A report on a Tralee-based addiction treatment service has found nearly 80% of participants were free from drugs and alcohol after 12 months.
The study carried out by HSE South West Addiction Services found that the programme is an effective pathway to recovery.
The report suggests the success of the model could be applied nationally.
The Adult Recovery Group at Brandon House Treatment Centre aims to help people stop using drugs and alcohol while continuing to live at home.
Sixty-two people initially took part in the year-long study carried out by Dr. Rebekah Brennan and HSE senior counsellor Barry Corkery.
By the end of the year, there were 47 client cases available for quantitative analysis.
Seventy-nine per cent of the 47 were free from both drugs and alcohol at the 12-month follow up point.
The study also found that by the end of the year, 97% of those who were addicted to drugs, were classified as having no drug-related problems.
Participants also reported clear improvements in their mental and physical health, family relationships and personal and professional life.
According to the report, the programme has been found to help reduce stigma, strengthen communities and support better outcomes for the children and families of clients.
HSE social inclusion specialist David Lane said that Brandon House shows that people can access high-quality treatment close to home and stay connected to families.
Mr Lane said this approach to addiction treatment can help support more people to recover, reduce pressure on acute services and strengthen communities across the South West.
Repro Free from HSE :: Pictured at the Rose Hotel Tralee were Barry Corkery senior addiction counsellor at the HSE , Ronan Doherty NOVAS , Daniel O'Shea Kerry ETB and Patrick Conway O'Connell HSE .Community-based recovery programme delivers strong outcomes for people experiencing addiction
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.
Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .
Domnick Walsh Photographer is an Irish Aviation Authority ( IAA ) approved Quadcopter Pilot.
Tralee Co Kerry Ireland.
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Final and issued- HSE South West Press Release
2 June 2026
