Research & Innovation in Clinical Practice

From Workshop to Workplace: Examining the Use of Adolescent and Adult Community Reinforcement Approach (A/CRA) in Ireland ©

This original research study investigates how the Adolescent and Adult Community Reinforcement Approach (A/CRA)—an evidence-based behavioral intervention designed to treat substance use disorders—is understood, interpreted, and applied by addiction service providers across Ireland. While A/CRA has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials, this study explores its real-world implementation beyond controlled environments, focusing on how practitioners translate formal training into everyday practice. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data, the research examines factors that influence fidelity to the model, including organizational context, practitioner confidence, supervision structures, and perceived client responsiveness. The study provides nuanced insights into the challenges and successes of embedding evidence-based models in diverse service settings, highlighting both the potential and the limitations of current implementation strategies. Ultimately, it contributes to the broader discourse on bridging the gap between training and practice, and offers recommendations for enhancing the uptake and sustainability of A/CRA within the Irish addiction services landscape.

Using No Code/Low Code Mobile Application Development to Provide Increased Outcomes in Addiction Recovery ©

This paper explores how addiction services can harness digital tools—without requiring programming expertise—to co-create user-friendly applications that enhance client engagement, personalize care pathways, and support long-term recovery efforts. By leveraging no-code and low-code platforms, clinicians and service users alike can actively participate in the design and development of digital solutions tailored to their unique needs and contexts. This approach not only fosters innovation but also promotes accessibility, allowing organizations with limited technical resources to implement technology-driven interventions. Ultimately, the paper situates itself at the intersection of digital innovation and equitable care delivery, emphasizing that meaningful technological integration in behavioral health does not have to be exclusive or complex.v

“Severing the Umbilical Cord”
Examining the Psychological Impact on Veterans of the Transition from Soldier to Civilian in an Irish Context ©

This research study explores the psychological and psychosocial effects of transitioning from military to civilian life among Irish Defence Forces veterans, with particular attention to the distinctive context of peacekeeping service. While global literature on military transition tends to emphasize the trauma of combat and its aftermath, the Irish experience remains underrepresented—despite Ireland’s long-standing role in international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations. The transition out of the military, often described as "severing the umbilical cord," involves more than a change in occupation; it signifies a profound identity shift, often accompanied by a loss of structure, purpose, camaraderie, and institutional belonging.

Drawing on both qualitative interviews and contextual analysis, this study captures the lived experiences of Irish veterans as they navigate the challenges of reintegration into civilian society. It examines themes such as identity reconstruction, mental health, social disconnection, institutional support (or lack thereof), and the long-term psychological adjustments veterans must make post-service. Importantly, it also considers cultural and societal perceptions of the military in Ireland, and how these influence the support—or stigma—veterans may encounter during their transition.

The findings from this research are intended to inform a more tailored and responsive approach to veteran care in Ireland. By identifying the gaps between institutional discharge procedures and the real-life needs of ex-service personnel, the study offers evidence-based recommendations for the development of structured transition programs. These may include pre-retirement planning, mental health services, peer support networks, and vocational training that align with veterans' skills and experiences.

Ultimately, this study contributes to a growing body of knowledge that calls for a more holistic and humane understanding of what it means to leave military service—particularly in non-combat, peacekeeping contexts where the psychological toll may be more invisible, but no less impactful.