Professor Colin O'Gara is a recognised Consultant Psychiatrist with 23 years of clinical experience, specialising in addiction medicine. He serves as the Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD).
For over 17 years, Professor O'Gara has led the development of holistic, non-confrontational detoxification and rehabilitation services at St John of God Hospital. The hospital's addiction services treat a wide range of substance addictions, including alcohol, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, cannabis, and digital addictions such as gambling disorder and internet gaming disorder.
Dedicated to research, Professor O'Gara leads a group at UCD's School of Medicine investigating areas such as gambling, over-the-counter pill addiction, and alcohol rehabilitation. He actively works to destigmatise addiction through public engagement and media interactions.
Areas of Expertise:
Alcohol addiction
Stimulant addiction (cocaine, amphetamine, internet/head shop drugs)-
Opioids (over the counter and other painkillers)
Sedatives (benzodiazepines and 'Z' drugs), cannabis, and cannabinoids
Gambling addiction
Digital detoxification (severe gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder)
Internet use disorder (excessive use of the internet in general)
Education & Experience:
Professor O'Gara assumed the role of Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital in 2007.
Following his graduation from medical school in Cork, he underwent training in psychiatry and specialised addiction methods at the Maudsley Hospital, London, serving as a Senior House Officer and Specialist Registrar.
In 2003, he earned Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. His research on various addiction topics at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, is featured in international scientific journals, medical publications, media articles, and books.
Leading a research group at St John of God Hospital in conjunction with the School of Medicine at UCD, Professor O'Gara regularly mentors medical students and other healthcare professionals.
Research & Awards:
He was awarded a PhD from the University of London/Kings for his work on the genetics of nicotine addiction (2010).
Within UCD, he was appointed Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine (2018) after holding previous academic appointments of Senior Clinical Lecturer and Associate Clinical Professor.
He worked with the UK charity 'Action on Addiction' and regularly interacts with the public, media, and expert audiences to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
