Treatment options
Harm
minimisation
Basic advice and Information can be
given by specialist services as well as by universal services
such as GP's. Most harm minimisation is reducing the negative
health impacts brought about by drug and alcohol misuse. This helps
reduce pressure on the NHS, improves daily lives of service users,
reduces the risks to others and helps engage those with
dependency about treatment services. Harm minimisation
consists of advice and practical ways of reducing the transmission
of Blood Borne Viruses (BBV's), Needle exchange services, both
within the treatment centres as well as within pharmacies. It can
also include safer injecting and overdose prevention advice.
Community
prescribing
Not all service users need to be treated
in a specialist setting. For some, being treated in their
community, by a GP with specialist interest may be suitable. This
depends on the seriousness of their problems, how long they have
been in treatment or how stable they are. This can be done
within
Counselling and
psychological support
Counselling is not to be
confused with basic advice and informal support. It is formal and
structured with clearly defined treatment plans and goals.
Intensive
Keyworking
1 to 1 and Groupwork
sessions. Clients attend these services according to a set
attendance level (usually 3-5 days a week), as set out in their
care plans.
In-patient
detoxification
This is known medically as “assisted withdrawal” and involves a
stay as an inpatient.It is an intense and high level of treatment
that requires a short stay in a specialist in-patient facility. It
is known medically as an ‘assisted withdrawal’ from either drugs or
alcohol and the process varies from person to person. It is safe
and effective treatment that manages the withdrawal effects of
problematic drug or alcohol through the use of prescribed
medication.
Residential
rehabilitation
A programme of recovery that takes place at a residential
community / facility.This usually involves clients staying in
a facility for a period of time providing a complete break from
their current circumstances. Professionals will provide
individualised therapy to help people remain abstinent from drugs
or alcohol and support their transition back into society. This is
a high level of treatment and is most suitable for individuals with
long standing or highly complex issues.Also known as
"rehab".
Aftercare
Aftercare is support that is planned for when clients leave
structured treatment. The aim is to maintain the positive
developments clients have made in their treatment, and help them
return to normal life. Aftercare often involves Peer Support,
sllowing people who have experienced drug and alcohol depenndency
to engage those who are not currently in treatment as well as those
currently engaged in services allowing them to obtain extra
support.