Treatment and support for alcohol dependency

You’re not on your own – there is help for alcohol problems out there

Written by spunout

Factsheet

Fact checked by experts and reviewed by young people.

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It is possible to overcome an alcohol problem, and you don’t need to go through it alone. If you feel the need to stop drinking alcohol, there are support services available that can help you achieve this goal.

Who provides treatment for alcohol addiction?

There are a range of services across the country that can offer help for alcohol addiction. Find a service in your area here.

You can also call the HSE Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459 available from 9.30-5.30, Monday – Friday.

What kind of treatment is available?

There are a few different types of treatment for alcohol dependence available. Most people are treated in the community in a non-residential setting, meaning you won’t have to stay there overnight, but some people are treated in a residential setting. Being treated in a residential setting means living in a treatment facility for a period of time.

Some of the treatment options available include:

Addiction counselling

Addiction counsellors offer a range of services, in group and individual settings. They can offer information, advice, support, family therapy and couples therapy.

Find out more about addiction counselling at addictioncounsellors.ie

Community detoxification programmes

Detoxification is a process through which the physical craving for alcohol is removed. This can be done in non-residential settings under the supervision of your GP. You will be prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help you cope with the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

While detoxification removes the physical craving for alcohol, it does not remove the psychological reasons for being dependent upon alcohol, and you will be advised to attend counselling to address these issues.

Residential detoxification programmes

Residential treatment works by providing you a safe space away from all sources of alcohol and situations which may make you want to drink. You are detoxified from alcohol and participate in therapy.

Following detox some people are referred for further therapeutic residential treatment in a Residential Rehab.

Many residential programmes only accept people over the age of 18.

Group meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous run group meetings for people who are addicted to alcohol. These are usually free of charge.

Cost of treatment for alcohol addiction

Alcohol services run by the HSE are usually free of charge, although there may be a charge for residential programmes. The cost of private programmes can vary.