Addiction Treatment for Security, Defence and Law Enforcement in Ireland

People working in security, defence and law enforcement in Ireland often manage high levels of stress that most people don’t experience in their daily working lives. Working long shifts, exposure to trauma and critical incidents, returning from military service abroad and maintaining control in unpredictable situations, with limited space to process it all, can lead to misuse of alcohol and drugs, addiction and mental health issues.

Addiction Treatment in Ireland for Military, Gardai and Prison Officers

At Smarmore Castle private treatment centre, we regularly treat people struggling with addiction who work for:

• Military and Armed Forces
• Garda Síochána
• Prison Service

We offer detox and residential addiction treatment in a safe and nurturing environment, with a focus on privacy, respect, and long-term recovery. Treatment at Smarmore Castle can be covered by health insurance through Garda Medical Aid, Prison Officers Medical Aid and Tricare. Our treatment is also covered by VHI insurance and the HSE.

How Does Alcoholism or Drug Addiction Affect Security Professionals?

People working in the military, Garda Síochána and the prison service in Ireland might use alcohol and drugs to manage the symptoms of stress, burnout, or trauma. The pressure to stay composed can mean that these people avoid asking for help with mental health symptoms or delay going to rehab for alcohol addiction, even when they know it is affecting their daily lives.

Signs of alcohol misuse among police, prison and army personnel

The demanding environments of policing, corrections, and military service often expose staff to high stress, traumatic events, and long periods away from family life. These pressures can lead to unhealthy coping strategies that become difficult to control. You might notice some of the following signs in yourself or colleagues:

• Drinking more frequently or heavily, especially after shifts or critical incidents
• Trouble sleeping or switching off after a difficult day on duty or after night shifts
• Increased mood swings, irritability, or emotional detachment while on duty or during interactions with colleagues and family
• Unpredictability in decision-making during critical incidents, compromising personal safety or team operations
• Improper use of police transport, firearms, or operational equipment while under the influence or in a compromised state
• Mistakes in handling military equipment or weapons, putting yourself and others at risk
• Noticeable decreases in physical fitness or struggling to meet the physical demands of training, patrols, or active duty
• Relying on alcohol to decompress after tense duty hours or challenging encounters with inmates or the public
• Using prescription drugs or alcohol to stay alert during shifts or relax after dealing with confrontational or dangerous incidents
• Trouble sleeping or switching off after late shifts, night patrols, or exposure to volatile situations
• Frequently calling in sick or taking unplanned absences after drinking
• Frequently smelling of alcohol or appearing hungover during work hours while reporting for duty
• Difficulty concentrating during briefings, memory lapses while on shift, or noticeable declines in decision-making and performance under pressure
• Justifying or downplaying alcohol use as a “normal” way to cope with the stress of policing or managing prison populations
• Asking fellow Gardaí or prison colleagues to cover for you after a drop in performance.
  Many of the people we work with have put off seeking support because they feared judgment or didn’t want their workplace to know. At Smarmore Castle, we understand these concerns, and we’ve built our addiction treatment services for military personnel and law enforcement officers around professionalism, discretion, and care.

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Learn more about what makes Smarmore Castle a leading private addiction rehab clinic in Ireland.

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Rehab Centre for Personnel in the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement

At Smarmore Castle, we have years of experience treating Gardaí, military and prison officers. Our addiction treatment programme combines medical care, structured addiction counselling, and management of any co-occurring mental health conditions, including trauma, depression, and stress. Our treatment plans are personalised and provide structure, routine, and a clear treatment pathway tailored to each person’s unique needs.

We offer:

• A calm, private setting where people can take time away from duty and daily pressures
• An experienced clinical team, including psychiatrists, nurses, and therapists, who understand how trauma, shift work, and burnout contribute to addiction and mental health concerns
• Detox and medical support to ease withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
• A therapeutic programme that helps people regain perspective, rebuild resilience, and return to life feeling more grounded and in control. For many patients at Smarmore Castle, their rehab experience is the first time they have had space to reflect, recover, and talk honestly about what they’ve been going through.

Managing Mental Health in Military or Law Enforcement Professionals

Mental health issues are common among those in high-stress professions like the military, prison services, and police. Many of the patients who come through our rehab programme have been experiencing underlying mental health conditions that have gone untreated for years.

Our therapists are experienced in managing mental health issues such as:

• Trauma related to traumatic incidents or prolonged exposure to crisis situations.
• Anxiety and chronic stress, often masked or managed through substance use.
• Depression, emotional numbness, or a sense of burnout that has gradually worsened.
• Difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and a persistent sense of feeling “on edge”.

Our team includes trained addiction specialists who can discuss these and other co-occurring conditions in 1-1 counselling sessions and group therapy.

Smarmore Castle primarily focuses on treating addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling. While we may admit patients with a history of dual diagnosis, we do not provide specialised residential treatment for dual diagnosis. Where possible, we will support those with a dual diagnosis in their addiction recovery journey.

Confidentiality and Discretion Are Our Priority

We understand how important privacy is for people in public-facing roles. Whether you’re looking for addiction treatment for Irish prison officers, for Gardaí or for Defence Forces personnel, your right to confidentiality is protected at every stage.

• We will never contact your employer or share any information without your clear, written permission.
• Our clinic is discreetly located, with private accommodation available.
• Staff are trained in handling sensitive admissions — you won’t be asked to share anything you’re not ready to.
• All data is handled in accordance with GDPR and Irish healthcare regulations.

Support for Families and Friends of Military Personnel

If someone close to you works in the Armed Forces, Gardaí, or Prison Service, you may be the first to notice that something isn’t right. Perhaps their drinking has increased, they’ve become withdrawn or irritable, or they seem constantly exhausted or on edge.

We can help families:

• Understand the signs of alcohol or drug addiction.
• Talk to your loved one in a way that’s supportive and non-confrontational.
• Make a plan for admission if the person is open to residential treatment.
• Stay involved in their recovery if they do come to Smarmore.

Family members often play a key role in helping someone take the first step. We’re here to guide you, and to support you too, because living with someone who’s struggling can be just as difficult.

Guidance for Colleagues, Managers, and Occupational Health Referrals

In the workplace, especially in structured environments like the Defence Forces, Garda Síochána, and the Prison Service, concerns about whether a colleague is addicted to alcohol or drugs can be difficult to raise. You may have noticed changes in a team member’s behaviour, attendance, or performance, but feel unsure how to approach it or what your responsibilities are.

At Smarmore Castle we have a long-standing partnership with Garda Síochána, Garda Medical Aid, Prison Officers Medical Aid, and Tricare. We understand the complexity of supporting staff in frontline roles, especially where there’s a duty of care, operational risk, or high levels of confidentiality involved. Call us today for advice about a colleague you are concerned about.

Funding and Admission to Rehab in Ireland

Smarmore Castle is a private addiction treatment clinic, and we aim to make the admissions and funding process as straightforward as possible.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Fast admission – admissions can be arranged quickly, and you will receive a call from the team within 24 hours.
• Health insurance – Treatment is covered by Garda Medical Aid and Prison Officers Medical Aid. Also some Irish private health insurance plans may cover treatment costs. Find out more about how to access treatment with health insurance.
• Self-funding – we offer clear pricing and can discuss payment plans or staged payments.
• Occupational health referrals – we regularly work with employers and OH departments on funding and return-to-work planning.

Our team will talk you through the options on a confidential call and help you make an informed decision.

Our Location: A Peaceful Setting for Long-Term Recovery

Smarmore Castle is a private residential rehab clinic in County Louth, Ireland, set in quiet, countryside surroundings just an hour north of Dublin and easily accessible from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Our location plays an important role in recovery:

• Far from workplace stressors, local triggers, and day-to-day responsibilities.
• A calming and private environment where people can fully focus on treatment.
• Historic castle setting with modern clinical facilities and round-the-clock care.
• A safe space to regain strength, clarity, and a sense of control.

We can arrange a ‘sober transport’ service with a trusted driver, from anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, at an additional cost.

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a colleague, or a loved one, the first step is simply starting a conversation.

• Call or email our admissions team – your enquiry is completely confidential.
• There’s no pressure and no obligation – we’re here to listen and provide honest advice.
• We can help you explore treatment options, funding, and the best timing for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions