Accessing Drug and Alcohol Treatment
How to access NHS and local authority drug and alcohol treatment services in England.
Overview
Drug and alcohol treatment in England is provided through local authority-commissioned services, the NHS, and voluntary sector organisations. Treatment is free, confidential, and available through self-referral or GP referral. Services range from harm reduction and detox to residential rehabilitation. The legal framework is primarily the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and NHS Act 2006.
Step-by-Step Process
Self-refer or see your GP
You can refer yourself directly to your local drug and alcohol treatment service — you do not need a GP referral. Alternatively, speak to your GP who can refer you and provide medical support. Find your local service through the FRANK helpline or NHS website.
- Call FRANK: 0300 123 6600 for free, confidential advice
- Treatment is completely confidential and will not be shared with police
Assessment
You will have an assessment with a key worker to discuss your substance use, health, housing, and other needs. The assessment determines the most appropriate treatment pathway: structured treatment, prescribing (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine for opioid dependence), counselling, group work, or residential rehabilitation.
- Be honest about your substance use — this helps get the right treatment
- You can take someone with you for support
Engage in treatment
Treatment is tailored to your needs and may include: substitute prescribing, structured psychosocial interventions (CBT, motivational interviewing), mutual aid groups (NA, AA), needle exchange and harm reduction, detox (community or residential), and residential rehabilitation.
- Attend appointments regularly
- Residential rehab may be funded by the local authority — ask your key worker
Costs
Important Warnings
Seeking treatment will not result in prosecution — treatment services are confidential.
If you are at risk of overdose, call 999 immediately.
Naloxone (to reverse opioid overdose) is available free from many treatment services and pharmacies.