Recovery Academy Officially Launches in Dublin

Academy Calls for a Re-orientation of Addiction Services.

The official launch of The Recovery Academy of Ireland took place yesterday in City Hall, Dublin.  The Recovery Academy is a forum that aims to support people in recovery from addiction and their friends and family members.

The Recovery Academy is an organisation comprising experts in addiction and recovery including people in recovery themselves, supporters, advocates and researchers who promote the concept of recovery. The group is calling on the Government to allocate more funding to provide resources that are required for recovery.

Commenting, Dr Patricia Doyle, Academy Chairperson said: “We believe that people can move from a dependence on addiction services to a life of fulfilment, wellbeing and full participation in society. We want to help empower people through recovery to achieve that life”

Mr Brendan Kenny, Assistant Chief Executive of Dublin City Council (pictured, left) who officially launched the Academy said: “We want to give a voice to people in recovery, their families and allies, and offer a vision of hope for the future. We want the academy to be a place where people can achieve social inclusion, learn about recovery from others, where they can participate safely in active citizenship, enjoy amenities and recreation and achieve employment. Building healthy cities and communities will allow people to flourish will make a significant contribution to the recovery process”.

The Recovery Academy grew out of research carried out on the Soilse drug rehabilitation project by Keane (2011) and Keane, McAleenan and Barry (2014). The Recovery Academy recognises that recovery has been championed in mental health services and addiction services internationally. It recognises that recovery does not include just a cessation from drugs, alcohol and behavioural addictions such as gambling but is the full reconstruction and fulfilment of people lives.

An important piece of research will also be launched on the day. The study undertaken by newly trained community researchers and overseen by two academics looks at what constitutes recovery and what has been effective in initiating and sustaining recovery journeys for those in the North Inner City.

The overall aim of the Academy is to raise awareness of and promote recovery, conduct research and organise and support recovery activities, provide workshops and training, provide support for people in recovery and their families and advocate on policy. Ultimately, we want to see a re-orientation of addiction services toward a recovery model as is occurring successfully in other countries.

Source: Vital communications