Service users, families and carers

Screening is done by non-specialists such as GPs, health centre workers, probation officers and social workers.  It is to simply check for drug and alcohol problems and to find out how urgently you need help. You will then be referred to a specialist service to start your treatment. 

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If you arrive at a specialist treatment service, or are referred there, you will first get a triage assessment.  The aim is to find out what treatment is most suitable for you.  You will be asked questions to find out how serious your problem is, how urgently you need help and how motivated you are to be in treatment.  You are also likely to be given an initial care plan.

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A comprehensive assessment is for people with more serious drug problems. The aim is to find the exact nature of drug and alcohol problems, and any other problems such as health concerns, crime and housing. 

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When you start treatment you will be given a keyworker, who will be your main contact at the service.  Your keyworker could be a drugs worker, nurse or other health or criminal justice professional.  Regular discussion will help monitor your situation, your treatment and the progress on your care plan. 

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Care plans are very important and everyone in structured treatment should have one.  This will be written by you and your keyworker.  It is an agreement between you and the treatment service on a plan of action.  The aim is to sort out your drug and alcohol problems and to help reduce risk to yourself and people around you. 

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Your keyworker will regularly review your progress in treatment using the Treatment Outcomes Profile (TOP).  This will help show your progress in reducing your drug and alcohol use, and improvements in your health and wellbeing.

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