85% of young people seeking treatment are male at Kilkenny centre

Cannabis is the most prevalent substance which is abused by young people seeking treatment according to staff at the Aislinn Treatment Centre in Ballyragget.

Gareth Duffy, Operations Manager at the centre explained that many clients are presenting at the treatment centre with a dual diagnosis.

“Dual diagnosis is a big issue with people presenting with a mental health issue and an addiction. Cannabis is the most prevalent substance that is being abused and it can have serious consequences on mental health and users can also become isolated. Cocaine use is also on the increase.”

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Sara Cassidy, Head of Clinical Services, said that we can see that when a young person, or a client in the adult services, has used cannabis consistently over a long period of time that the likeliness of a co-existing psychiatric problem is high.

“The secondary reason for referral is for Benzodiazepine We have also seen a huge increase in cocaine use in line with national trends,” she added.

Mr Duffy explained that there are many different ways to access their six-week residential treatment programme that works with young people aged between 15 and 21.

“Young people can be referred to us by a probation officer or by HSE community substance misuse workers. Some people are covered by their health insurance and others pay privately.

“There are different pathways to get into treatment, we really encourage people to call us to discuss this so we can support you to figure out the best option,” said added Mr Duffy.

“Local substance misuse teams are a good resource and can refer you to treatment, as can a probation officer. Self-referrals are also possible and treatment can be covered if you have private health insurance. Again, if a person is concerned with their use or gambling or that of someone they love, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and make that first call,” he added.

“Using the 12-step treatment model, we recognise that the young people who come to us are struggling mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

“We use a holistic approach to support the young person to not only be alcohol/drug and/or gamble free - but to look at all the habits, behaviours and co existing issues too.

“Therefore our programme is designed to support this process. As well as group therapy & counselling, our programme includes art, health and fitness, horticulture and life skills. The development of life skills is critical for the young person to have the confidence, skills and knowledge to move forward in their recovery in a meaningful way,” added Mr Duffy.

Aislinn is part of Aiséirí, a charity that provides addiction treatment for young people, adults and their families.

For more see www.aislinn.ie