Addiction Counsellors of Ireland

24/06/2026

📢 Significant development in Ireland's approach to drugs and addiction.

The Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use today published its Final Report, recommending the repeal of Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and the full decriminalisation of the possession of drugs for personal use.

The recommendation follows extensive engagement with experts, service providers, people with lived experience, and families affected by addiction. Recognising that drug use in Ireland has changed significantly over recent decades, the Committee argues that policy must evolve accordingly and supports a health-led approach to drug use.

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use today published its Final Report, in which Members recommend the repeal of Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 in order to fully decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use.

18/06/2026

📈At 12 months, 79% of participants in Brandon House Treatment Centre's Adult Recovery Group (ARG) remained abstinent from alcohol and drugs.

The findings come from Recovery Without Walls, a mixed methods evaluation of the ARG, a community-based, abstinence-oriented recovery programme based on the Minnesota Model. The report explores outcomes relating to substance use, wellbeing, and recovery capital, and examines the role of community-based recovery as an alternative to residential treatment.

Read Report �https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/45821/1/Recover-%20without-walls.pdf

10/06/2026

A free online training programme aimed at equipping addiction workers with the knowledge and skills to better support neurodivergent people accessing substance use services.

ACI Board member Tony Geoghegan was among those involved in the launch of 'Substance Use and Neurodiversity', developed by Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery and commissioned by CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign. Speaking at the launch, Tony said: "Neurodivergent people deserve services that understand them. This course gives workers the knowledge and confidence to make that a reality."

More & How to Enroll 👉

Learn to identify and support neurodivergent people who use substances. Gain practical skills in accessible service design, assessment, engagement, and advocacy for inclusive drug and alcohol support.

09/06/2026

Research from the HRB and Pobal exploring the link between addiction treatment and geographic deprivation in Ireland. These findings highlight the relationship between economic and social disadvantage and addiction.

Read Here �https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/45587/1/Addiction-Treatment-and-Geographic-Deprivation-Report-2026.pdf

08/06/2026

🤝ACI Annual Event & AGM 2026 🤝

We had an energising day in Carlow on Saturday, 6th June, for the ACI Annual Event and AGM 2026. A sincere thank you to all members who travelled. It was great to see such a strong turnout, a testament to the growing strength of the organisation.

Thank you to our speakers for their excellent and thought-provoking presentations:
▪️Paul Delaney, Working with Neurodiversity: an Emphasis on Addiction
▪️Eoin Stephens, Digital Innovation in Addiction Support

We were also honoured to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O Connor TD, who officially launched the ACI Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The Strategic Plan sets out our priorities for the next three years, focusing on:

💜Serving Our Members and Building Our Membership
💜Supporting Professional Development
💜Advocating and Influencing for Our Members and Sector
💜Organisational Development and Sustainability

View Strategic Plan 👉 https://addictioncounsellors.ie/strategic-plan-2026-2029/

04/06/2026

🌿Great work from the FASN - Family Addiction Support Network as they officially launched their permanent base on Park Street, Co. Monaghan 👉https://www.northernsound.ie/news/local-service-urges-family-members-of-addicts-to-reach-out-for-support-283349

FASN provides free, confidential support services to any family member or loved one affected by another person’s addiction or substance misuse 👉 https://fasn.ie/

03/06/2026

📈Minister Jennifer Murnane O Connor TD has welcomed the latest National Drug Treatment Reporting System findings, which show 15,422 cases presenting for treatment for problem drug use in 2025, alongside an increase in treatment uptake within the prison service.

The data provides an insight into current treatment demand and service engagement across Ireland.
Read More 👉 https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-welcomes-increased-uptake-of-drug-treatment-services-following-government-investment-in-service-capacity/

03/06/2026

📣 ACI Members – Your latest newsletter is now in your inbox

Key updates include:
• ACI's submission to the National Drugs Strategy consultation
• Ongoing engagement with CORU
• Details of this Saturday's AGM, including the launch of our Strategic Plan 2026-'29

💌 If you haven't received your copy, please check your spam/junk folder or get in touch with us via DM or email at [email protected]

31/05/2026

📣ACI MEMBERS

Our AGM is literally around the corner, taking place Saturday, 6th June.

We are delighted that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O Connor TD, will join us. Her attendance reflects the increasing recognition of the work of addiction professionals and ACI, and comes at a significant moment for the organisation with the launch of our new three-year strategy.

It is a key moment in the ACI calendar, where all of us come together to reflect on the year, learn, and connect. Every member is invited - from students to retired members - we really hope to see you there!

We kindly ask members to register in advance by emailing [email protected]

29/05/2026

Grief and bereavement are experiences many people encounter personally and professionally. In this candid and compassionate conversation, ACI Chair Dr. James O'Shea opens up about his own experiences of grief, sharing both personal and professional insight shaped by profound personal loss.

On the Four Swans Therapy and Wellness 'Mind Your Self' podcast, James reflects on loss, healing, and hope through both lived experience and professional understanding.

📻27-minute listen on Spotify

Mind Your Self - Four Swans · Episode