Triggering (Substance Abuse) - Referral to drugs and alcohol team

[everylastbit]

Saw my gp today and got referred. All I want to know is does anyone have any experience of this and what exactly happens?

Thanks

[HarryMonk]

Yes mate... You sit indoors waitin ages for an appt(!), well I did, then go & see someone for a quick assessment - ie. do you want to stop/cut down/etc etc. Be honest about how much you glug cos then they can reccommend suitable treatment. Probably want you to fill in a diary of how much you drink, how you felt etc.

Then back to the waiting list & finally an appointment with either a counsellor or if they think you need it a weeks stay in a rehab unit for a detox.

I live in London - not sure where you are but this what happened with me... Its your choice on the treatment - 7days detox scared me; I ended up self-detoxin (twice, went off the rails a bit... as you do...) - don't worry about it too much mate, the people you see aren't generally judgemental, they just understand the damage you can do to yourself/others & want to help.

Depends where you are how soon you'll get seen; seems to be quite busy round my area.....!

Good luck mate, get back to me if you want more info.

Your friend Harry Monk

[everylastbit]

Thanks mate. Good to know. I'm in Scotland so it'll probably be similar. My GP said that I might have to do a detox in rehab which is terrifying.

[HarryMonk]

On reflection Every I should have done the rehab detox. Initially I was climbin the walls & kept puttin off my "start" date as a result! At least if your somewhere else you'll have other stuff to do/food to eat/people to talk to.

Plus if you been hittin it heavy for any length of time goin cold turkey carries health risks... I just felt like sh*t for a week!

I reckon if you're serious about stoppin make yourself known to the rehab unit - ring em up once a week to see where you are on the list... Don't just wait for them like,esp if you are feelin like you could kick it at the moment, cos those feelins can change over time. (When I was originally told I might have to go in for a detox my drinkin went UP cos I thought I wouldn't be able to drink any more!!!

I'd be interested to keep in touch & see how things go for you mate.

All the very best.

Your friend, Harry Monk x

[Ami]

Really hope it helps you xx

[Kitkat :)]

I went to my GP for depression, they referred me to a psychologist and a psychiatrist and I told them about me smoking weed and drinking... I know now I'm dependant on weed to make me happy so I'm counting on them to try and help me get off it