Adolescent Addiction Treatment

Adolescent Addiction Treatment Centre.( www.aislinn.ie)

Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Centre in Ballyragget Co Kilkenny is a drug free rehabilitation treatment centre for persons between the ages of 15 and up to 21years for male and female .Aislinn was founded in 1997. It has an open referral policy. Aislinn receives its funding from a number of statutory agencies namely the Health Service Executive and Probation Service. They also receive clients who have Private Health Insurance i.e. V.H.I., Quinn Healthcare, Hibernian Aviva Health. Fundraising events are organised annually to help maintain young people in the recovery programme and the Family Support Programme.Consultations and assessment are by appointment only.
The word Aislinn is an old Irish word for vision and dream and the centre’s intent is to help adolescents re-discover their dream for the future, which they have lost while coping with the severe consequences of chemical abuse.

In those 13years Ireland has changed dramatically and so has the environment that young people grow up in. Drugs are not only confined to the big cities but are widespread in every small town and village. They are affordable to teenagers. There is a major increase in binge drinking and alcohol abuse by younger teenagers. It affects young people right across the economic and social spectrum. Chemical abuse affects the whole family leading to confusion, self blame and fear. Therefore there is a strong family involvement in the programme.

Aislinn is based on the Minnesota model of treatment while also identifying with the needs of the young person. There is a six week residential programme with the opportunity of entering the two year continuing care programme. The treatment plan is identified between the client and the therapist. A flexible and adaptable approach is used, specific to each clients needs. The six week residential programme consists of one to one counselling, group therapy, lectures on life issues, psychodrama, art therapy, recreational therapy, peer support and interaction, mediaitation and use of the 12 step serenity garden. The programme is based on the philosophy of total abstinence from all mood altering drugs. During treatment the emphasis is to nurture the young person self worth and dignity thus to help them find meaning in life and live a healthy lifestyle free from alcohol and drugs.

Family participation in the residential programme and aftercare is seen as vital. Wednesday is family day at the centre from 10am to 5pm. The day consists of lectures, family conferences, joint groups sessions and educational sessions for parents and concerned persons. This supports the family and client during the transition from addiction to recovery, helping them to break down defence mechanisms and to improve communications and restore healthy relationships within families.


The six week residential programme is supported by a two year client aftercare programme which consists of a two hour weekly meeting. There is combined group for clients and parents which is held monthly.

Aislinn also run weekend residential group. There is a five day residential family programme for parents and concerned person. The programme encourages people to look at their current situation and to learn coping skills to help alleviate some of the stress associated with it.