Free Substance Addiction Evaluation
Smarmore Castle is Ireland’s only private, family-run rehab clinic, located in County Louth within a historic 14th-century castle. Just 45 minutes from Dublin, our secluded 15-acre estate combines privacy with clinical excellence. We provide free drug and alcohol addiction assessments at the start of the admissions process, 24/7 medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and holistic wellness programmes. Smarmore Castle is dedicated to helping you build lasting stability and a fulfilling, healthier life in recovery.
If you are seeking a confidential addiction assessment as the first step in recovery, we can help. Our team can offer options, including confidential drug assessments, alcohol assessments, and private addiction evaluations. This helps us to shape an effective substance dependence treatment plan that reflects you as an individual.
To discuss residential rehab treatment or arrange an addiction screening in Ireland, call our admissions teams on 041 986 5080 today.
What is a Confidential Addiction Assessment?
A confidential addiction assessment is a free, private conversation designed to understand a person’s relationship with drugs or alcohol. It usually involves discussing substance use history, current challenges, and recovery goals. The process is supportive, pressure-free, and helps patients decide whether inpatient rehab treatment is the right next step.
The assessment also explores the severity of alcohol or drug dependence, potential underlying causes, and related health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. This information enables the rehab centre to recommend the most suitable addiction treatment plan, combining medical detox, therapy, and holistic support tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
Your Recovery Starts Here
How Much Do Addiction Evaluations and Assessments Cost in Ireland?
In Ireland, the cost of an addiction evaluation or assessment typically ranges from €120 to €450 for a standard 60–90 minute session. Prices may vary depending on the rehabilitation centre, the clinician’s experience, and whether the assessment includes additional screenings, such as mental health or medical reviews.
At Smarmore Castle, patients receive a free and confidential drug and alcohol addiction assessment as part of the admissions process for residential recovery treatment. This helps identify the right treatment pathway without additional costs. To learn more or arrange an assessment, fill out our online form to connect with our admissions team.
Why Choose Smarmore Castle?
When choosing a substance rehab clinic, patients and families often look for a balance of clinical excellence, privacy, and supportive care. Smarmore Castle combines these qualities with a unique rural setting and a proven track record, making it a trusted residential treatment option in Ireland.
- Ireland’s only private, family-run rehab with 35+ years of proven expertise.
- ISO 9001 and CHKS accredited, ensuring trusted clinical care and patient safety.
- 14th-century castle on 15 private acres, only 45 minutes from Dublin.
- 24/7 medical detox, psychiatric supervision, and evidence-based personalised treatment programmes.
- Luxury wellness amenities, holistic therapies, and aftercare through the Castle Health Group.
If you are considering residential rehab treatment outside of the city, Smarmore Castle offers a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to begin recovery. Contact us to arrange a free alcohol or drug assessment and start changing your future.
You Don’t Have to Face Addiction Alone.
At Smarmore Castle, thousands have found support, strength, and a new way forward. We’re here to help you take the first step.
Confidential Substance Addiction Evaluation and Screening Process
A confidential substance addiction evaluation is carried out in a supportive and private manner, often beginning with a conversation over the phone. It is designed to be discreet, pressure-free, and focused on understanding each person’s needs. This initial conversation can then lead on to the next stages of the admissions process and recommendations for the most appropriate rehab treatment path.
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First Contact and Appointment Scheduling
The process begins when patients or families reach out for help. During this initial contact, trained admissions staff listen carefully, provide reassurance, and explain what the drug or alcohol addiction assessment involves. The goal is to make the procedure feel approachable and safe, with all information treated respectfully and in confidence.
At this stage, the admissions team also gathers essential background details such as substance use history, current circumstances, and immediate concerns. Based on this information, a convenient appointment time is scheduled, allowing space for a more in-depth assessment with a clinician.
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Consultation with an Admissions Case Manager
A private consultation is undertaken with an admissions case manager, usually during the initial call or as a scheduled follow-up, depending on the complexity of the case. This conversation gives patients the chance to talk openly about their challenges, including patterns of drug or alcohol use, emotional well-being, and personal recovery goals.
The assessor uses this time to ask supportive, structured questions that provide insight into the patient’s situation. This step is key to identifying whether medical detox, therapy, or a combination of addiction rehab treatments may be required, forming the basis of an informed care plan.
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Comprehensive Medical and Psychological Screening
After the initial evaluation, patients seeking admission may undergo a comprehensive screening that looks at both physical and psychological health. This can include reviewing past medical conditions, current medications, and any mental health symptoms linked to substance misuse.
The purpose of this screening is to gain a complete picture of the patient’s needs. By addressing both health and drug or alcohol addiction together, the rehab team can make safer, more effective substance treatment recommendations that take account of all aspects of well-being.
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Tailored Recovery Pathway Suggestions
Following the assessment and screenings, the clinician provides guidance on suitable rehab treatment plan options. Suggestions are based on clinical evidence and tailored to the patient’s circumstances, taking into account the type of substance, duration of use, and overall health.
Recommendations may include residential rehab, medical detox, or structured addiction therapy programmes. Patients receive information in a clear and supportive way, giving them the confidence to make informed choices about their recovery journey.
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Admission Planning and Continuing Support
If inpatient rehabilitation is recommended, the team assists with planning the next steps. This includes discussing accommodation, drug or alcohol rehab programme length, and practical arrangements, while ensuring that the patient feels supported and comfortable with the intake process.
Support does not end at admission. Rehab staff remain available to answer questions, liaise with families, and provide reassurance. This ongoing guidance helps patients feel prepared and encouraged as they begin residential recovery care and take meaningful steps toward long-term sobriety.
Book Your Free Addiction Assessment Today
Speak with a member of our intake team, who will provide an assessment before you begin treatment.
How to Find Free Substance Addiction Assessment Near Me
There are several trusted ways to begin finding a free substance addiction test near you. From reaching out to professional drug and alcohol rehab centres in Dublin to exploring public services and community organisations, people in Ireland have access to confidential support that can help them get started.
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Contact Smarmore Castle Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centre in Ireland
Smarmore Castle provides a confidential addiction assessment at no cost as part of the admissions process. This free service allows patients to speak with trained staff, discuss their history of drug or alcohol use, and find out whether inpatient rehab treatment near Dublin might be suitable for their needs.
By calling 041 986 5080, patients and families can arrange a confidential drug assessment or a confidential alcohol assessment. This early step provides clarity about addiction treatment choices and helps create a realistic pathway to lasting recovery in a safe and private setting.
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Search Online for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Assessments Near You
Searching online can connect you with addiction rehab centres and organisations offering free substance use assessments. Common search terms include “alcohol misuse evaluation Dublin”, “free drug assessment Ireland”, and “substance addiction evaluations in Ireland”. Direct searches help highlight both private and public options close to home.
Using more specific location searches, such as “free addiction assessment near me,” may point you towards services in your area that match your circumstances. This approach is useful for comparing different drug and alcohol rehab providers before making a call or arranging an appointment.
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Search HSE Addiction Services For Free Local Assessments in Ireland
The HSE provides addiction resources throughout Ireland, including pathways to free assessments. By exploring their online resources, patients can find local contact points and information on public drug and alcohol support near Dublin or further afield.
Substance misuse evaluations may lead to referrals for addiction counselling, community services, or specialist rehabilitation treatment. While waiting lists can vary, HSE services serve as an important first step for those seeking state-supported recovery care.
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Check Charities And Support Groups for Free Addiction Screenings
Charities and non-profit organisations often provide substance use assessments or addiction counselling assessments at no charge. They may be available through drop-in rehab centres, community groups, or outreach services across Ireland.
Such organisations can also connect patients with peer support networks and educational workshops. This approach offers both an initial drug or alcohol screening and valuable ongoing encouragement from people with lived experience of recovery.
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Call Confidential Helplines For Guidance On Free Assessments
Confidential helplines are another useful option when looking for a free addiction assessment. Phone services allow patients to speak privately about their concerns, gain reassurance, and receive referrals to local rehab treatment providers.
Helplines are available during evenings and weekends, making them a practical choice for people who are unsure where to begin. Trained staff can explain what a confidential rehab assessment involves and how to arrange one locally.
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Ask Your GP For Referral To Community Substance Assessments
General practitioners play an important role in addiction care. By speaking to a GP, patients can access guidance and referral to free community-based assessment services.
GPs can also help identify related health issues and advise on whether inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment may be most appropriate. This step ensures that medical and substance addiction needs are addressed together in a coordinated way.
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Contact Private Rehab Clinics Offering Free Addiction Evaluations
Some private rehab clinics in Ireland provide an addiction evaluation or online addiction assessment as an initial step at no cost. Smarmore Castle, for example, includes a free drug and alcohol evaluation as part of the admissions process for inpatient residential treatment.
Private drug or alcohol addiction centres near Dublin often combine these evaluations with personalised rehab treatment planning. This means patients not only receive a screening but also gain a clearer picture of what residential care might involve, helping them make informed choices about substance misuse recovery.
Find Us
Smarmore Castle Clinic, Near Ardee, County Louth, Ireland A92 YY22
Types of Questions Asked During a Confidential Addiction Assessment
Every confidential addiction assessment is tailored to the person’s situation, but certain questions are commonly asked to help build a clear picture of substance use and its impact. Below are some examples of what patients may be asked during a drug or alcohol misuse evaluation.
- What substances do you currently use, and how often?
Individuals may be asked about the types of drugs or alcohol being used and the frequency. This helps to establish patterns of use, assess the severity of the addiction, and identify whether medical detox, therapy, or a combined approach may be needed for recovery. - When did you first begin using drugs or alcohol?
Understanding when substance use first started provides insight into how long the addiction has been developing. It can highlight whether drug or alcohol use began during adolescence, adulthood, or in response to life events, bringing to light underlying factors that may require support. - Have you ever tried to stop on your own before?
Patients are often asked about previous attempts to stop or cut down. This helps identify strategies that worked in the past, as well as the challenges faced, giving the assessor a clearer view of what additional support is needed. - What withdrawal symptoms have you experienced in the past?
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance and duration of use. Discussing past experiences with withdrawal allows the rehab team to plan for safe detoxification and provide appropriate medical supervision if required. - Do you mix different substances, such as alcohol and drugs?
Using multiple substances together can increase risks and complications. Individuals may be asked whether drugs and alcohol are being mixed, as this can affect the type of detox required and guide safer treatment recommendations. - Do you experience cravings or urges, and how do you manage them?
Cravings are a key part of addiction and can trigger relapse. Patients may be asked how often they experience urges and whether they have coping strategies in place. This helps shape therapy and relapse prevention planning. - Has drug or alcohol use impacted your work or education?
Substance misuse often interferes with professional and academic responsibilities. By asking about work or education, the assessment explores how addiction has affected daily functioning and responsibilities, providing a fuller picture of its consequences. - How has your substance use affected your relationships and family life?
Addiction can place significant strain on family and close relationships. Patients may be prompted to reflect on these impacts, helping the treatment team understand social dynamics that could influence recovery planning. - Have you previously attended rehab, detox, or counselling programmes?
Knowing whether a patient has engaged in drug or alcohol rehab treatment before helps identify what approaches have or have not been effective. This history is important for tailoring a new substance misuse treatment plan to address current needs more effectively. - What support systems do you currently have (family, friends, groups)?
An assessment will also explore the support networks available to the patient. Family, friends, and peer groups can play a vital role in recovery, and understanding these resources helps admissions staff recommend additional supports where needed.
Where to Get a Free Drug or Alcohol Addiction Evaluation
For anyone concerned about harmful substance use, accessing a free drug or alcohol addiction test can be an important step towards recovery. Options include private residential clinics like Smarmore Castle, as well as community-based rehab services, charities, and healthcare resources across Ireland that provide confidential and supportive dependence assessments.
Smarmore Castle’s Private Clinic
Smarmore Castle is Ireland’s only private, family-run rehab clinic, offering free and confidential addiction assessments as part of the intake process. Located in a 14th-century castle near Ardee, we combine evidence-based substance recovery treatment with a safe, secluded environment, under an hour from Dublin.
Address: Smarmore, Ardee, Co. Louth, A92 YY22, Ireland
Phone: 041 986 5080
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Alternative Free Substance Addiction Screening
Patients may also access free screening through public services and community organisations, which offer pathways to support across Ireland.
- HSE Community Drug and Alcohol Services: Provide local access to assessments, addiction counselling, and referral to drug and alcohol rehab treatment.
- Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Forces: Offer targeted programmes and community resources for people affected by substance addiction.
- GP Referral Pathways Through HSE Services: General practitioners can connect patients directly to free drug assessments or alcohol misuse treatment.
- National Charities and Non-Government Organisations: Provide addiction helplines, drop-in rehab centres, and early intervention services.
- Therapeutic Communities and Rehab Support Centres: Deliver peer-based support and rehabilitation programmes for substance misuse.
Related Guides on Substance Addictions
Alcohol Addiction | Drug Addiction | Cocaine Addiction | Cannabis Addiction | Ketamine Addiction | Heroin Addiction | Gambling Addiction | Work Addiction | Prescription Drug Addiction |
Confidential Drug and Alcohol Assessment at Smarmore Castle
Smarmore Castle offers free and confidential drug dependence evaluations as the first stage of substance rehab treatment. This simple, supportive process helps patients share their concerns, understand available options, and decide whether residential rehab in our private, family-run clinic is the right fit for their recovery.
Following the assessment, Smarmore Castle creates a personalised treatment plan designed to meet each patient’s needs and recovery goals. This compassionate approach means that care feels safe, respectful, and focused on lasting, achievable change.
How to Book a Substance Dependence Evaluation at Smarmore Castle
Booking a confidential rehab assessment at Smarmore Castle is simple and pressure-free. You can call our admissions team directly on 041 986 5080 to speak with someone who can listen and guide you through the next steps.
If you prefer, you can also complete our secure online contact form. A member of our team will get back to you promptly to arrange your free addiction assessment and answer any questions you may have.
Book Your Free Drug or Alcohol Assessment Now
Speak with a member of our intake team, who will provide an evaluation before you begin treatment.
Get Help Today
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Drug and Alcohol Addiction Statistics in Ireland
- In 2024, a record 13,295 cases received treatment for problem drug use in Ireland, the highest annual number recorded to date.
- In Ireland, cocaine accounted for 39.8% of all drug treatment cases in 2024, up by 7.4% from the previous year. Benzodiazepine cases rose by 21% in 2024, making up 13.4% of all drug treatment cases.
- Polydrug use was reported in 60% of all treatment cases in 2024. Common combinations included cannabis (40%), cocaine (37%), alcohol (36%), and benzodiazepines (30%).
- In 2024, 28% of people aged 15 and over in Ireland reported heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking) on a typical occasion, with men significantly more likely to binge drink than women (42% vs. 12%).
- According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2023, 21% of respondents reported lifetime illicit drug use, 7% reported use in the past year, and 3% in the past month.