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What medical support exists for addiction recovery? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Addiction is a health problem, and anyone living with it is entitled to treatment in the same way as anyone else with a health problem.
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  SPEAKER_00: Many people feel nervous or unsure about reaching out, and that's very common.
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  SPEAKER_00: And medical support for addiction recovery comes in several forms, and the right mix depends on your circumstances and what you're using.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now it's helpful to think of your recovery support as a team built around you.
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  SPEAKER_00: So if treatment plan is agreed with you and a keyworker supports you throughout, a helpful place to start is asking yourself what you would like to be different in your life and what one small step would move you towards that.
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  SPEAKER_00: So this could be cutting down, stopping, or simply getting advice.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now a GP is often a good place to start as they can talk you through your situation and help you get into treatment, usually by referring you to your local drug service.
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  SPEAKER_00: But if you would feel more comfortable, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now at your first appointment, staff will ask you about your drug use, about your work, family, and housing, just so they can get the full picture.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you may be asked for a urine or saliva sample as well.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now treatment can include several parts, so you have talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, which is there to help you see how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour.
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  SPEAKER_00: For dependence on heroin or another opioid, you may be offered a substitute medicine such as methadone, just so you can focus on treatment without worrying about withdrawal or buying street drugs.
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  SPEAKER_00: Detox helps people who want to stop opioids completely to cope with withdrawal.
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  SPEAKER_00: There are services that could also offer testing and treatment for hepatitis or HIV.
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  SPEAKER_00: There are also support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Smart Recovery to help some people, and your keyworker can point you to groups nearby.
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  SPEAKER_00: Treatment can also take place while you live at home, and if you need more intensive support, it may be a hospital inpatient or residential rehabilitation.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are having trouble finding the right help, the Frank Drugs Helpline can talk you through your options.
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  SPEAKER_00: The charity with you offers free confidential support for drugs, alcohol, and mental health across England and Scotland.
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  SPEAKER_00: You can chat online with a trained recovery worker seven days a week or search for a local service.
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  SPEAKER_00: Families and carers can find support too.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you can go back to the app's resources or medical support for addiction for further support around this topic.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking about harming yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.