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- What is the admission process?
- What is the environment like, and who are the staff?
- What does the programme involve?
- What is the average day like?
- Who will help me throughout my treatment at Smarmore Clinic?
- Is there always a doctor on duty?
- How long will I be at Smarmore Clinic?
- How do I arrange payment?
- What clothes should I bring?
- Can my family visit or call? Can I receive mail?
- Can I smoke during treatment?
- What happens at the end of my treatment?
Q: What Is the Admission Process?
A: The admission process involves a preliminary discussion with one of our admissions staff by telephone. After that, we will request medical information from you (via your GP) to establish how your treatment will be funded. If you need to speak to a doctor, this may be arranged in person, by telephone or by video link. Once admission is agreed upon, we will help you book your travel and arrange a time and date of arrival. We will also send your more detailed information to prepare you for your time in treatment with us.

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Q: What Is the Environment Like, and Who Are the Staff?
A: The environment is peaceful and comfortable. Smarmore Castle is a professional, medically managed clinic, but it also feels like a traditional countryside house or hotel. The clinic is set within 14 acres of beautiful countryside. We believe this kind of environment is conducive to recovery. Our staff are amicable and highly trained individuals with varied backgrounds who understand the issues and problems you are bringing with you to treatment. Your recovery, your safety and your well-being are their highest priorities.
Q: What Does the Programme Involve?
A: Our treatment combines medical and psycho-social interventions and therapies. Our primary therapeutic model is the 12-Step model. However, this is offered in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy and other therapies on a one-to-one and group basis. The treatment programme also incorporates exercise, complementary therapies, and other activities – wholesome meals and plenty of high-quality sleep!
Q: What Is the Average Day Like?
A: In the early days while you are recovering from your initial detox, you will be resting, but as soon as you are physically able, you will find that the days and evenings are filled up with lectures, meetings, group therapy, individual therapy, activities, meals, as well as medical and nursing appointments. But there will also be time to relax, reflect and take a walk outdoors.
Q: Who Will Help Me Throughout My Treatment at Smarmore Clinic?
A: On the day you are admitted, you will be assigned a focal therapist to conduct regular one-to-one sessions with you throughout your stay. Our nursing staff are always on hand 24/7 to look after your well-being from the moment you arrive. Depending on your daily needs, you may also meet with a consultant psychiatrist or medical doctor.
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Taking the first step in seeking help can be very difficult, our team is here to help you.
Q: Is There Always a Doctor on Duty?
A: We have nursing staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our doctors are on-site daily and on-call 24/7.
Q: How Long Will I Be in Treatment?
A: We recommend at least six weeks. However, we accept patients for a minimum of two weeks, depending on their medical condition. Some patients require more extended treatment, and their treatment plans are modified as they progress through treatment.
Q: How Do I Arrange Payment?
A: We require the first two weeks’ payment as a non-refundable deposit on the first day of treatment or before admission by bank transfer or credit card payment. Following this, the fee payer will be invoiced once every two weeks for the duration of their stay.
Q: What Clothes Should I Bring?
A: Once you have committed to treatment, you will receive a pack of helpful information telling you what to bring and what to expect on your first day. In general, the dress code is smart-casual. Tracksuits and trainers are acceptable for the gym but not for your therapy and medical appointments. Revealing or distracting clothing is not allowed.
Q: Can My Family Visit or Call?
A: In the first seven days, we discourage too much contact with family and friends because we prefer our patients fully immerse themselves in the programme, and we have found that distractions can impede progress. Following this initial period, we welcome visitors on a Sunday if it is possible with Covid restrictions. Please ask our Admissions Staff about the latest Covid rules.

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Q: Can I smoke?
A: If you are already a smoker, you may smoke in designated areas outdoors. We discourage smoking, and we encourage you to give-up tobacco during your time in treatment with us. However, those who wish to pursue this option may do so during their stay in treatment.
Q: What happens at the end of my treatment?
A: You will be involved in preparing your aftercare plan, including links with local 12 step groups such as AA and NA. The immediate aftermath of treatment and your return home is crucial in your recovery and in avoiding relapse. We provide aftercare groups at locations in Ireland and Scotland, and we also offer teletherapy via video-conferencing if you need to continue therapy sessions on an outpatient basis.
- How to Access Rehab With Health Insurance
For those experiencing existing mental health conditions in Ireland, there are private medical insurers who can help you cover treatment. As addiction experts, we know that receiving the appropriate care and support when you have a mental health disorder is pivotal to attaining long-lasting recovery. Below, we will go through the various health insurance options to help you understand your options when it comes to seeking private residential care for substance abuse. Please note that there is no guarantee that you can be covered for all addiction problems as policies are always assessed on a case-by-case basis. Find Out More
- My Loved One Doesn’t Want Help, What Do I Do?
You can’t force someone to go to rehab. At the end of the day, it needs to be their decision because they are the ones that need to be open to turning their lives around. There are ways in which you can encourage someone to enter treatment, one of these ways is via an intervention with a trained interventionist, who facilitates an honest discussion between family members and the addict. This is something Smarmore Castle can arrange – contact us today.
- Which Drugs Does Smarmore Castle Detox From?
We can detox people from any drugs whether they are illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ketamine; or prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines or zopiclone, oxycodone, zolpidem, klonopin, methadone, cannabis; and legal drugs such as alcohol.
- How Long Is the Treatment Programme?
Our treatment programme starts at 4 weeks and is flexible in length, giving you the opportunity to extend for a longer period if you need it.
- Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis?
All patients are reviewed by a consultant psychiatrist in the first week and we can diagnose and provide treatment for a number of co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Do I Need to Be Abstinent Before Admission?
Our medically managed detoxification with 24/7 medical cover means that we can perform complete and complex detoxes at Smarmore Castle. You don’t need to be abstinent before arrival.
- How Do I Get To Rehab Safely?
Smarmore Castle is one hour north of Dublin international airport and we can arrange a driver to collect you and bring you straight to us for free.
We can also arrange a ‘sober transport’ service with a trusted driver, from anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, at an additional cost.
Find Us
Smarmore, Ardee, Co. Louth, A92 YY22, Ireland
info@smarmorecastle.ie
+353 (0) 41 214 5111