Cocaine Service
The Cocaine Service was set up in 2007 to help people who are experiencing difficulties in relation to their cocaine or crack cocaine use and other stimulants. The aim of the service is to provide an accessible and confidential service whereby people can avail of education around drug use, information and support, one-to-one key working, holistic therapy and counselling.
The Cocaine Service has been successful over the years in helping many people gain a clear understanding of their drug use and the issues that may be fuelling it as well as helping people to regain control of their lives.
We are an open and friendly service whose aim it is to provide immediate and confidential support and stabilisation for people experiencing problems arising from their cocaine and stimulant use. We offer support to people facing relationship problems; anxiety; panic; financial problems; difficulties in their work; legal problems; and housing problems developing from their drug use. We can likewise offer support to people who have managed to reduce or completely stop their cocaine use, but who want to access support in understanding their drug use and relapse prevention.
The service aims to equip people with a better insight into their drug use and the impact that it is having on their bodies and their lives. Service users will learn about the effects their drug use has on the body; the effect of their drug use on their mental health; how to promote health through harm reduction; how to manage cravings; learn about their triggers; and learn pathways to becoming drug free.
Service Times
We have morning and afternoon appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and also run until 9pm on Thursday evenings. We aim to offer a range of times in order to accommodate those who are working or have childcare commitments.
What can we offer people looking for support?
Assessment: All new service users will meet with Clara to look at where they are at and what support they feel they need at this time. All information gathered in assessment is treated in the upmost confidence.
One-to-one support: For one-to-one support, a client meets with a project worker to identify the extent of their current drug use; the impact this is having on their day to day lives; to talk about the effects of their drug use on their physical health and mental health; to identify ways to reduce their drug use; to get support should they chose to be drug free; to identify triggers; to get help with managing cravings; and to identify ways of managing day to day stresses. One-to-one support provides a forum for people to talk about the impact their drug use is having for them.
Acu-stimulation and ear acupuncture: These treatments are geared toward providing immediate stress relief for those individuals who are experiencing high blood pressure, anxiety and panic brought on by excessive use of stimulant drugs. Acupuncture and acu-stimulation are clinically proven to help people with addiction issues and is a great support for relieving stress – these treatments provide opportunity for people to relax and centre themselves. Ear Acu-puncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine whereby particular points in the ear are identified as representing parts of the body and are treated as a means of balancing the body’s energies in order to help the body heal itself. Acu-stimulation is based on the same methods, however uses mild electric pulses instead of needles, and applies these to the whole body as opposed to the ear alone.
Holistic therapies: We have 2 fully accredited holistic therapists who specialise in aromatherapy for managing stress and sleep problems associated with drug use. We offer a full suite of holistic therapies which include: aromatherapy, reflexology, therapeutic massage, reiki and Indian head massage – all of which are proven to reduce stress and aid recovery from drug use and addiction.
Nutritional Advice: We have a fully trained nutritional advisor who can work with individuals around healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle. This programme helps people to understand how their lifestyle may be affecting their health and wellbeing and provides an economical and realistic approach to healthier eating and looking after the body.
Counselling: We have 2 counsellors, one male and one female, who can work with individuals who are looking to explore any personal issues and relationships with family or loved ones, which may have come to light within their one-to-one work. The counselling service is completely confidential and provides the ongoing support a person may need in understanding what may be fuelling their drug use and any untapped personal issues they may wish to address.
All our services are offered on a one-to-one appointment only basis.
Referring to the Cocaine Service
People can self-refer or another agency or professional can make the referral. Once a person meets with the staff of the service, however, their contact with the service remains confidential to the service unless otherwise prior agreed with the client. Anyone interested in accessing the service can call Clara on (01) 2803187 or 086 363 6402. If Clara is not available you can leave your number and you will be contacted within 48 hours to arrange a suitable time for coming in for assessment. You are also welcome to call in to DROP and ask for Clara on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays should you wish to get more information.
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