Ireland’s drug problem has been getting worse over the past few years. As former government minister Pat Rabbitte noted decades ago, “Ireland has a drugs problem. But beyond this simple statement, we must also recognise that Ireland’s drugs problem is primarily an opiates problem—mainly heroin. And beyond this, we must recognise that Ireland’s heroin problem is principally a Dublin phenomenon.” This is still the case in 2020, with addicts and marginalized people from across the country flocking to the nation’s capital. A 2017 study found that the majority of those seeking addiction treatment in Ireland were looking to kick their dependence on opiates, and a 2016 study found that the number of drug-related deaths had increased by 71% between 2004 and 2016, with the main culprit being opiates.
Ireland deserves credit for realizing that the country’s “war on drugs” was failing, and for shifting to an approach based on the principles of Harm Reduction. In 2017 the nation adopted a new drug policy, based on the recommendations of a broad coalition of experts. It is wonderful news that the country has announced the goals of removing the stigma from addiction and ensuring the basic human rights of all. It’s lovely to see the Minister of Health declaring that we should “give people a hand, not a handcuff.” But in an insular and conservative country, finding effective addiction treatment in Ireland may be easier said than done.
Why Are Irish Addicts Looking To Portugal For Answers?
Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm-reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, and Germany to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance-abuse problems.
Ireland offers some publicly funded drug treatment options, and there are privately run residential treatment facilities. In theory, seeking treatment in these centers will not put you at risk of increased attention from the police or the stigma of being an addict in a society which views drug use very harshly, but if you’re living in a small community, word might still spread. And luxurious private facilities in Ireland are extravagantly expensive. The lovely RosGlas center costs about 37, 500 Euros per week!
If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, experience compassionate treatment, and maintain your privacy, going abroad might be your best option. In Ireland, as one advocate notes: “We do have this blame thing. We don’t have it with people who develop an alcohol problem. You’d hear people saying with people who use drugs ‘well they shouldn’t have started it, if they’d never taken them they wouldn’t have a problem’. Well don’t use that attitude with alcohol.” If you’d like to be treated as a person, rather than a junkie, as you begin your recovery journey, you might want to consider seeking treatment in Portugal!
What Are The Benefits Of Eschewing Addiction Treatment in Ireland and Seeking Treatment Abroad?
1) Environment
Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect in treatment. And traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking, and cycling. Irish visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!
2) Privacy
While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking addiction treatment in Ireland. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.
3) Promising Treatments Unavailable At Home
We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and ibogaine to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in Ireland can be accessed here with the supervision of health-care professionals. If you think treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend getting away from Ireland, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. Ibogaine his not explicitly illegal in the country, but legal experts feel that it likely falls under the scope of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act of 2010, which outlaws all psychoactive substances.
In spite of our belief in ibogaine’s remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.
4) Easy Intake
When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a life-saver. The prospect of waiting six-months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Ireland’s drug programs are underfunded and slow to respond to the needs of those at risk. This is one of the main reasons why the majority of Irish addicts are pushed into outpatient treatment programs. Many of those at risk must wait 12-14 weeks just to receive Methadone maintenance therapy! Since addiction dramatically raises your risk from the COVID-19 pandemic, now is not a time for patience! Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!
Tabula Rasa Retreat
At Tabula Rasa Retreat we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of their clients than Tabula Rasa Retreat. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.
In addition to offering ibogaine treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten-hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive for new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from people around the globe who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530