New Midlands addiction service brings specialist treatment closer to people in Offaly
The new service responds to growing demand from people who previously faced lengthy journeys to Dublin
The Rutland Centre has launched a new outpatient addiction treatment programme in the Midlands, giving people and families across Co. Offaly access to specialist treatment closer to home and without the need to travel regularly to Dublin.
The new service responds to growing demand from people who previously faced lengthy journeys to Dublin to access treatment. Based in Athlone, the programme will support people across Offaly, as well as surrounding counties, bringing specialist addiction treatment closer to home while making it easier for families to play an active role in recovery.
Unlike residential treatment, the outpatient programme enables people to remain at home while receiving intensive specialist treatment, allowing them to stay connected to their families, work or education throughout recovery. The programme is the only abstinence-based outpatient addiction treatment programme of its kind in Ireland, delivering evidence-based addiction treatment within people's own communities through group therapy, one-to-one counselling and family involvement.
This also includes funded treatment places for gambling and gaming addiction, helping address a growing issue that now affects an estimated one in 30 adults in Ireland*. The Rutland Centre's outpatient programme has a proven track record, with an 81% completion rate in 2025. Of those who completed treatment, 85% progressed to aftercare, while 93% remain engaged in active recovery.
Treatment Coordinator for the new Midlands programme Karl Fitzharris says:"We know that where you live should never determine whether you can access specialist addiction treatment. For too long, we've had to turn away people who desperately wanted treatment because travelling to Dublin twice a week simply wasn't practical. That's why we knew there was a real need to bring this service closer to the communities we serve.
"By bringing our outpatient programme to Athlone, we're making specialist treatment more accessible for people and their families. This model is particularly valuable for people living in rural communities, including farmers and others whose work or family commitments make regular travel to Dublin difficult. We also know that when families can play an active role in recovery, outcomes are stronger. We're also pleased to offer funded treatment places for gambling and gaming addiction, helping more people access the specialist support they need closer to home.”
Entry to the programme is through a comprehensive clinical assessment carried out by the Rutland Centre's multidisciplinary team to ensure each individual is matched with the treatment pathway best suited to their needs. People interested in learning more about the Athlone outpatient programme or making a referral can visit www.rutlandcentre.ie or contact the Rutland Centre directly.