Community detox

Background

Last year drugs.ie produced a video feature aimed at people concerned about their own use of Benzodiazepines, or Benzodiazepine use of a friend or family member. This feature is entitled Benzodiazapines: Signs and symptoms of problematic use, and treatment options available . The video is presented by Dr. Brion Sweeney, Consultant Psychiatrist in Substance Use.

To follow on from this, we have produced a new video feature, focusing on another initiative Dr Sweeney is involved with; as a member of the initiative’s steering group - this is the Community Detox Initiative.

What is community detox?

Community detox is a supported, structured outpatient detoxification process from benzodiazepines or methadone. Outpatient means that people can undertake a supported detox while they remain in the community, instead of going to hospital. The process is outlined in the Community Detoxification Protocols – see download links below.

Who is it for?

It is for people who are taking prescribed or illicitly sourced benzodiazepines or people who are prescribed methadone and want support to reduce/cease their use of these substances, but can’t or don’t want to go into a residential detox. It’s also for people who want to go into residential treatment and need to reduce down their use to meet entry criteria.

Getting started

First, the person needs to have a supportive doctor and key worker to help them through the process. A local community detox broker can help to find a doctor or key worker where there is none in place. The broker will help the person, their doctor, and key worker, to understand the process.

What is a key worker?

A key worker works with people who would benefit from support in managing life issues, including changes to substance use (prescription drugs, illegal drugs and alcohol). They can be employed in specialist projects or in mainstream health services.

What is involved in a Community Detox?

Initial preparation period to support the person to meet entry criteria for outpatient detox.
Weekly one-to-one sessions with a key worker. These sessions involve relapse prevention and care planning throughout the detox, and for a six months after detox.
Regular meetings with the doctor, to ensure the detox is suitable and working.

Process

If you, or someone you know, is interested in community detox, contact your local broker (this is the person responsible for ensuring that people have access to community detox, and form informing professionals about how the process works) who will discuss the process with you in more detail. Local broker’s contact details are included at the bottom of this page. In addition, you can watch the Ana Liffey Community Detox Information Video for further information.

More information

Speak to your local broker for further information.

Downloads:

Community Detoxification Protocols: Benzodiazepines

Community Detoxification Protocols: Methadone

List of Local Brokers

Region / Area	Broker	Contact
Dublin North Inner City	JM Burr Ana Liffey Drug Project	1800 78 68 28
Dublin South Inner City	Matt Larkin Casadh	01-4548419
Ballymun	Brian Foley Ballymun YAP	01- 8428071
Ballyfermot	Deirdre Fitzpatrick Ballyfermot Treatment and Rehabilitation Coordinator	087 6615334
Bray	Dr. Cathal O’ Sullivan HSE GP Coordinator	01- 2762918
Midlands (Westmeath, Longford, Offaly, Laois)	Marion Mulvanney HSE GP Pharmacy Liaison Nurse	087 1252237
North Eastern Region	Lisa Gavillet North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force	086 6009042
Cork /Kerry	Edel Foley Matt Talbot	021 4896400
South East (Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary )	Paul Goff	086 0273434
Mid West (Clare, Limerick, North Tipp., Limerick City)	Dan Taylor Novas	083 1791499
ALL OTHER AREAS NOT LISTED	JM Burr Ana Liffey Drug Project	1800 78 68 28