New addiction hub for East Cork
Alcohol is “far and away” the substance most addicts have been seeking help for in Cork recently as a new treatment centre gets set to open in Midleton tomorrow.
The other main substances people are seeking treatment for in Cork and the wider southwest region are cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, and cannabis.
That’s according to the latest figures from Coolmine Therapeutic Community (TC), a national drug and alcohol addiction treatment centre which is opening its new East Cork hub in Midleton town tomorrow, Friday.
The Coolmine Therapeutic Community offers residential, community-based treatment programmes for men, women, and children, as well as community and day services.
“What our county hubs do is offer a community service to those who need it the most, in the furthest reaches throughout Cork county,” said Stephen Cashman, Coolmine, Regional Service Manager for the Southwest Region.
He continued: “Traditionally people living in cities, large towns and urban areas would be well serviced by such services, while those from rural areas would have had to travel long distances to get the support they need. This is no longer the case,” he added.
The new Coolmine Therapeutic Community East Cork Hub will service a large hinterland around the towns of Midleton, Cobh, and Youghal where there are already a number of satellite hubs.
This will allow, Mr Cashman said, Coolmine Therapeutic Community to offer the same services in East Cork as it does in cities and bigger towns.
He explained: “The primary goal of a therapeutic community is to foster individual change and positive growth.”
In practice this would involve individuals taking on responsibilities which translates into a sense of purpose and belonging that may not have existed prior to seeking support.”
In 2024 in the southwest region, Coolmine TC’s highest referral source “by a long distance” was self-referrals, meaning individuals who had identified their own need for treatment and had contacted the service themselves.
“This is hugely positive and shows a willingness on the part of the individual to engage with the process,” said Mr Cashman.
Addiction landscape
With new drugs constantly entering the market, Mr Cashman said the understanding of addiction and the complexities which surround it have evolved dramatically over the years.
He said: “The landscape has changed considerably over the years.
“You might find that certain substances are more prevalent in urban areas or vice versa but the reality is that no two cases are the same.
“You will have pockets of addiction in areas where there is poverty or affluence and sometimes it is the substance of choice which is different,” he added.
With regards to conversation and stigma around addiction, Mr Cashman said awareness is changing and people far becoming more understanding today than they might have been in the past.
He said: “Addiction is a multi-faceted issue which is complex and can be challenging both for the individual and those around them.
“It is important that conversations continue to be had and that those who are raising awareness continue to do so. This can only help more and more people to seek the support that they require.”
For more information on Coolmine TC and the services it provides, visit coolmine.ie.