Who else here has received poor care and treatment from the NHS for addiction?

[kace]

Hi there, I'm 24 years old and have been addicted to benzos since '12 and opiates since '13. I have always blamed myself for this, however after reflecting on how things came to this, I can't help but be disappointed in the lack of care, empathy and treatment from the only local, NHS provided drug help centre. I am wondering if any other fellow UK bluelighters have experienced the same, if so I would like to hear your stories and where you think they could of done better. If you're not from the UK please feel free to share as well.

I really think that if staff were more trained, referred people faster to mental health services (if needed), or even just cared and had more empathy for people, far more would be able to overcome their addictions..

 

[Allein]

Not great Kace, my last attempt to engage with an addiction service was mixed to say the least, I can't really access them as everything is done in normal working hours, even the group meetings.

I'm in the process of seeking a private counselor as it seems the only option open to me but I accepts that isnt an option for all £30-£50 a session.

Keep trying there are good people in those services you just have to seek them out

 

[THECATINTHEHAT]

On the whole I've been lucky. I have had a bad key worker and periods of problems with scripts that caused a lot of stress, but I have also had an amazing key worker who was really knowledgable and accomadating with scripts. I've been to clinics where they pay you almost no attention just because they are so busy and over run with a hardcore of very problematic IV polydrug addicts (of which I was part really), but I've also been to clinics where they were very commited to helping you.

I guess I've had mixed care overall, but nothing bad enough to make me want to complain on a larger scale I'm afraid. On the whole I would say my care has been pretty good, and it's been easy to change things up when it wasn't.