What help is available?

Making the decision to go into treatment is potentially life-changing but finding a programme that suits you is also an important choice. To give yourself the best chance of success you need to choose a treatment programme that suits your circumstances. The best option will probably not be the ‘easiest’ one, as any treatment for addiction is going to be a difficult, challenging experience.Making the decision to go into treatment is potentially life-changing but finding a programme that suits you is also an important choice. To give yourself the best chance of success you need to choose a treatment programme that suits your 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 invite you to see yourself as more than your addiction, and to recognise your harmful behaviours as symptoms of some deeper insecurity. It will ask you the question: ‘Why do you do the things that you do?’

If you are really willing to engage in treatment you will already realise that the buzz or high that attracted you to using in the first place has become more of a trap than an escape, and you are ready to learn a new way of being in the world.  Effective treatment helps you to unravel the causes behind your addiction, to explore the possibility of beginning to enjoy a new life, simply as yourself, away from drugs and alcohol. A good rehabilitation programme will guide and support you in analysing your relationships with friends and family, looking at how you see your place in the world around you, and ultimately your relationship with yourself.

Treatment programmes are provided both in inpatient (fulltime 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.