Information for drug users

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.

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. Click here for your local broker’s contact details. 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.

Go go list of brokers.