Priory to offer free addiction assessment for Solihull residents
The Woodbourne Priory, part of the Priory Group, the leading independent providers of mental health care in Europe, is taking its services into the community to offer Solihull residents addiction advice and support on their own doorstep.
Priory will be holding outreach clinics at Dickens Heath Medical Centre, Solihull and offering a free and confidential initial assessment for anyone who feels that they need help for an addiction problem. This includes alcohol, drugs, gambling and other behavioural addictions.
The assessments will be carried out by an experienced Priory addictions therapist. The therapist will offer advice on appropriate treatment, local support services and funding options.
The Woodbourne Priory Hospital has been treating patients for addictions since it opened in 1984.
Chris Sharpe, addictions therapist at Woodbourne Priory said: "GPs believe that there is a high incidence of alcohol problems in the Solihull area and recent figures from the Big Drink Debate* substantiate this.
"It can be confusing and difficult for people seeking help to know how to take that all important first step. We want to help as many people as possible and that means taking our services, advice and expertise right into the heart of local communities. We hope that people will feel less intimidated in an environment they know and more willing to seek help."
Dr Julia Lawley, senior partner at the Jacey practice at Dickens Heath said: "Alcohol or drug concerns or any form of addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of background or circumstances. When an individual or someone's family recognise that someone is suffering from an addiction it is important that help and advice is available quickly.
"Assessing the nature of a person's addiction is essential in planning and implementing an appropriate treatment programme. We are pleased to be helping the Priory Group to allow Solihull residents access to information and local assistance, with potentially quicker access to treatment for their addiction."
Chloe*, a former patient at Woodbourne Priory said: "The most important thing is recognising and understanding that you have a problem and wanting to get well.
"I believe that by pro-actively going out into the community the Priory will encourage people who may be in denial or not sure of they have an addiction problem to seek help. There is a fine line between having a problem with alcohol and being a heavy drinker and most people are not aware that they have crossed that line. To be able to talk in the first instance to a specialised addictions therapist who understands the issues and the nature of the illness will be of great help to a lot of people.
"For me personally the Woodbourne Priory's programme was fantastic and gave me a real head-start for when I came home and started attending AA and NA meetings. The programme is not just about addiction but also about the way you live your life and becoming a better person. I am one of the lucky ones and I hope that this initiative helps others to address their addictions and get well a day at a time."
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