
Scientifically Supported Rehab Treatment
At Smarmore Castle in County Louth, our approach to drug and alcohol addiction recovery combines trusted clinical expertise with genuine care. As Ireland’s only private, family-run residential rehab, our team delivers 24/7 medical support, evidence-based therapies such as CBT and trauma-informed counselling, and more than 35 years of Castle Health experience. Set within a secluded 14th-century estate just 45 minutes from Dublin, our countryside grounds also provide privacy and space for reflection.
For those exploring evidence-based alcohol rehabs or results-focused drug clinics in Ireland, Smarmore Castle may be the right choice. Our substance misuse programmes are designed around proven addiction treatment methods, supported by medical oversight and structured therapeutic care.
To learn more about evidence-based residential recovery near Dublin, call 041 986 5080 today.
What Does ‘Research and Evidence-Based’ Mean?
In drug and alcohol addiction treatment, research and evidence-based means using rehab therapies and medical approaches that are supported by scientific studies and clinical data. Rather than relying on untested methods, rehabilitation is built on established strategies that aim to improve recovery outcomes.
Using evidence-based methods in drug and alcohol rehab helps patients access addiction therapies with measurable success rates. The goal is to reduce risks, enhance safety, and support long-term sobriety. By combining medical care, structured therapy, and research-backed practices, individuals receive a rehab treatment plan that is both reliable and personalised.
What is an Evidence-Based Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centre?
An evidence-based drug and alcohol rehab centre is a facility that delivers addiction programmes guided by scientific research, clinical best practices, and regulatory healthcare standards. Their substance use care plans are designed to address the medical, psychological, and social aspects of dependency with therapies shown to work effectively.
Science-led rehab centres in Ireland combine medical detox, structured counselling, and behavioural therapies that are clinically validated. They also adapt to individual needs, ensuring recovery pathways are based on evidence rather than assumptions. This provides people with the best possible tools for dealing with their substance misuse safely and sustainably.

Your Recovery Starts Here
Why Choose Smarmore Castle?
At Smarmore Castle, research shapes each step of our accredited recovery care. Our drug and alcohol rehab programmes are guided by clinical expertise, giving patients structured addiction treatment in a safe, private residential environment.
- Research-backed addiction treatment programmes combining medical care and therapy.
- Clinically proven methods including CBT, trauma counselling, and 12 Step facilitation.
- Accredited by CHKS and ISO 9001 for quality and safety.
- Multidisciplinary team delivering medically guided detox and psychiatric support.
- Personalised treatment plans grounded in clinical practice and patient needs.
If you’d like to learn more about how our evidence-based, supported approach can aid recovery from drug and alcohol dependence, call Smarmore Castle on 041 986 5080 to speak with our admissions team.

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.
Types of Clinically-Supported Addiction Treatment Programmes in Ireland
Clinical addiction treatment programmes in Ireland combine proven therapies with medical oversight to address both the physical and psychological aspects of substance dependence. Below are some of the main approaches used within evidence-based substance rehab programmes.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Science-Led Addiction Recovery
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a core element of many scientifically guided drug and alcohol rehab plans. It helps individuals recognise thought patterns and behaviours linked to substance use, while providing strategies to replace them with healthier coping mechanisms.
Across Ireland, CBT is widely applied in structured addiction treatment because it is backed by medical research. By focusing on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, it forms a strong foundation for meaningful recovery work in evidence-based rehab centres.
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12 Step Facilitation as a Structured Rehab Treatment Approach
12 Step facilitation introduces patients to a structured programme of recovery based on peer support and accountability. This model provides both guidance and community, making it one of the longest-standing evidence-based approaches to treating drug and alcohol addiction.
At Smarmore Castle, the 12 Step programme is a cornerstone of our rehab treatment model. We integrate it into daily schedules, combining its structure with medical care and addiction therapy to create a comprehensive framework for ongoing sobriety.
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Data-Supported Trauma Counselling for Substance Dependence
Trauma-informed counselling is increasingly recognised as essential in clinically driven rehab centres. Past trauma can fuel addictive behaviours, and addressing these issues directly is critical to building resilience and recovery.
This type of therapy for dependence is grounded in evidence and supported by data showing its effectiveness. In practice, trauma counselling helps participants explore their histories in a safe environment, reducing relapse triggers and encouraging personal growth in research-informed addiction rehab programmes.
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Medically Guided Drug and Alcohol Detox with Clinical Oversight
Medical detox provides supervised withdrawal management, helping individuals stop using substances safely and with reduced risk. In evidence-based drug and alcohol detox programmes, doctors and nurses are available around the clock to monitor physical and psychological symptoms.
Smarmore Castle offers 24/7 medically guided detox as part of our residential rehab treatment. This ensures patients receive the highest standard of clinical oversight while moving seamlessly from detox into therapy, relapse prevention, and holistic care within the same private estate.
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Outcomes-Driven Group Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Recovery
Group therapy remains a core part of validated substance rehab programmes, offering structured peer support in a therapeutic environment. Sessions provide space for people to share their experiences and strengthen accountability in recovery.
Backed by research, group rehab therapy has shown positive outcomes for relapse prevention and long-term engagement. It complements individual addiction counselling by allowing patients to learn from shared challenges.
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Relapse Prevention Strategies Grounded in Medical Practice
Relapse prevention in data-driven addiction rehab is built on clinically verified strategies that can be adapted to each patient. These may include identifying triggers, developing coping skills, and rehearsing practical responses to high-risk situations.
By combining therapy with medical and behavioural science, relapse prevention programmes help individuals prepare for life beyond rehab. This structured approach reduces risks and promotes sustainable recovery efforts across accredited and evidence-based addiction centres in Ireland.
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Personalised Care Plans Based on Research-Backed Methods
Individualised rehab treatment plans form the foundation of evidence-based addiction treatment. These are created through clinical assessment and adapted to meet the specific needs, substance history, and health background of each person.
At Smarmore Castle, personalised plans integrate therapies such as CBT, trauma counselling, and holistic options. By combining proven therapeutic methods with patient-focused flexibility, we provide a research-backed pathway towards drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
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Holistic Therapies Supporting Clinically Proven Addiction Care
Holistic therapies play an important role in science-driven addiction care. Options like yoga, meditation, art therapy, and equine-assisted activities support emotional regulation and physical well-being alongside clinical substance misuse treatment.
When used in combination with research-informed rehabilitation methods, holistic activities can significantly improve patient engagement in recovery. They form part of an integrated model within licensed and verified drug and alcohol rehab centres, reinforcing medical care with restorative, whole-person approaches.
Confidential Substance Addiction Evaluations
At Smarmore Castle, every patient begins with a free addiction assessment as part of the admissions process. This initial consultation allows our clinical team to understand your circumstances, the substances involved, and your immediate health needs before recommending the right course of care.
Following this evaluation, we create person-centred treatment plans that adapt to your specific situation. To learn more, call 041 986 5080 or use our contact form – we understand how important it is to feel safe during rehab treatment, and we are here to offer you expertise and reassurance every step of the way.
Book Your Free Addiction Assessment Today
Speak with a member of our intake team, who will provide an assessment before you begin treatment.
Popular Locations for Research-Backed Inpatient Rehab Near Dublin, Ireland
Many people seeking evidence-based addiction rehab come from Dublin and its surrounding areas. The capital is only a short drive from Smarmore Castle in County Louth, making it accessible for those wanting to begin structured recovery care away from the pressures of city life.
Others travel from further afield, including Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, and Kilkenny. Each of these urban centres has individuals in need of drug and alcohol addiction treatment, and many choose countryside-based rehab options for greater privacy, peace, and long-term focus on change.
If you’re considering residential addiction treatment for 28 days or more, Smarmore Castle offers a trusted, patient-centred environment providing medical expertise and genuine understanding. 45 minutes north of Dublin, our location also provides the tranquillity of rural surroundings, allowing you or a loved one space and time to heal.
Find Us
Smarmore Castle Clinic, Near Ardee, County Louth, Ireland A92 YY22
How Much Does Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment Cost in the Republic of Ireland?
In Ireland, the cost of inpatient evidence-based addiction treatment typically ranges from €360 to €1,700 per day or €2,500 to €12,000+ per week. Pricing often reflects the level of medical oversight, therapy options available, and whether patients choose standard or more private accommodations during their stay.
The overall cost of evidence-based rehab programmes can vary significantly depending on each person’s needs. Factors such as treatment length, the quality of the centre, staff qualifications, and the type of accommodation chosen all play a role. Longer personalised treatment pathways may be advised, particularly when addiction care adapts to individual progress.
Expert-Led Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Ireland That Accept Health Insurance
Health insurance can play an important role in covering the costs of expert-led drug and alcohol treatment, but coverage levels are different for each policy. Some plans include science-supported inpatient detox and rehab, while others may only support outpatient care.
Smarmore Castle works with most major insurers to make evidence-based addiction treatment more affordable. By accepting insurance, we help reduce the financial burden of recovery, allowing patients to focus fully on their health and long-term progress.









Related Guides on Private Rehab Treatment in Ireland
Private Addiction Treatment | Nature-Based Rehab | Evidence-Based Rehab | Accredited Rehab | Abstinence-Based Recovery | Discreet Rehab |
Benefits of Scientifically Supported Substance Rehabilitation Programmes
For many people, the idea of entering drug or alcohol rehab can feel daunting and uncertain. Choosing a centre that follows established, research-backed addiction programmes offers a sense of reassurance. Knowing that the therapies in place have been tested, refined, and proven effective allows patients and their families to feel more confident about taking the first steps towards abstinence.
- Clinically proven rehab treatments provide structured approaches shown to support recovery: Rehabilitation programmes built on established clinical evidence give patients clear frameworks, helping to guide them through substance detox, therapy, and aftercare with consistency and direction.
- Research-backed therapies address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction: Substance recovery treatment that integrates medical detox with therapies such as CBT and trauma counselling ensures that both the body’s dependence and the mind’s challenges are carefully supported.
- Science-led approaches provide structured, consistent, and measurable care for patients: Evidence-based addiction care includes regular assessments and outcome tracking, allowing progress to be monitored while adapting interventions at every stage of rehabilitation.
- Medically guided detox ensures substance withdrawal is managed safely and effectively: Under the supervision of experienced doctors and nurses, medically managed detox follows proven guidelines that can reduce risk, minimise discomfort, and prepare patients for further drug or alcohol recovery treatment.
- Grounded in clinical practice, rehab care plans are adaptable to each patient’s unique needs: Personalised adjustments can be made throughout patients’ rehab journeys, tailoring therapies to match progress, mental health requirements, and any co-occurring challenges.
- Evidence-based rehab can reduce the risk of relapse through targeted prevention strategies: Relapse prevention planning uses clinically validated techniques, such as craving management and coping skills training, to support stability beyond the residential stay.
- Validated methods build trust by showing clear outcomes and effectiveness over time: Evidence-based addiction treatment is backed by data and results, offering reassurance to patients that the approaches used have a record of positive results.
- Proven approaches integrate seamlessly with holistic therapies to support whole-person recovery: While rooted in clinical science, many rehab programmes also incorporate mindfulness, exercise, and creative therapies to promote balance in both mind and body.

Contact Smarmore Castle’s Clinically Guided Rehab
We use patient-centred addiction treatment approaches supported by dedicated clinical research and measurable outcomes. Our substance misuse rehab programmes always combine medical expertise with evidence-based therapies to create a safe, structured environment.
If you would like to know more about our clinically grounded drug and alcohol addiction treatment, call Smarmore Castle today. Our team can provide guidance on admissions, treatment options, and the next steps towards recovery.
Choosing the Best Results-Driven Addiction Treatment Facility Near You
Selecting the right rehab clinic is a personal decision that depends on each individual’s circumstances, history, and recovery goals. Evidence-based addiction facilities in Ireland often provide a reliable framework, but it’s important to compare approaches, support services, and settings before deciding which treatment option feels right for you.
- Look for clinics using clinically proven, research-backed addiction treatment methods: Drug and alcohol programmes grounded in best practice offer consistent care, with therapies designed to achieve measurable recovery outcomes supported by scientific research and clinical expertise.
- Check whether the rehab centre offers medically guided detox with 24/7 support: Continuous medical oversight provides safety and reassurance, especially during the initial withdrawal phase, reducing risks while preparing patients for structured therapeutic rehabilitation plans.
- Review therapy options such as CBT, trauma counselling, and structured recovery groups: A broad choice of therapies allows patients to access tailored addiction care, so both underlying issues and practical recovery skills are addressed effectively.
- Confirm the addiction clinic is accredited to recognised healthcare quality standards: Accreditation shows that the rehab clinic meets strict clinical requirements, offering assurance about patient safety, treatment quality, and compliance with professional guidelines.
- Consider rehab facilities that combine evidence-based care with holistic therapies for balance: Complementary options such as mindfulness, art, or yoga enhance structured recovery programmes, supporting emotional well-being alongside clinically proven addiction treatments.
- Compare transparent pricing, insurance acceptance, and funding options available: Clear cost information and flexible payment routes help patients and families plan realistically, making quality substance misuse care more accessible and less financially overwhelming.
Get Help Today
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Statistics on Evidence-Based Rehab Treatment in Ireland
- Between April 2023 and March 2024, 310,863 adults in Ireland were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services – up 7 % from the previous year.
- The benefits of research-backed treatment vary depending on the alcohol and drug rehab centre. Some focus on personalised care plans, while others provide advanced therapies or specific mental health support.
- Over 75% of drug treatment in Ireland is delivered through publicly funded or voluntary outpatient services.
- Both statutory and non-statutory services provide drug treatment services in Ireland in a range of settings, including hospitals, residential centres, outpatient clinics, General Practice and community-based services.
- In an evidence-driven opiate addiction programme analysed in the ROSIE study, 66 % of participants completed the programme successfully, with only 27 % dropping out.