Admitting you have a problem with drugs is the first and biggest step towards becoming drug free. There's a wide range of services that can help.
Some of these services are provided by the NHS, and some are specialist drug facilities run by charities and private organisations.
This guide to getting treatment for a drug problem will steer you through the options, so you can find help that works for you. You have the same entitlement to care as anyone coming to the NHS for help, and that drug treatment has become much more effective and easy to obtain in the past decade.
With the right help and support it's possible for you to get drug free and stay that way.
Where to start
A good place to start is your GP surgery. It can assess you and work out what type of treatment is best for you. Your GP might treat you, or you might be referred to your local specialist drug service. Many drug treatment services accept self-referrals, so you may not need to be referred by your GP.
You can find your local services on the DrugScope Helpfinder website, or ask your local Drug Action Team (DAT) for information about drug services in your area. You can find contact details for your local DAT at the Home Office website (both links are to external sites). Information should also be available on your local Primary Care Trust’s (PCT’s) website.
Your keyworker
Once you have been assessed for treatment, you'll be given a keyworker. They may be a doctor, nurse or a drugs worker. Your keyworker will help you organise treatment, develop a personalised care plan with you, and be your first point of call throughout your treatment. You’ll see your keyworker for regular one-to-one sessions during your treatment.
Voluntary sector and private treatment
Outside the NHS, there are many voluntary sector and private drug and alcohol treatment organisations that can help you. As well as residential rehab centres, there are a variety of community services provided by voluntary organisations. These include structured day programmes, outreach and harm reduction services, counselling services, aftercare, housing support services and other community treatments.
These organisations will usually be linked to NHS services in your area. More information on your local voluntary sector and NHS services will be available from your local Drug Action Team.
Further reading
The National Treatment Agency, created by the government in 2001 to improve treatment for drug use in England, has published a booklet entitled Getting Help with a Drug Problem.
