Free online training course - Neurodivergence and Substance Use

2 Jun 2026

Citywide has launched the first free online course enabling addiction service workers to support neurodivergent people. We commissioned Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery develop the training and were supported by ADHD Ireland.

The course allows frontline staff in Ireland to get formal training to support neurodivergent people. It was developed in collaboration with national and international experts and co-produced with Community Drugs Projects.The lived experience of neurodivergent people who have accessed substance use services form part of the course to ensure the content reflects real-world challenges.

Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign chair Tony Geoghegan said it will fill a gap long been felt in communities across Ireland. "We know from our network of community drugs projects that staff have been doing their best without the tools they need," he said. "Neurodivergent people deserve services that understand them. This course gives workers the knowledge and confidence to make that a reality."

TCD Professor Catherine Comiskey said the course reflected both "the urgency of the need and a commitment to human rights in healthcare".

ADHD Ireland CEO Ken Kilbride said it will be will be an invaluable tool for those looking to deliver support to neurodivergent people living with addiction.

The Course is available at https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/substance-use-and-neurodiversity

NB This course is completely free when you choose the option ‘Start learning today’

The course takes place over 3 weeks. Each module is two hours long.