Who to Contact for Support with Addiction and How?
Summary
- There are two main avenues for getting professional help, support and treatment for an addiction; either through the GP or by self-referral directly to services
- Contacting the GP can be done in several ways, such as by phone, online or in person. Self-referral can be done by making contact with relevant services (if services are already known to the individual) or by using specialised database searches
- GPs and health professionals are there to support the individual. All topics related to drug and alcohol use and addiction can be privately discussed in these appointments, including preferences or needs for particular types of support
Who to Contact for Support with Addiction?
While talking to friends and family about any problems to do with alcohol or drugs can be a great first step, for professional support or treatments contacting a health professional is important.
This could be someone from the NHS, such as a GP, or health professionals who work in private clinics, centres or charities.
Currently, in the UK there are two main avenues for seeking help with problems relating to alcohol and drugs:
- Getting help from the GP
- Self-referring to a local alcohol and drug specialist services
How to Get Help From the GP
To start, an appointment with the GP will need to be arranged. This can be done in several ways:
- by phone
- in person, by visiting the GP surgery
- or online
If someone would like to book an appointment by phone, they would need to call the GP surgery's phone number they are registered at during working hours (usually 8am to 6.30pm).
If they do not know the number for the surgery, they can search for your GP surgery using this NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
Once they have found their GP surgery, it should contain a contact number.
If someone would like to book an appointment in person, they will need to speak to the receptionist at their registered GP surgery.
If they do not know the address for the surgery, they can search for their GP surgery using this NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
If someone would like to book an appointment online, they will first need to sign up to use the NHS's online services.
To do this, they need to use the NHS database to locate their GP surgery's details:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
The GP surgery's details should include whether or not they allow online appointment bookings. If they do, they will also contain the online provider they use. This may be the NHS app or something similar.
The provider will vary depending on the GP surgery. Signing up can be completed either on the computer or through a particular app.
In order to complete the sign up, they will need to prove your identity. This can be done by either using details from their GP surgery (using a form they send out) or using a photo ID online.
Once they have signed up, they can book an appointment with your GP.
How to Self-Refer to Local Services
An addition to going to the GP, another option would be to self-refer directly to local, relevant services.
Self-referral relies on using specialist alcohol and drug search databases in order to locate suitable, local support services. There are a number of search databases including ones created by the NHS and other charities.
Below are two easy to use databases, the NHS database and the FRANK database:
https://www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Drug%20and%20alcohol%20Services/LocationSearch/496
Typically, a search database will ask you to provide a location. This might be a town, region, or postcode.
Some search databases will also ask what type of service is required. For example, for detox services, advice and information, or counselling and therapy.
This is a good way to access particular support (such as detox, rehab, or general assessment) if needed.
Once the search is complete, the database will display nearby services.
The services displayed will also be accompanied with contact details. These details typically include a phone number, address, website and an email address.
Once a suitable service has been chosen, using the contact details provided, contact should be made.
Once contact is made, an appointment can be arranged. This could be in person, over the phone, or online depending on preferences and what the service is able to provide.
What Will Happen in an Appointment?
In an appointment with a GP or health professional, any issues about drugs or alcohol can be discussed.
They may ask questions about alcohol or drug use in order to better understand the person’s circumstances and needs. They may give a self-report questionnaire on your alcohol or drug use. For examples of these, see the how to assess drug and alcohol use section. These questions are used by the GP in order to assess the severity of the problem and what the best support or treatment options might be.
GPs and health professionals are there to support the individual. If there are any particular requirements or preferences the person might have (such as preferring one-on-one instead of group support), the GP or health professional would like to know in order to discuss the best options to suit the individual.
The GP or health professional will discuss the different treatment options available. Additionally, they may ask about the person’s expected outcomes, whether they want to completely stop alcohol or drug use or would like help in reducing and moderating use.
Depending on the information given and the topics discussed, the GP or health professional will recommend a treatment option or support plan. The treatments offered are usually a form of talking therapy or medication. They may also recommend the use of self-help support options.