Accessing Drug and Alcohol Treatment
How to access free NHS and local authority drug and alcohol treatment in England, including self-referral without needing to see a GP first. Covers the FRANK helpline, what an initial assessment involves, and the range of treatment options from harm reduction to residential rehabilitation.
Overview
Drug and alcohol treatment in England is commissioned by local authorities and delivered through NHS and voluntary sector services. A GP referral is not required — a person can approach their local drug treatment service directly, or call the FRANK drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600 for advice and help finding the nearest service; a GP can also refer someone and provide medical support alongside treatment. After referral, an assessment with a key worker covers substance use, health, housing, and other needs, and determines the most appropriate pathway. Options include substitute prescribing, such as methadone or buprenorphine for opioid dependence, structured psychosocial interventions like CBT or motivational interviewing, mutual aid groups, needle exchange and other harm reduction measures, community or residential detox, and residential rehabilitation. Pathways and waiting times vary between local authority areas, so checking the FRANK website or calling the helpline is the most reliable way to find out what is available locally. Anyone worried about an overdose should call 999 immediately; naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose, is available free from many treatment services and pharmacies. This guide covers England & Wales, though local authority commissioning of treatment services is an England-specific structure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Attend appointments regularly
- Residential rehab may be funded by the local authority — ask your key worker
Costs
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
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.