SMART Recovery, Co Donegal

14/10/2026

L is for Lapse and Learning

As our Sober October alphabet continues, today’s reminder is that a lapse does not erase the progress you have already made.

A lapse is a return to a behaviour after a period of change. It can feel disappointing, but it does not have to become a full return to previous patterns. You still deserve support.

Safety message: Tolerance can fall during abstinence or reduced use. Returning to a previous amount may increase overdose risk, particularly with opioids and other depressants.

Learning starts with curiosity.
What happened beforehand? What thoughts or feelings appeared? What support or change to your plan might help next time?

SMART tool: Lapse analysis - link below
Identify the trigger, thoughts, feelings and actions. Then choose one specific change you can make to your plan—perhaps contacting someone sooner, planning for a difficult situation or reconnecting with support.

Today’s reflection: What information could a setback give you for your next step?

At SMART Recovery Donegal, you do not need a perfect week to deserve a warm welcome. Whether you are taking your first step or returning after a lapse, your next step matters.

https://smartrecovery.ie/resources/toolkit/dents/




SMART Recovery Ireland Letterkenny CDP START Project - Finn Valley area North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force

13/10/2026

K is for Ketamine and Kindness

As our Sober October alphabet continues, today we’re sharing information about ketamine and reflecting on how we speak to ourselves.

Ketamine can alter perception and create feelings of detachment from the body or surroundings. It can impair coordination and awareness. Frequent or heavy use is associated with serious bladder and urinary problems, as well as dependence.

Safety message: Mixing ketamine with alcohol or other depressants increases risks, including vomiting, loss of consciousness and injury. Severe abdominal pain, blood in urine or difficulty passing urine needs medical attention.

Kindness can help us take the next step. You can acknowledge harm, take responsibility and make changes while still treating yourself with compassion.

Today’s reflection: How would you speak to yourself if you used the same kindness you offer others?

SMART tool: ABC - link below
Notice a harsh thought and practise a more constructive response.

Instead of: “I’ve ruined everything.”
Try: “I’m disappointed with what happened. I can seek support and decide what to do next.”

You deserve care and support, including on the difficult days.

https://smartrecovery.ie/resources/toolkit/abcs/



SMART Recovery Ireland Letterkenny CDP START Project - Finn Valley area North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force

12/10/2026

J is for Judgement, Stigma and Journey

As our Sober October alphabet continues, today we’re reflecting on the difference that kindness and understanding can make.

Fear of judgement can make it difficult to speak honestly, ask for help or return for support after a lapse. Our words matter—and so does how we listen.

At SMART Recovery Donegal, we recognise the person behind the struggle. Everyone deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to make changes at their own pace.

Recovery is a personal journey. There is no single route or timetable that suits everyone. Asking for help, trying again or making one safer choice can all be meaningful steps.

Today’s reflection: What would support without judgement look like to you?

SMART tool: Unconditional Self-Acceptance
We all make mistakes, but no single behaviour defines our whole identity. You can recognise something you want to change while still treating yourself as a worthwhile person.

Whether you’re taking a first step or finding your way back, you deserve a warm welcome.

11/10/2026

I is for Interactions and Identity

Today in our Sober October alphabet, we’re thinking about safer choices—and remembering the person behind the addiction.

Alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines can affect one another. Mixing can make their effects stronger, weaker or unpredictable. Combining depressants can be especially dangerous because breathing may slow.

Safety message: Tell your doctor or pharmacist honestly what you are taking and ask about possible interactions. Never stop prescribed medication suddenly just to use another substance.

Your identity is bigger than addiction. You are a person with strengths, interests, relationships and possibilities. You are more than a diagnosis, a substance or your worst day.

Reflection: What part of yourself would you like to reconnect with—music, nature, creativity, friendship or something else that matters to you?

Practical tool: A decision-making worksheet can help you pause and explore choices and consequences. Link below

For information about substance or medicine interactions, speak with a doctor or pharmacist; a worksheet cannot assess medical safety.

One small step towards reconnecting with yourself can be a meaningful part of recovery.

SMART Recovery Ireland Letterkenny CDP START Project - Finn Valley area North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force



https://smartrecovery.ie/resources/toolkit/problem-solving/

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day - 10 October 2026 💚

Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.

At SMART Recovery Donegal, we value the knowledge, strength and insight that people bring from their own experiences. People deserve to be heard and involved in shaping the support that affects their lives.

Today, let’s make time to listen without judgement, challenge stigma and check in with someone who may be finding things difficult.

Your mental health matters. Your voice matters. You deserve support. 💚

Support in Donegal:

HSE Counselling in Primary Care:Free counselling for adults aged 18+ with a medical card, through referral from a GP or another health professional. Donegal office: 074 916 7250.

Jigsaw Donegal, Letterkenny: Free mental health support for young people aged 12–25. Enquiries: 074 972 6920. Start accessing support at jigsaw.ie/go.

Pieta Northwest, Letterkenny: Free support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm or bereavement by su***de. No referral needed. Appointment enquiries: 0818 111 126.

📞 Need someone to talk to, day or night?
Samaritans: 116 123
Text About It: text HELLO to 50808
Pieta’s crisis helpline: 1800 247 247

For information about available services, call the HSE Your Mental Health information line: 1800 111 888. This is an information service, rather than counselling.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999, or go to the nearest emergency department.

You do not have to face things alone.



https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/ncs/cipc
https://www.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/supports
https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/get-urgent-help

SMART Recovery Ireland Letterkenny CDP START Project - Finn Valley area North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force

09/10/2026

SMART RECOVERY MEETINGS IN DONEGAL

Looking for support, connection and practical tools to help with recovery? A warm welcome awaits you at our SMART Recovery meetings across Donegal.

🗓️ MONDAY
📍 Finn Valley Family Resource Centre
🕐 1–2pm

🗓️ TUESDAY
📍 Raphoe Family Resource Centre
🕝 2.30–4pm

🗓️ WEDNESDAY
📍 Finn Valley Family Resource Centre
🕝 2.30–4pm

📍 Rowan House, Letterkenny
🕝 2.30–4pm

🗓️ THURSDAY
📍 Letterkenny CDP Office, Courtyard Shopping Centre
🕝 2.30–4pm

📍 Pobail Centre, Falcarragh
🕡 6.30–8pm

Whether you’re thinking about making a change, beginning your recovery or maintaining your progress, you are welcome. Come along to share, listen and explore tools for managing urges, building motivation and coping with life’s challenges.

New faces, familiar faces and anyone returning after a break are always welcome. You don’t need to have everything figured out to take that first step.

All meetings are listed on the SMART Recovery Ireland website:
https://smartrecovery.ie/meetings/

09/10/2026

💛 H is for Harm Reduction, Hidden Harm and Hope

As our Sober October alphabet continues, today’s message is about making life safer and ensuring everyone affected by addiction feels seen and supported.

Harm reduction starts with meeting people where they are. Reliable information, practical steps and compassionate support can help reduce harm. Every positive change matters.

Hidden Harm reminds us to notice children and young people affected by a parent’s problem alcohol or drug use. Their voices and needs matter. It is not their fault, and it is not their responsibility to fix. A trusted, caring adult can offer reassurance, listen and help them access support. Parents deserve support too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ_jtrS35AA

Hope can begin with one conversation, one safer choice or one person who listens without judgement.

Today’s reflection: What small step could help you, or a child or young person feel safer and more supported?

Practical step: Create a personal safety plan with safer choices, support contacts and emergency numbers. For children, identify a trusted adult they can turn to, while adults remain responsible for their safety.

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

G is for Gambling and Growth

Our Alphabet of Addiction and Recovery continues, recognising that addiction can involve behaviours as well as substances.

We are very fortunate to have a Gambling and Gaming worker through the North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force. Please see the Video link for Charlene's contact details

Growth isn’t always visible to others. It might be an honest conversation, asking for support, setting a boundary or taking one small step you’ve been putting off.

Those quieter changes deserve recognition too.

What is one sign of growth that others might not notice? Reflect privately; there’s no pressure to share.

We’ll share the SMART Recovery Problem Solving Worksheet below to help you work through one challenge and identify a realistic next step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRMJ6kI_K5I

https://smartrecovery.ie/resources/toolkit/problem-solving/

07/10/2026

🤝 Building momentum for DRIVE in Donegal

Inspector Paul McGee and SAOR Practitioner Brendan Brennan pictured at today’s discussion on DRIVE in Donegal.

The North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force was delighted to welcome Community Safety Partnership Chairperson Gerry McMonagle to the meeting.

Today’s discussion focused on strengthening partnership working, planning a number of upcoming training events and ensuring this important work receives the attention and priority it deserves.

We look forward to building on this momentum together and will share details of upcoming events soon.