Drug and alcohol recovery - Argyll and Bute

What is the DARS?

The Argyll and Bute Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (DARS) is a health and social work team of addiction professionals who offer services to people affected by their use of alcohol and/or drugs.

DARS is an integrated team comprising staff from NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council. The team consists of nurses, social workers, support staff, office staff and a psychiatrist. All staff have chosen to work in the DARS, have particular interest in providing quality addiction services and have appropriate training.

Services are delivered by small teams based in each locality, and include:

• assessment

• recovery planning

• harm reduction

• sexual health information

• blood borne virus information and testing

• opioid replacement therapy

• naloxone training and supply

Members of the public and fellow professionals are welcome to contact us for information and advice.

How do I access the service?

To access the service you need to be referred by another professional service such as social work, your GP or the Criminal Justice Service.

If you wish to refer yourself to an addiction service there are voluntary sector addiction agencies in most areas. For more information, contact the DARS main office.

Who do you work with?

We work with:

• adults from the age of 16 years (the harm reduction service in Oban works with people aged 12 years upwards)

• people who are experiencing problems in their lives due to their use of alcohol and/or drugs

• people referred to us from other services such as a GP or social worker

What will you do to help me?

We will send you an appointment in your local area to come and see us. If the appointment does not suit, please contact us as soon as possible to rearrange another date.

At this first appointment a member of staff will listen to your concerns about your use of alcohol and/or drugs. We will ask some questions to help the staff and you understand your problems. We will do this using an assessment document. A first appointment usually lasts about an hour. At the end of the appointment staff will discuss with you what you want to do next.

• You can decide if you wish to work with us, and the staff will discuss with you the options available within the service.

• Or with your permission we can refer you to another service better suited to your needs.

• Or you can decide you do not want any further help.

If you decide to work with us, staff will offer appointments either in your home or at clinics. This will be discussed with you. Clinics are held in a number of places. Your first appointment letter will tell you where the clinic is being held.

First appointments are always held at a clinic unless there is a reason why you can’t leave your home. If you can’t leave your home, two members of staff will visit you in your home for the first appointment.

If you have children we are obliged to make home visits at some points during your work with us.

What options are available in the service for me?

Each person is regarded as an individual by our staff, therefore the services which are right for each person will vary. Services available include:

• psychological support - e.g. exploring options, setting goals, anxiety management

• planning lifestyle changes

• detoxification (drying out) from alcohol or from drugs

• working towards abstinence from alcohol or drugs

• working towards controlled drinking

• reducing use of alcohol and/or drugs

• substitute prescribing programmes (not available in all areas)

• provision of clean injecting equipment

• blood borne virus testing and referral for treatment

If you agree to work with us, you will have a key worker who will be the main person you will work with.

What are my responsibilities?

Each person has an individual recovery plan which is agreed with them. If you have a family member or friend you want involved in supporting you, they can also attend and be included in your recovery plan. This will only happen if you request it.

It is very helpful if you can let us know in advance if you cannot keep your appointment.

Please do not attend when intoxicated as this usually means staff cannot have any meaningful discussions with you. It can also be alarming for other people attending the service. If staff are visiting you in your home they will not come into your home if you are intoxicated.

Please tell us how best to communicate with you - e.g. by phone, text or letter.

Confidentiality

In order for you to receive the best service, all information about you is held securely and shared within the team. If we feel that other agencies could help you, we will ask your permission to share information with them.

You can refuse to give your permission. We can only ignore your refusal to share your information in particular circumstances:

• if we are worried about a child who is at risk of actual harm or not getting the care they need to develop normally

• if we are worried about a vulnerable adult - this might be someone you tell us about, or it might be you, if you are at risk of harming yourself

What if I am not happy with the service?

We will take any concerns you raise seriously. If you are not happy with the service you receive we hope you will feel able to talk to your key worker about your concerns. If you are not able to do this, or are not happy with their response you will be given information on how to make a formal complaint.