Substance misuse in Ireland

Ireland has a long and complex relationship with alcohol. For many people, having a drink is a normal part of life but for too many this can tip into problem drinking. According to the National Alcohol Diary Survey, in fact, more than half (54%) of adult drinkers aged 18-75 were classed as harmful drinkers. This equated to around 1.35 million harmful drinkers, with 75% of all the alcohol consumed in the country being done so as part of a binge-drinking session.

Drug abuse is not as prevalent, due partly to the fact that alcohol is still more socially acceptable and readily available. Addiction to illegal and prescription drugs is a growing problem however and for individual addicts, the results can be just as damaging as alcohol addiction or even more so. An EU study estimated that there were 19,000 opioid users in Ireland, with addiction to drugs including cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines and MDMA all posing serious problems.

If you have a problem with substance misuse, you’re certainly not alone. Fighting addiction is never an easy task but attending a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre can give you the very best chance of kicking your habit and making a long term recovery.

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Why attend drug and alcohol treatment centres?

There are a number of different treatment options when it comes to treating addiction to alcohol. Community-based or outpatient programmes can be useful for some people but they do have limitations. You will still usually have to manage your own detox and appointment schedule, which can be difficult when you are struggling with addiction problems and may also be living a chaotic lifestyle as a result. You will also be surrounded by the people, places and situations that may trigger or be associated with your drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult to resist the temptation to relapse, even if you are able to get clean or sober in the first place.

Rehab places for drugs, meanwhile, place you in a safe and secure environment, away from those triggers and temptations. You will also have access to a specially designed drug and alcohol treatment program designed to help you get the toxic and addictive substances out of your system and to equip you with the knowledge and coping mechanisms you will need to remain clean and sober after you leave.

At a residential detox clinic, you will really be able to focus on your recovery with the support of a team of experts. These people will have a wealth of experience in different areas of addiction recovery, including medical and psychiatric expertise where applicable and will offer a confidential and completely non-judgemental service.

 

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What to expect from alcohol and drug rehab clinics

The exact facilities and mix of treatment programmes available can vary from place to place. One important aspect that most places have in common, however, is a structured and supervised detox programme.

Detox, or detoxification, is the process or time period in which you stop taking and metabolise the alcohol or drugs already in your system. Detox is usually accompanied by a range of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. This makes detoxification extremely difficult to undertake alone and many people going ‘cold turkey’ without the aid of a professional detoxification programme will fall at the first hurdle. At a detox clinic, you will have all the support you need to come through this difficult process, which could include medicines and medical supervision where this is appropriate.

Getting the toxic substances out of your system is a hugely important step but it certainly not the endpoint of your recovery. Without more help, relapse is a constant risk and far more likely once you leave detox. Thorough, holistic treatment programmes will combine a range of different therapies that will help you to explore the root causes of your addiction, provide you with tools and coping mechanisms and change the way you think about your relationship with drugs and alcohol.

These treatments will typically involve different therapies such as group therapy, one to one counselling and possibly art, music and alternative therapies. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been proven to be effective in dealing with a range of issues, including addiction. There may also be supplementary workshops that aim to provide you with the knowledge you need to live a healthier post-rehab lifestyle. These could address areas such as diet, exercise and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation.

 

Support when you leave rehab

Even after completing a full detox and rehabilitation programme, staying clean and sober still takes a lot of commitment. Most recovering addicts and alcoholics find that it can take months or even years before they are free of cravings. Some people describe a lifelong battle but it is one that everyone can win.

Addiction recovery is an ongoing process and rehab centres can provide aftercare programmes that can help you to avoid relapse and access support when you need it. Moving forward there are also plenty of charities and support groups that can provide the support you might need. Some groups are more suited to different people but we can discuss the aftercare options available before you leave.

Whether you’re looking for rehab in Ireland or drug rehab UK options that are easily accessible, we can help you to find the right place for your own individual needs. So don’t delay, get in touch today to find out how we can help you move forward to a healthier, addiction-free new start.