For people living with addiction, the decision to seek help can be one of the most difficult steps they will ever take. A recently opened purpose-built facility at the Cuan Dara Centre in Palmerstown, Dublin, aims to make detoxification and stablilisation more accessible for those who need it most.
The new centre represents both a continuation of 30 years of specialist care and a response to the growing and changing needs of people affected by substance use.
The new facility replaces the previous 12-bed unit at Cherry Orchard Hospital, with plans already in place to expand to 30 beds in the coming year.
Director of Nursing at Cuan Dara, Jason Farrell, explains that the service provides consultant-led inpatient stabilisation and detoxification through a structured six-week programme, supported by counselling and therapeutic group work.
It supports people with complex needs, including individuals requiring medical stabilisation and detoxification; clinical priority cases with serious physical or mental health risks , and pregnant women over 22 weeks gestation who need stabilisation, sometimes remaining in care until delivery.
Jason says the additional beds will play an important role in ensuring access for people in vulnerable situations. Current detoxification waiting times are approximately 6-8 weeks, while those assessed as priority 1 for stabilisation are typically admitted within two weeks. However, due to limited capacity, those requiring non-urgent stabilisation are often waiting significantly longer.
Every aspect of the building has been designed with recovery in mind. Former clients were involved in the design process, helping shape a space that reflects comfort, safety, and understanding values that are essential when people are going through stabilisation and detoxification.
The presence of nurses trained in mental health, general nursing, and midwifery reflects the reality that addiction often affects every part of a person’s health and life.
Speaking about the changes in the types of substances people are currently using, consultant psychiatrist specialising in addiction at Cuan Dara, Dr David Weir, said that:
"while opioid dependence remains a major concern, there has been a sharp rise in the use of cocaine, crack cocaine, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids and alcohol: “Many people arriving at Cuan Dara are living with poly-substance use, alongside trauma, mental health challenges and complex life circumstances.”
Former client Hannah Eames, reflecting on the personal impact of the programme, explained that “going through detox isn’t easy, but the staff in Cuan Dara are very considerate and encouraging, making the process as comfortable as it could be. They take care of you in Cuan Dara and wrap you in bubble wrap. I learned so much about myself and my addiction in Cuan Dara. It gave me the foundation and belief that I could live up to my potential.”
Dr Mike Scully, Cuan Dara Clinical Director, outlined how the “move to a modern facility is very welcome for our patients and staff. It will also facilitate the ability to increase the service by 18 new treatment places, which will substantially improve patient access to our programmes. The new facility represents a very appropriate way to mark the 30 years of Cuan Dara's operation.”
For those walking through its doors, Cuan Dara may be the first step towards recovery.
People seeking support for drug or alcohol use can talk to their GP, who can do a full assessment and make appropriate referrals.
Contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm for confidential advice and support.