Frequently Asked Questions


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If you’re suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, or you’re looking into rehab for a loved one, then you probably have a few questions about the process and what to expect. Here you can find the answers to some frequently asked questions about treatment at Smarmore Castle.

What is the Admissions Process?

A: The admission process involves a preliminary discussion with one of our admission staff by telephone. After that, we may request medical information from you (via your GP). If you need to speak to a doctor, this may be arranged in person, by telephone or on site. Once admission is agreed upon, we offer help with collection to and from airports, bus or train stations. 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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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: The minimum period of treatment offered is 28 days. 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: Our admissions team will guide you through the payment processes, whether you are enquiring as a self-funding individual or whether you intend to pay via private health insurance or the HSE.

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:This is being reviewed at present, but family visitation has not yet been reintroduced.

Q: Can I smoke?

A: There are designated outdoor smoking/vaping areas at the Clinic.

Q: What Happens at the End of My Treatment?

A: Your return home is an important stage in your recovery. You will be involved in preparing your aftercare plan, including links with local 12-step groups such as AA and NA. Aftercare takes place via zoom and on-site at Smarmore Castle presently.

Q: Do You Offer Detox-Only Treatment?

A: To give our patients the best chance at achieving long-term sobriety, we advise that detox be followed by intensive psychological therapy. There are three stages to our detox process: clinical assessment, stabilisation and entry into treatment. Once your needs have been assessed and our medical team know what type of treatment you require, they will work to stabilise your condition and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Once detox is complete, your treatment can begin. We don’t believe that leaving before receiving therapy for addiction is in the best interest of our patients.

Q: How Is Detox Managed?

A: At Smarmore we provide a medically managed detox, which means that, if necessary, patients will be prescribed medication to manage withdrawal and help them cope with any symptoms. The doses are closely monitored and will be reduced over time until  we are satisfied that the patient has fully detoxed.

Q: What Is the HSE Funding Process? Are There Any Payment Plans Offered?

A: Smarmore Castle accepts funding for alcohol and drug rehab from HSE Ireland and we have a number of bed spaces available to HSE funded patients who are referred from HSE Addiction Services. If you wish to access HSE funded treatment at Smarmore Castle we will first take you through a pre-admission assessment in order to ensure we are the clinic best suited to your needs. Once your funding has been confirmed by the HSE, we will let you know when a place will become available. While we do not currently offer payment plans, our fees may also qualify for an income tax rebate.

Q: Can You Admit a Person if a Third Party Has Organised Admission?

A: Yes, we accept self-referrals from the patient, family members, employers, or other relevant professionals.

Q: How Many People Can I Expect to Share Accommodation With?

A: Our bedrooms can accommodate between two to four people. Each of our single-sex rooms includes an en-suite to ensure privacy and dignity.

Q: What Type of Addictions Do You Treat?

A: We treat a range of addictions, including alcoholism, drugs, prescription drugs, compulsive gambling and dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is a co-existing mental health like depression, anxiety or trauma.

Q: Do You Offer Outpatient Treatment?

A: Smarmore Castle offers Inpatient treatment only. For outpatient treatment please contact CATCH Recovery

Q: Can I Receive Mail?

A: You may receive mail and packages via post while in treatment.  In order to maintain a substance fee environment, all packages are inspected in front of patients on receipt. Flower deliveries are discouraged while in treatment.

If your question hasn’t been answered on this page, please give us a call on +353 41 213 4290 to speak to one of our team.

  • 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.

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