Smarmore Castle Private Clinic

01/01/2026

New Year’s Eve can come with a lot of pressure to drink, to “go big,” to fit in. But it’s worth saying clearly: you can still have a brilliant night at a party while living a life of sobriety.

Sobriety doesn’t mean missing out. It can mean being present for the laughter, remembering the conversations, waking up clear-headed, and starting the new year with self-respect intact.

A few gentle reminders if you’re heading out tonight:

Consider a non-alcoholic drink you enjoy (juices, fizzy drinks)
- Have a plan for check-ins or an early exit if you need it
- Keep something in your pocket for grounding (a phrase, a friend to text)
- Celebrate your way, there’s no “right” way to do NYE

And if you’re reading this thinking, “Maybe this is the year I change things”. 2026 can be the start of a positive new chapter. You don’t have to do it alone, and it’s never too late to begin.

However you spend tonight, we’re wishing you a safe, peaceful New Year’s Eve, and a 2026 filled with steadier days and real moments of joy. ✨

31/12/2025

New Year’s Eve can come with a lot of pressure to drink, to “go big,” to fit in. But it’s worth saying clearly: you can still have a brilliant night at a party while living a life of sobriety.

Sobriety doesn’t mean missing out. It can mean being present for the laughter, remembering the conversations, waking up clear-headed, and starting the new year with self-respect intact.

A few gentle reminders if you’re heading out tonight:
• Consider a non-alcoholic drink you enjoy (juices, fizzy drinks)
• Have a plan for check-ins or an early exit if you need it
• Keep something in your pocket for grounding (a phrase, a friend to text)
• Celebrate your way, there’s no “right” way to do NYE

And if you’re reading this thinking, “Maybe this is the year I change things”. 2026 can be the start of a positive new chapter. You don’t have to do it alone, and it’s never too late to begin.

However you spend tonight, we’re wishing you a safe, peaceful New Year’s Eve, and a 2026 filled with steadier days and real moments of joy. ✨

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us. 🎄

Today can be full of togetherness and joy, and for some, it can also feel complicated. If you’re in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply finding the season a little heavy, we’re thinking of you too.

The Christmas story begins with a simple reminder: kindness matters, welcome matters, and small moments of care can change the course of a day.

Wherever you are spending Christmas, we hope you find warmth, peace, and something good, even if it’s just one gentle moment at a time.

24/12/2025

On Christmas Eve, many people return to the Nativity story: a long journey, doors that didn’t open, and then, in a humble place, the beginning of something new.

It’s a reminder that hope doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes it starts as simple as warmth, shelter, and being welcomed when you feel tired and far from home.

For anyone in recovery, supporting someone you love, or quietly carrying a difficult season: you’re not alone. If Christmas Eve feels joyful, we hope you can savour it. If it feels complicated, we hope you can be gentle with yourself and take things one moment at a time.

Wherever you are tonight, we’re wishing you peace, kindness, and a very warm Christmas Eve. And if you do need support over the festive period, we’re here.

19/12/2025

Sobriety often brings a renewed sense of connection and the ability to genuinely enjoy all that life has to offer. Still, going through certain occasions - such as the office Christmas party - without a substance for the first time can feel unnerving.
For those who need support protecting their sobriety around these festive work events, Jessica Tomlinson Hill (our colleague at Castle Craig) has put together the following tips:

Check in
"Speak to someone who understands your situation before you go and again when you leave. It's a simple way to feel supported, and it keeps you honest with yourself."

Take breaks
"Give yourself permission to take a pause. Go to the bathroom, step out for some fresh air, or call a friend."

Leaving is always an option
"It can feel like everyone will notice or judge you for leaving early, but they rarely do. Your sobriety is more important than one evening."

Keep your ‘why’ close
"Think about why you got sober. That clarity can carry you if things start to feel difficult."

Enjoy yourself
"You can be sober and still have a wonderful time. Don't forget that.”

14/12/2025

Happy Hanukkah from Smarmore Castle!

13/12/2025

Recovery is full of firsts, and spending Christmas sober may be one of yours. Here are a few tips from our clinical team to help you stay grounded through the holiday season

1. Plan before the party starts
Try fitting a 12 Step meeting in before festivities begin. Many groups meet on Christmas Eve, and you will always find additional options online.

2. When a craving hits
Reach out to someone you trust. Simply saying "I'm having a craving" out loud can take the edge off and help it pass.

3. At the dinner table
It is completely ok to say you are not drinking. If you would rather not explain further, "I’m doing an alcohol-free Christmas" is all you need to say.

4. Surround yourself with support
Spend time with people who make you feel safe and understood. You do not have to attend every event or show up everywhere.

5. You’re allowed to say no
Practice saying no without overthinking it. You do not need a reason, and you do not owe anyone an explanation.

If you need support this Christmas, Smarmore Castle is here for you.
Reach out to our team for confidential advice and help.

12/12/2025

This carousel shares an anonymised story from the wife of a man who struggled with co***ne addiction. Her reflections offer an honest and compassionate look at what it means to love someone in active addiction, and what it took for their family to begin healing together.

From the weight of secrecy and self-protection, to the moment she allowed herself to speak openly, each insight reveals how recovery is rarely an individual journey. It involves truthfulness, boundaries, rebuilding trust, and the courage to believe that a new chapter is still possible.

These words are shared in the hope that they may support others who find themselves in a similar place. You are not alone, and help is available.

You can read the full story on the link in the comments.

26/11/2025

Movember puts men's health in the spotlight for good reason. The need for support doesn’t disappear when December arrives.

The campaign focuses on everything from mental health and su***de prevention to prostate and testicular cancer. All of which don't just deserve open conversation, they require it for early intervention to be possible.

In the UK, 75% of people who die by su***de are men, and research shows men often seek help later and less frequently than women.
For some, alcohol or drugs become a coping mechanism during periods of stress or emotional strain. While it may bring momentary relief, it often worsens anxiety, low mood, or pressure over time.

We know it takes courage to ask for support.
We also know that a single honest conversation can be a turning point.
If you’re concerned about your mental health or your relationship with alcohol or other substances, we’re here. Safe, professional, and without pressure.

14/11/2025

“I recently completed a four-week programme at Smarmore Castle and it has made the world of difference for me and my loved ones.”

Thank you to everyone who shares their story. They stay with us long after treatment ends.

Learn more about the help we offer on our website:

Smarmore Castle is a leading addiction clinic in Ireland, providing drug detox, alcohol detox and rehab treatment in tranquil surroundings.

07/11/2025

Did you know Smarmore Castle is nestled in the heart of rural Ireland? A private and peaceful setting in the Irish countryside that fosters recovery, healing, and tranquillity.
Find out more about our unique approach: https://www.smarmorecastle.ie

12/09/2025

We’re proud to announce that Smarmore Castle has won this year’s CHKS Quality Improvement Award for our Patient Management System.
On 11 September 2025, we received the award at the CHKS Surveyor Update Day in Manchester, where we presented on the benefits of our new digital system to attendees. This event celebrates learning and innovation, and we’re proud our work was recognised in this year's CHKS surveyors’ learning programme.
We remain committed to driving service quality, efficiency, and strong patient outcomes.