substance misuse clinic tells Calderdale people there is help for addictions
Calderdale people with alcohol or drug related problems who are struggling with an addiction are being urged to seek help from their local NHS specialist service.
The Calderdale Substance Misuse Service (CSMS), which is provided by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offers specialist assessment, interventions and medically assisted recovery for adults aged 21 and over who are experiencing alcohol or drug related problems.
The service aims to reduce drug related harm to communities, individuals and their families. The service provides treatment programmes based on the best possible evidence that will have positive outcomes on health, crime, personal and social functioning.
The team offers an open access policy where adults can walk-in with or without an appointment to discuss treatment options. Once a suitable treatment option has been agreed a further appointment to start the recovery programme will be given.
The service also offers a needle exchange, where injecting drug users can exchange used injecting equipment for clean safe equipment and receive advice and information to reduce the risks of harm. This is a vital intervention for reducing the risk of illnesses such as Hepatitis C and improving the long term outlook for a persons overall health.
Service manager Haydn Cavanagh said, "The issues surrounding the misuse of drugs and alcohol is very misunderstood in society. People can really struggle for many years with these problems and need specialist help to break free from their addictions and move towards recovery.
"Our team can offer a range of interventions geared towards the individual needs of the service user, including substitute prescribing as part of a medically assisted recovery programme. The service is free and confidential. We offer a supportive and friendly environment and provide a holistic service that addresses the physical, psychological and social needs of the service user. This includes one to one support as well as group work, vaccinations and blood born virus testing, access to a specialist housing worker and referral on to other services where appropriate. Support is also available for the family and friends of people addicted to drugs or alcohol."
CSMS also runs the mentor group Contour, which is made up of recovering and recovered service users. Members of this group are being trained to work alongside specialist drug and alcohol workers to provide a peer mentor service to help inspire and encourage others.
Head of service, Deborah Hodgson said "There are a lot of old myths and misconceptions about what treatment services do and don’t provide. We have come a long way from the days of long waiting lists and a purely medical approach to treating addictions. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses all the needs of an individual, truly understanding who they are and what will work for them. We’d be very happy to organise visits to the service for anyone who wants to find out more about how we can help."
CSMS is based at School House, 56 Hopwood Lane, Halifax, HX1 5ER. The service is open Weekdays 9-5pm and Thursday until 7pm. Services are also provided in partnership with GPs, from a number of surgeries across Calderdale.
There is also an open access service in Todmorden on Mondays at Todmorden Health Centre between 2pm- 5pm.
To find out more about the Calderdale Substance Misuse Service call the team on free phone 0800 328 6397 or 01422 397300