A new evaluation by HSE South West Addiction Services shows that a community-based addiction recovery programme in Tralee is delivering strong outcomes, with high rates of abstinence and clear improvements in people’s health and quality of life.

The report is called “Recovery without walls” and evaluates the Adult Recovery Group (ARG) at Brandon House Treatment Centre. It is a structured programme that supports people to stop using drugs and alcohol while continuing to live at home and stay connected to their families and communities.

The evaluation found that:

• 79% of participants were abstinent from both alcohol and drugs after 12 months
• 97% were abstinent from drugs at follow-up
• People moved from high-risk substance use to low-risk use or full abstinence over the course of the programme.

Participants also reported clear improvements in:

• Mental and physical health
• Family relationships
• Work, training and educationSocial life and overall wellbeing

Speaking at the launch in Rose Hotel, Tralee, Barry Corkery, Senior Counsellor, HSE South West Addiction Services said: “This evaluation shows that what we are doing here in Brandon House is very much aligned with that direction of travel: community-based, health-led, recovery-oriented care that is grounded in real outcomes for real people, families and communities. It also gives us clear pointers on where we need to improve, including how we better engage younger adults and women, and how we strengthen our follow-up and aftercare.” The evaluation shows that recovery goes beyond stopping substance use. Participants built what is known as “recovery capital” – the personal and social supports needed to stay well.

People described:

• Rebuilding trust with family members
• Returning to work or study
• Developing healthier routines
• Building new, drug-free and alcohol-free friendships

The programme also has wider benefits. It can help reduce stigma, strengthen local communities and support better outcomes for children and families. The report finds that the Adult Recovery Group at Brandon House is an effective community-based pathway to recovery, with strong potential to expand and be replicated in other areas.

“This evaluation shows that recovery can happen in the heart of our communities. The outcomes achieved by Brandon House show how people can access high-quality, structured treatment close to home, while staying connected to their families, work and communities. This approach can support more people to recover, reduce pressure on acute services and strengthen communities across the South West.” David Lane, General Manager, HSE South West Social Inclusion