If you’re looking into rehab options then you probably have a few questions about the process and what to expect.
This page helps to provide some answers to frequently asked questions that our admissions team receive about Smarmore Castle.
Coming to Smarmore Castle
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How long does the admissions process take at Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle is committed to maintaining as short an admission waiting time as possible. Admission requires a telephone assessment which can normally be facilitated within 24 hours of first contact.
Patients must be cleared by our medical and management team, which may be facilitated within the same working day if medical information is not required. Subject to clearance, patients can be admitted to treatment within 2 – 7 days (subject to room availability). Please reach out to our team to start the process.
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How can I pay for rehab treatment?
Payment methods differ based on each person’s circumstances. The options available include self-funding, using private healthcare insurance, or funding from HSE. Our admissions staff are available to provide detailed information and guidance on the various payment options.
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How can I persuade someone to come to rehab?
Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction is challenging and can be emotionally taxing. A professional intervention can be an effective approach when direct efforts seem futile.
This can help in persuading the person to recognise they need urgent help. At Smarmore, we work with a team of qualified interventionists who can help guide you through the process. Speak to our advisors about this option.
Call 041 214 5111.
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How do I get to Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle is within easy access off the M1 motorway and is just over an hour’s drive from Dublin and Belfast Airports. We are happy to collect patients from both international airports by prior arrangement.
Dublin and Belfast airports offer daily flights from most destinations in the UK and internationally.
Aer Lingus and Ryanair are Ireland’s main airlines. Aer Lingus presently accepts a driving licence or other means of photographic identification, such as employment or travel ID for travel from the UK. Ryanair requires a passport for UK citizens Please check before booking your tickets.
Search flights to Dublin or Belfast.
Questions About Rehab
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What Is the typical duration for rehabilitation treatment?
Smarmore Castle Private Clinic offers 4 – 12 weeks programmes. The length of treatment will depend on each patient’s individual needs and personal circumstances. Key factors in the decision can include detox requirements and the severity of addiction. Detox duration varies based on substance type and frequency of use. Additional considerations such as mental health conditions like depression or trauma may influence the treatment length. At Smarmore, we recognise the uniqueness of each addiction case. The minimum treatment programme offered is strictly 4 weeks. Patient requests for treatment extensions are a viewed as priority thereafter.
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Will nurses be on duty during detoxification?
Smarmore Castle’s onsite 24-hour nursing team enables the clinic to offer a medically managed detox.
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How effective are your treatment Programmes?
Our treatment approach has been successful for thousands of patients. An independently verified study on the programme at our sister clinic, Castle Craig indicated that 73% of surveyed respondees maintained long-term abstinence, with 92% showing significant overall improvement.
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What Is the ratio of staff to patients at Smarmore Castle?
We prioritise a high therapist-to-patient ratio: 4/5 staff members to every patient at full capacity.
Our team of professionals include our Medical Director who is a consultant psychiatrist, a 24-hour medical team, full-time nurses, trained healthcare workers and an addiction-qualified therapy team supported by our recovery advocates.
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Do you provide treatment services exclusively for women?
We offer women-only group therapy sessions and aqua therapy sessions. Understanding the unique needs of women, especially concerning trauma or abuse, we create a safe and comfortable environment for them to share and heal.
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What should I expect after I leave rehab at Smarmore Castle?
Once you have completed treatment your therapist will prepare a personalised continuing care plan. With your permission, we coordinate with your GP and other necessary health professionals for ongoing support.
We provide information and contact details for local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. We also offer a weekly Aftercare Programme for patients and families. This can be discussed during treatment.
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Is the rehab programme at Smarmore Castle accommodating to patients with religious beliefs?
Our treatment programme is not based on religion but it does incorporate spiritual principles that can resonate with patients of various faith backgrounds. This model allows religious patients to integrate their beliefs into their recovery journey, finding strength and guidance through their spirituality.
Questions About Staying
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Are family visits and calls allowed at Smarmore Castle?
There is no visitation at Smarmore Castle as it can act as a distraction from treatment. However, patients are permitted one phone call three times a week and one Zoom call at weekends.
We recognise the importance of having contact with loved ones, but from our experience, it’s equally as important for patients to be very focused in their recovery during their precious time with us.
Additionally, an onsite Family Therapy session is arranged by the patient and their therapist with identified family members.
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What type of clothing should I pack for residential rehab?
- It’s best to bring ‘smart casual’ attire for daily wear.
- For fitness activities: gym clothing, trainers and a swimming attire for our pool and sauna.
- A waterproof jacket or coat is advised.
- Slippers, dressing gown (bathrobe), nightwear, and personal toiletries.
- Towels and bed linen will be provided.
Our admissions team will send you a full list of items that should be brought and left at home.
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Am I allowed to send and receive mail?
Yes, you can send and/or receive mail. All packages received must be opened in the presence of a member of staff.
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Is smoking allowed onsite at Smarmore Castle rehab?
Smoking is allowed in designated sheltered areas outside the main buildings. We also offer smoking cessation therapy for those interested in quitting.
Please note that rolling tobacco and electronic vapes are not permitted on the premises.
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Can I purchase toiletries at Smarmore Castle rehab clinic?
We offer a limited range of toiletries on-site. However, we organise a weekly shop order system where patients can buy essential items.
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Can I bring vitamins and food supplements to rehab?
You may bring supplements in commercially sealed containers, subject to staff inspection. Supplements deemed counterproductive to your clinical care may not be allowed. Please notify the admissions staff about any supplements you plan to bring before your arrival to avoid any inconvenience.
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Can I get dental appointements during rehab?
Emergency dental appointments can be arranged during your stay. Patients are liable for any costs incurred. Non-emergency appointments should be postponed or undertaken before entering treatment.
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Can I get optician services during my stay in rehab?
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange optician appointments. Please ensure your glasses or contact lenses are suitable for your stay.
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What are the bedrooms like at Smarmore Castle?
At Smarmore Castle we have private and shared rooms. All bedrooms are ensuite. Some bedrooms are located in the castle and others are located in our newly built garden lodges.
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What is it like to share a bedroom in rehab?
We understand that many people will prefer their own room. But there are a number o benefits in sharing a bedroom during rehab.
Sharing a bedroom becomes more than just a living arrangement – it helps break down the feelings of vulnerability and isolation often associated with addiction.
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What is the food like at Smarmore Castle?
Our dedicated, in-house catering team ensures quality food and nutrition is provided to all patients by sourcing fresh and local produce, and following the wholefood dietary policy established by the clinic. We provide wholesome, nutritious ingredients that are prepared to the highest standards to provide a balanced diet and to help address any nutritional deficiencies that may be caused by addiction.
We also supply plenty of fresh fruit and healthy snacks throughout the day in between our healthy meal options, to further encourage healthy choices.
Specialist Dietary Requirements
At Smarmore Castle, as part of our ongoing commitment to food and nutrition, we provide dietary assessment and nutritional counselling for patients with eating disorders, and we cater for special diets on religious or medical grounds.
Have Unanswered Questions?
If your question hasn’t been answered on this page, please give us a call on 041 214 5111 to speak to one of our team.
Alternatively, submit your query using the webform below or email info@smarmorecastle.ie
Get Help Today
Contact our admissions team today with any queries you might have about coming to Smarmore Castle for addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one. We understand this can be a difficult time, rest assured we are here to help you every step of the way.