What help is available?

Making the decision to go into treatment is potentially life-changing but finding a programme that suits your child or partner is also an important choice. To give them the best chance of success, you will need to consider a treatment programme that suits their circumstances.Making the decision to go into treatment is potentially life-changing but finding a programme that suits your child or partner is also an important choice. To give them the best chance of success, you will need to consider a treatment programme that suits their circumstances. The best option will probably not be the ‘easiest’ one, as any treatment for addiction is going to be a difficult, challenging experience.

An effective treatment programme will them you to see themselves as more than their addiction, and to recognise their harmful behaviours as symptoms of some deeper insecurity. It will ask them the question: ‘Why do you do the things that you do?’ If they are really willing to engage in treatment, they will already realise that the buzz or high that attracted them to using in the first place has become more of a trap than an escape, and they are ready to learn a new way of being in the world. Effective treatment helps the person to unravel the causes behind their addiction, to explore the possibility of beginning to enjoy a new life, simply as themself, away from drugs and alcohol. A good rehabilitation programme will guide and support the person in analysing their relationships with friends and family, looking at how they see their place in the world around them, and ultimately their relationship with themselves.

Treatment programmes are provided both in inpatient (full-time residential) and outpatient (day programme) structures. Some services also provide an outreach programme, where people who are considering coming off drugs can find out more about their options. After detoxification and rehabilitation, clients may be provided with support in moving back into the wider community in a safe and sustainable way. This is perhaps the most important stage in recovery, a process generally known as ‘integration’. Aftercare programmes allow clients to continue to receive support, once back living and working in the community. Different levels of aftercare support are offered by different agencies. Sometimes work, such as Community Employment Schemes, can be accessed through aftercare support.