Smithfield man shares powerful recovery story

A Smithfield man who survived a drug-related seizure following a prolonged period of psychosis has credited the Rutland Centre with saving his life, as people who have achieved significant milestones in addiction recovery were honoured at its annual Medallion Ceremony in Dublin.

Leon Wodzinski, who lives in Smithfield and previously worked in some of the capital’s five-star hotels, received a medallion marking his recovery at the private ceremony in the National Concert Hall last Sunday. He is now 21 months in recovery.

Originally from Poland, Leon moved to Co. Longford at the age of eight following a childhood marked by abuse.

As he grew older, he developed an addiction to drugs, beginning with morphine before progressing to crystal methamphetamine and GHB.

Despite the severity of his addiction, Leon continued working in Dublin’s hospitality industry and appeared outwardly to be functioning, while privately his health and personal life became increasingly unstable.

In 2024, Leon experienced a prolonged period of drug-related psychosis that resulted in his admission to a psychiatric unit.

He continued to struggle and later suffered a drug-related seizure.

A friend found him collapsed on the floor of his Dublin apartment—an experience Leon now describes as his rock-bottom moment.

He subsequently secured a place at the Rutland Centre in Knocklyon.

When he first arrived, Leon did not unpack his bag because he did not believe he would stay.

However, through the Centre’s structured treatment programme, group therapy and the support of its clinical team, he began to understand the experiences underlying his addiction, develop healthier ways of coping and rebuild his life.

Addressing recipients and their families, Leon said: “When I first walked into the Rutland Centre, I wasn’t thinking about a medallion or what my life could look like in recovery. I was just trying to survive. Addiction had taken me to a place where I barely recognised myself, but Rutland gave me a chance to stop running from myself.”

After completing treatment, Leon returned to the Rutland Centre for aftercare every Friday, even when he found it difficult.

 “Recovery taught me how to sit with uncomfortable feelings, be honest and ask for help. This medallion represents every day I chose recovery and the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.”

Held during Recovery Month, the annual Medallion Ceremony brought together almost 100 recipients, along with their families and supporters. Medallions were presented to mark recovery milestones ranging from one year to several decades, while also recognising the families, communities and professionals who support long-term recovery.

Maebh Mullany (pictured above with Leon) Chief Executive of the Rutland Centre, said: “Leon’s story demonstrates both the devastating impact of addiction and what is possible with the right treatment and continuing support. Addiction is not always visible, and someone may appear to be functioning while privately experiencing enormous distress. Each medallion represents courage and perseverance, while also recognising the families, friends and professionals who support recovery. Recovery is possible, but nobody should have to undertake it alone.”

The ceremony comes as demand for addiction treatment continues to rise. The Health Research Board recorded 24,220 drug and alcohol treatment episodes in 2025, while the Rutland Centre’s latest Annual Report found that almost two-thirds of its clients reported two or more addictions. Despite increasingly complex presentations, 98% of residential clients and 81% of outpatient clients completed treatment.

Based in Knocklyon, the Rutland Centre provides detoxification, residential, outpatient, continuing-care, family-recovery and intervention services for people affected by substance and behavioural addictions. In June 2026, it expanded its intensive outpatient programme beyond Dublin for the first time, opening a service in Athlone for people across the Midlands and West.

The Rutland Centre Annual Report 2025 is available at www.rutlandcentre.ie