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Article: Accessing immediate treatment is not always possible via NHS.

For those trying to access treatment for a drug and alcohol problem, accessing immediate and intensive support can be challenging, especially where NHS services are required. For many, taking the first steps towards recovery is difficult. A problem facing those affected by someone else’s addiction is that the individual will not benefit from treatment until they are fully ready for it. In some cases, as a result of the detrimental effect an addiction can have on someone’s life, forced treatment will be part of a court condition or bail option. However, the Center for policy studies (2011) reported that on average 40% of those accessing rehab services self refer.

Treatment for those who are ready and agreeable to access it is important. For many who have built up a physical and psychological addiction to drugs or alcohol, residential treatment is recommended. This is because residential treatment provides more medical and psychological treatment included within this period of time. NHS alcohol rehab or drug rehab referrals have, however decreased over recent years. The Center for policy studies (2011) stated that over the last 3 years referrals to drug and alcohol rehab NHS fell to just below four thousand people, despite there being similar reported numbers of alcohol or drug dependent individuals as in 2004.

The response to the Center for policy studies (2011) highlighted the need for people to be given more effective and intensive treatment options such as rehab, as opposed to drug maintenance programmes and medicated support. This is particularly relevant as many drug dependent individuals reported that they wanted help to completely overcome their addiction and become substance free. In the Drug Outcome Research in Scotland study (2008), just over three quarters of participants had the goal of complete abstinence from any substances.

Treatment is most likely to be effective when tailored to the individual needs and requirements of the person seeking treatment. Personal goals and aims are important to take into account, and for those aiming towards complete abstinence, more support and treatment to help the individual reach this goal should be in place through the NHS. 

Reference

Center for policy studies (2011). Breaking the habit: Why the state should stop dealing drugs and start doing rehab.

McKeganey, N.,  Bloor, M., McIntosh, J., & Neale, J.  (2008).  Key finding in the drug outcome research in Scotland (DORIS) Study.  University of Glasgow; Centre for Drug Misuse Research.

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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