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Addiction Treatment Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Ceisteanna (58)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

58. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists and options open to those wanting to detox from benzodiazepines and similar substances. [50827/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive has overall responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services. The Executive has advised that the vast majority of people who wish to detoxify off tablets such as benzodiazepines or similar substances are appropriate to treat in a community setting.

The Department of Health and Children published Benzodiazepine Best Practice Guidelines in 2002. Detoxification in the community can be achieved either by a gradual dose reduction of the drug or by converting to an equivalent dose of diazepam and providing a tapered dose reduction over a period of time, in conjunction with psychosocial support. There are no data on waiting lists for this type of intervention.

Residential detoxification off benzodiazepines is occasionally required in the case of polysubstance misuse where the individual is using tablets in conjunction with other substances. All the tier 4 services can provide a detoxification off heroin and tablets concurrently if the clinical assessment indicates that this is necessary. In instances where the assessment has indicated that tablets alone are the problem it is advised that at least 2 community-based detoxification programmes are attempted before a residential detoxification would be considered.

As part of a comprehensive care plan, an inpatient detoxification can be offered by tier 4 services if clinically appropriate and if the person is engaged in an addiction counselling process with a structured rehabilitation plan in place for the post detoxification phase of their treatment.

A summary of residential detoxification places by service provider follows, along with average waiting times, as of October 2018.

Detoxification beds by type and location

Medical Detoxification Units[1] Location

Number of Beds

Current Average Waiting Time

2018

Cuan Dara - Cherry Orchard Hospital

9

6 weeks

St. Michael's Ward, Beaumont Hospital

10

Male 8–10 weeks

Female 4-6 weeks

Community Based Residential Detoxification Location

Number of Beds

Current Average Waiting Time

2018

Cuan Mhuire, Athy (Drugs)

6

Up to 4 weeks (opiates)

Cuan Mhuire ,Farnanes, Co. Cork (Drugs and Alcohol)

8

7-14 days (opiates & polysubstance),

1-7 days Alcohol

Cuan Mhuire, Bruree, Limerick

(6 male Drugs, 21 male Alcohol & 3 female drugs/alcohol)

30[2]

8 - 12 weeks (opiates & polysubstance),

1-3 days Alcohol

St. Francis Farm Merchant's Quay Ireland, Tullow, Co. Carlow

10

2 weeks[3]

Adolescent Residential Detoxification Location

Number of Beds

Current Average Waiting Time

2018

Aislinn, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny (Drugs and Alcohol)

4

2 weeks

[1] Note there are an additional 6.5 Stabilisation beds that can be used interchangeably depending on need for detoxification within the Medical Detoxification Units.

[2] In addition, there are 2 emergency beds that are used for observation (medical concern). These additional beds have been used for people in detox.

[3] Data from June 2018

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