A nationally-funded detox unit for 15-to-21 year-olds with chemical dependence at the Aislinn Treatment Centre in Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny, which is the only service of its kind for this age group in Ireland, is now actively inviting referrals from GPs countrywide.

The manager of the four-bed detox unit believes that raising awareness of the service could help the Centre better meet the needs of its target population.

Peter Kelly said: ”We have an open referral pathway and we would welcome additional referrals from GPs throughout Ireland.

“We are the only service of our kind in Ireland and we are very successfully supported by our local GP.”

The Centre, which opened in April following the evaluation of an 18-month long pilot project, is holding an open day between 9.30am and 1pm on Monday, January 13, for La Nua detox, which is a nurse-led and medically-supervised unit.

It offers clients addicted to benzodiazepines, alcohol and opiates a reducing pharmacological detox regimen, inclusive of on-site methadone titration.

Cannabis- and stimulant-dependent clients are also accepted for detox and can receive medication for symptomatic relief of their withdrawals.