Smarmore Castle’s editorial process

This site covers some of the most important decisions a person can face. Whether you’re researching treatment or supporting a loved one, you deserve honest, accurate information written with you in mind.

At Smarmore Castle, our editorial process holds every page to the same standards as our care. Every page is clinically reviewed and ethically written. Everyone living with addiction deserves clarity and dignity, and that shapes everything we publish.

Why content quality matters

Good health content does two things: it informs, and it earns trust. We take both seriously.

Every page on this site is written to reflect current evidence and clinical best practice. Everything we publish is clear, honest

We adhere to the Ethical Marketing Code for Addiction Treatment (EMCAT) and the ASAI Code of Practice. Both exist to protect people from misleading information. Both shape how we write about addiction and the people affected by it.

Our pages are written for anyone trying to understand addiction. That includes people living with addiction, families looking for guidance, and clinicians seeking a trusted source.

Our commitment to accuracy

We are committed to clinical accuracy in our content. Every page covering medical topics is reviewed before it is published. This includes detoxification, withdrawal, and substance-specific pages. Published pages are revisited regularly to keep information up to date.

Accessibility and inclusivity

We write in plain English, explain medical concepts clearly, and never make information hard to access. That applies whether someone is in crisis, supporting a loved one, or is new to understanding addiction.

We avoid terms like ‘substance abuse’ or ‘addict’ because stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help. Our tone of voice guide underpins every decision we make, from our chosen words to how we frame complex ideas.

Content standards evolve, and so do we. If something on this site does not feel accessible or inclusive to you, we want to know.

How we source our information


We cite our sources because people making decisions about their health deserve to know where the information comes from.

We draw on peer-reviewed medical journals, HSE guidance, and other established sources. We cite sources because evidence matters when it comes to choosing addiction treatment.

Our writers

Our writers have direct experience in addiction treatment, healthcare journalism, or both. Every writer is briefed on our editorial standards and compliance requirements before contributing to this site.

Our medical experts

Every page is reviewed by qualified medical professionals with experience in general practice, addiction medicine, and psychiatry. As part of our commitment to clinical accuracy, they check our work and review our sources for credibility.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is intended to inform, not to replace professional advice or treatment. If you have questions about your health or someone else’s, please speak to a qualified medical professional. If you’re in crisis, please contact your GP or call the HSE helpline on Freephone 1800 459 459.

Contact Smarmore Castle for more information about our editorial process.