males accounted for over 95% of both urban and rural attendees; overall, both groups had a similar mean age, urban attendees with a mean age of 16.7 years and rural attendees 16.8 years. Over 90% of both groups resided with their parents.