How long does the accessing drug and alcohol treatment process take?

The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Immediate"; "Usually within 3 weeks of referral"; "Ongoing — typically 6-12 months or longer". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.

How much does it cost?

Main outlays are: NHS/local authority treatment — Free; Residential rehabilitation (LA funded) — Free if approved. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.

Where can I find the official forms and guidance?

The official sources are: FRANK — Drug Advice; NHS — Drug Addiction. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.

Can I do this myself without a solicitor?

Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.

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Updated March 2026

England & Wales

Accessing Drug and Alcohol Treatment

How to access NHS and local authority drug and alcohol treatment services in England.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

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.

Who Can Use This Process

You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves accessing drug and alcohol treatment.
You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.

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.

Timeframe: Immediate

Practical Tips

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.

Timeframe: Usually within 3 weeks of referral

Practical Tips

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.

Timeframe: Ongoing — typically 6-12 months or longer

Practical Tips

Attend appointments regularly
Residential rehab may be funded by the local authority — ask your key worker

Costs

NHS/local authority treatmentFree

Residential rehabilitation (LA funded)Free if approved

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.

Useful Links

FRANK — Drug Advice NHS — Drug Addiction

Frequently asked questions

How long does the accessing drug and alcohol treatment process take?: The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Immediate"; "Usually within 3 weeks of referral"; "Ongoing — typically 6-12 months or longer". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
How much does it cost?: Main outlays are: NHS/local authority treatment — Free; Residential rehabilitation (LA funded) — Free if approved. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?: Watch out for: 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.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
Where can I find the official forms and guidance?: The official sources are: FRANK — Drug Advice; NHS — Drug Addiction. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
Can I do this myself without a solicitor?: Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.