FAQ's
If your question is not listed here, please use our contact form to ask us directly.
Do I have to join a group?
No. You will meet someone on a one to one basis initially who will discuss with you what you would like to change and what we can offer that might help you in making that change. We do offer group work in the form of short courses to help you learn new skills and develop understanding of drug and alcohol issues but this is only part of what we can offer. Clients usually start off by seeing one of our workers on a one to one basis.
Are you part of AA?
No. Some of our clients will also attend AA but we are not part of AA. AA has a specific approach and philosophy which we recognise is not necessarily the most helpful one for all of our clients. We try to offer a broad approach which acknowledges that different clients respond in different ways.
Will it cost me anything?
No. Our service is free to our clients and we do not ask for any contribution to the cost of the service. We are a registered charity and if any one wishes to make a donation we are happy to accept it but we do not expect it.
I feel that I need to go to a residential unit to get better. Can you arrange that?
For some people going away to a residential rehabilitation centre is an appropriate option to consider but it is important to realise it is a big commitment for you and needs to be carefully thought through. For this and other reasons it can take some time to arrange a residential placement so it is important to realise that ‘going away somewhere’ cannot happen immediately. We can arrange the required assessments and financial assessments.
Does my doctor have to know?
Not necessarily. We do want to make sure that you have the best care possible and in order to do this it might be necessary to involve your GP. It is always necessary to inform your GP if any medication is prescribed to help you otherwise it may not be essential, but generally we think it is helpful for your GP to be aware of your treatment here. We would discuss this with you and ask for your agreement before we contacted your GP.
How can I make my son/daughter/partner stop using?
Put bluntly the simple answer is that you can't. Anyone's drug or alcohol use is their own choice and it is unlikely that anyone will change it unless they want to. There are however ways in which you can support them in making the changes they want to make. We are happy to discuss these with you. It is also very important that you consider what support you need. Caring about some one with a drug or alcohol problem is often very stressful and we can offer support to you along with information about national support groups, help lines etc.
How long will my treatment last?
How much support someone needs to make the changes they are looking for depends on several things. Some people find that one meeting with a worker is enough to give them an understanding and a plan of action. For most service users we would look at around 12 weeks of sessions. For entrenched, complex problems sessions may take place over a longer period. Service users are involved in the development and evaluation of a care plan and are therefore aware of and involved in the length of the treatment episode.
Is the service confidential?
HADA has a strict confidentiality policy which it is important that all service users are aware of and understand. There are certain situations where we are, in your interest or the interest and safety of others, obliged to share information. If you have any queries about our confidentiality policy our workers will be happy to answer them.
How soon can I get to see a worker?
We always aim to keep any waiting time to a minimum. However as we receive up to 1200 referrals per year we do, sometimes, have waiting lists. We always aim to offer you an initial appointment within about two weeks but depending on the service you need there may be a delay following this initial work.
