Book your free addiction assessment today
Talk to someone about your concerns in confidence
- Digital pathway
- Phone assessment
A free addiction assessment is a confidential opportunity to talk about the difficulties you’ve been experiencing and to explore whether specialist support could be helpful for you.
It is designed to give you space to speak openly about your habits, behaviours, and how they may be affecting your life, without pressure or obligation to enter treatment. Many people use an assessment as a first step to better understand what’s going on and to gain clarity about their options.
How to access your free addiction assessment
There are currently two ways to access a free addiction assessment. Both routes gather the same information and lead to the same next steps. The difference is in how you get started.
Both options are confidential, supportive, and focused on helping you understand your situation.
What to expect from an addiction assessment
Regardless of how you start your assessment, the aim is the same. It is an opportunity to build a clear picture of what you’re experiencing and to talk through what support might look like for you.
Telephone addiction assessment explained
During an assessment, you may be asked about:
- The behaviours you’re struggling with
- How long this has been affecting you
- How much control you have over your use
- The impact on your life
- Your physical and mental health
- The support you currently have around you
If you choose the digital pathway route, you'll receive an email from our partner, Be Seen, with your questionnaire. Once completed, an expert will carefully review your responses within typical working hours before arranging a follow-up conversation. This discussion will summarise the information you gave, and explore helpful options or recommendations to support your recovery.
At the end of the assessment, you’ll be offered guidance on the most appropriate options for you. This may include inpatient treatment, outpatient support, or advice on alternative routes if specialist treatment is not the right step at this time.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss practical considerations such as aftercare and costs, and talk about whether involving family or loved ones would be helpful.
The assessment is about understanding and choice. It is there to help you decide what feels right for you, at your own pace.
FAQs
Is the assessment confidential?
Yes, the assessment is completely confidential. You can speak openly about your circumstances in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
What are the benefits of having an initial assessment?
The assessment helps you understand how addiction treatment at Priory works, what will be involved, and which of our services will be right for you. It also provides a safe and supportive space to speak openly about your situation.
Do I have to commit to treatment after the assessment?
No, there is no obligation to continue with treatment after your assessment. It is simply an opportunity to explore your options and decide what’s best for you.
What questions might be asked in an assessment?
During your addiction assessment, we’ll explore various aspects of your life and addiction, covering areas such as:
- The substances or behaviours you’re currently struggling with
- Significant life events or stressors you may have experienced recently
- How long you’ve been using or engaging in this behaviour, and how frequently
- Whether you find it difficult to control your use, or stop once you start
- The impact your addiction has had on your relationships (for example, with family, friends and colleagues)
- Whether your addiction has affected your work, education or other responsibilities
- Any pre-existing medical or mental health conditions you may have
- Whether you’ve ever experienced withdrawal symptoms
- Your previous efforts to reduce or stop your use, and the outcomes of those attempts
- Whether you’ve sought professional help in the past (for example, therapy, rehab or support groups)
- The level of support you have from friends and family
- Whether you’re currently experiencing any thoughts of harming yourself
- Whether you’re currently involved in any support networks (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Gamblers Anonymous (GA))
Can I discuss how addiction is affecting my loved ones?
Yes, the assessment provides a space to reflect on how addiction may be impacting your loved ones and to explore the best ways to move forward.
How can the assessment help me take the next step?
The assessment is designed to help you recognise the impact of addiction, understand available treatment options, and feel prepared to take the next step towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.
Can I bring a loved one to the assessment?
Yes, if you feel more comfortable, you are welcome to have a loved one present during the assessment. They can offer support, ask questions, and help you feel at ease throughout the process.
What can I expect from rehab?
At Priory, we offer a range of addiction treatment services across the UK — including inpatient, outpatient and online options. Guided by clinical need, our programmes are designed to support you in a way that suits your life, your goals and your budget. Treatment may include detox, evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as 12 months of aftercare for continued support.
During your free assessment, we'll work with you to identify which treatment option will be the most suitable for your needs.
What happens after the assessment?
During the assessment, our specialist will have taken the time to understand you and your circumstances, in order to recommend the best treatment path for your needs.
If inpatient treatment is the right option for you, you may be offered a place on one of our addiction programmes. However, this isn’t the only route – we also offer flexible treatment options, including shorter inpatient stays and outpatient support, depending on your needs. If you’re admitted to an inpatient programme, you would typically:
- Meet with your consultant on admission or within 48 hours, depending on your presentation
- Be welcomed by your nursing team, who will show you your room and go through admissions process
- Meet with our admissions manager to discuss payment arrangements
- Be assessed for a medically managed detox, if appropriate for you
- Receive a physical health check from a medical doctor
Admissions can happen immediately if availability of beds allows. You can find out more about our addiction treatment options here.
Supporting someone you’re worried about
Many people explore addiction assessments because they’re concerned about someone they care about. If you’re unsure how to raise the subject of addiction with a loved one, you’re not alone.
Dee Johnson, addiction expert, explains all about interventions
You may be considering an intervention, which is a planned and honest conversation about the behaviours or habits you’ve noticed and how they may be affecting the person you care about.
We can help guide you through this conversation in a sensitive and constructive way. This includes advice on expressing your concerns, focusing on support and encouraging an open discussion.
Addiction assessments can be booked on behalf of someone else, as long as they are aware that the assessment is being arranged for them.
An assessment can help clarify possible next steps and give you guidance on how best to support your loved one, while respecting their choices and pace.