Dr Ralf Warren MB ChB Bsc.

Dr Ralf Warren MB ChB Bsc.

Medical Doctor

Ralf studied Medicine at the University of Bristol, taking a year out during his studies to perform an intercalation in Cancer Biology and Immunology. He graduated in 2020 and has worked at several healthcare centres around the South-West of England, gaining experience in medical and surgical settings, intensive care and general practice.

In additional to clinical work, Ralf also regularly undertakes projects in medical communications, with a focus on writing and editing.  He currently divides his time between this and clinical work as a speciality training doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

a man running displaying an artistic way of how to tell if someone is on speed

How To Tell If Someone Is On Speed

If you’re trying to work out how to tell if someone is on speed, it usually means you’ve noticed changes that don’t feel typical for them. Speed can affect someone’s body, mood, sleep, and behaviour, and those changes can show up quickly. This page explains what speed is, the most common speed drug effects, and […]

Image depicting work addiction of a man sitting on his bed, with the light from his laptop screen lighting up his face while he looks at paperwork, and his phone

Work Addiction

In today’s fast-paced world, work addiction – often referred to as “workaholism” – is becoming an increasingly common issue. Unlike other behavioural compulsions, work addiction is connected to an important part of adult life. As work is considered a productive and positive activity in our society, the severity of this problem is often overlooked. Although […]

Three men discussing addiction rehab during therapy in a library.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also called compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a recognised behavioural addiction and serious gambling problem that can significantly impact your mental health, relationships, and family finances. Even if you don’t gamble daily, patterns of addictive behaviour and repeated unsuccessful efforts to stop can indicate a more serious problem. This page explains how […]

A man wearing a beige jumper talking to a therapist about heroin addiction.

Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a substance use disorder that can have a devastating impact on your life and your family. If you use heroin, it can be difficult to understand or accept that you have become addicted and are no longer in control of your life. This may make it harder for you to reach out […]

A woman sitting with her left hand holding her head, feeling anxious about the effects of menopause and addiction.

Menopause and Addiction: Understanding the Link with Alcohol and Drugs

Many women in Ireland going through menopause experience emotional and physical symptoms that can be difficult to manage, from low mood and anxiety to poor sleep and brain fog. For some, these challenges can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking alcohol more frequently or using medication or drugs to get through the day. […]

Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal – What To Expect

What Is Cocaine Detox? Cocaine detox is the process of removing cocaine and its toxins from the body as a result of prolonged substance abuse. It is the first essential step in breaking free from dependence and preparing for long-term recovery. While cocaine does not cause the same physical dependence as alcohol or heroin, it […]

Medical Detoxification Programme

Medical detoxification is the first step involved in an addiction rehab programme. At Smarmore Castle, detox is a medically managed process that helps patients safely cleanse the body of drugs or alcohol while helping manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. Detox can be difficult, but with expert care, it’s also manageable, and it marks […]

Cocaine Rehab

Cocaine addiction can feel overwhelming. However, at Smarmore Castle, we provide a structured, evidence-based cocaine rehabilitation programme with inpatient treatment to help individuals break free from cocaine dependence. Our treatment approach integrates medical detox, psychological and behavioural therapies, complementary therapies, and relapse prevention, giving you the tools for a lasting recovery. Located in a peaceful […]

A woman talking to her therapist indoors at Smarmore Castle about treatment for cannabis addiction.

Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis is the most commonly reported drug of concern among young people in Ireland today. The number of young Irish adults referred to addiction services for cannabis use tripled from 2004 to 2015, making it the leading cause of drug-related referrals for this age group. While often seen as a “soft drug,” cannabis can be […]

two women sitting and chatting outside of Smarmore Castle addiction clinic

Alcohol Addiction

Recognising the signs of alcohol addiction isn’t always easy, especially at the beginning. In the early stages, someone may be able to hide their drinking habits from others, or even from themselves. But over time, what starts as occasional or social drinking can become a serious problem. If left untreated, alcohol addiction can take a […]

Indoor picture of a cocaine rehab with people talking in a group therapy setting for addiction help

Understanding Drug Addiction

Misinformation about drug addiction can make it hard to separate truth from fiction. In many cases, misinformation can be dangerous, confusing, and can deter people who are using different types of drugs from seeking necessary help and support.  For instance, some people have a stereotype in their heads of what someone with an addiction looks like, […]

A Dr talking to a patient with a stethoscope around her neck

Oxycodone Addiction: Why is Oxycodone so Addictive?

Oxycodone is a strong pain medicine that doctors prescribe in Ireland and globally for moderate to severe pain. It can help people when it’s used for a short time, but it should always be closely monitored.  Oxycodone also comes with a high risk of dependence. Some people find that their use slowly increases, even when […]