Making the first contact
Not knowing what happens next keeps a lot of people from picking up the phone. Here’s what usually happens once you do.
- Your GP can talk it through, check your health and refer you to local services.
- In England you can usually refer yourself to your local drug and alcohol service without seeing a GP. The NHS addiction support pages explain how to find yours.
- In Ireland the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 can point you to your local service. It’s free and confidential, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm.
The assessment
Your first proper appointment is usually an assessment. A worker will ask about what you use, how much and how often, your physical and mental health, and things like work, housing and family. It can feel like a lot of questions. They aren’t judging you. They’re working out what will actually help.
Be as honest as you can. The plan is only as good as the picture they have. Services will explain how they keep your information private, and the rare times they might have to share it, for example if a child is at risk.
Your plan
Afterwards you’ll usually have a named worker and a plan you agree together. Depending on what you need, it might include:
- One to one talking support or counselling.
- Group sessions with others in the same boat.
- Medication. For example, substitute medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine for people dependent on opioids, or medicines that help some people stay off alcohol.
- A detox, either at home with medical support or as an inpatient. If you’re physically dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines, this should always be medically supervised.
- Residential rehab, for some people, often after other support has been tried.
- Help with the knock-on stuff, like housing, money or getting back to work.
What it costs
Treatment through NHS and HSE services is free. Private rehab can be very expensive. If you’re considering it, ask what qualifications the staff have, whether the service is registered with the regulator, and what support there is after you leave.
Waiting times
Some services can see you quickly, others have waiting lists. If you’re told to wait, ask what support there is in the meantime. Recovery meetings, helplines and your GP can all help you hold on. Finding your first meeting explains how.
Questions worth asking
- What happens next, and when?
- Who do I contact if things get worse before my next appointment?
- Is it safe for me to cut down or stop now, or should I wait for medical support?
- What support is there for my family?
- What happens if I slip up?
If you slip up
A lapse is common in recovery, and it doesn’t wipe out the progress you’ve made. Tell your worker. It’s information that helps them adjust your plan, not a reason to give up on you.