Drug Addicts - Where Can They Get Help?

Drug users can get help in the UK from a variety of sources

. These include national government services, and local treatment services and charities. Short term emergency help and longer term treatment and prevention are all available. The NHS National Treatment Agency acts to provide advice to drug users needing help and coordinates services offered locally.

Information and advice services are a key starting point for treatment, and are offered by GPs, pharmacies and other local services. They include advice on the potential problems caused by drugs, advice on treatment options, help to stop using drugs, and advice on reducing the harm done by drugs.

Harm minimisation aims to reduce the damaging effects of drug s until the addict can be helped to stop taking them. In particular, those who use drugs intravenously are at high risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis, so needle exchanges provide clean needles and syringes. They can also test addicts for infectious diseases, and advise them on how to inject safely.

Local services provide tailored drug treatment programmes. An addict will be assessed by an expert in the field to see what treatment they might need. A keyworker will then be assigned who will work jointly with the addict to devise a care plan, and will meet with them at regular intervals to discuss their treatment and ensure they are following the steps in the plan to achieve their treatment goals.

Most addicts will be offered prescription substitute drugs (such as methadone) to help them get off illicit drugs. Over time, the dosage can be slowly reduced. Counselling is offered to help addicts deal with their problems. Sometimes it is offered as part of a structured day programme including group work and other training. It can also be offered, along with medical treatment, as part of residential treatment in hospital.

by: John Gordon

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