Hertfordshire Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service: Hertford

Who we are

The Hertford Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service offers a pathway to recovery for adults challenged by the use of drugs or alcohol. We provide a range of intensive community-based support, treatment and rehabilitation services that are designed to meet individual needs and support the family and friends of service users.

The service is free and confidential and available to anyone aged 18 or over who lives in Hertfordshire, particularly in the Hertford area. Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services have hubs throughout Hertfordshire, please contact the service for further details. The Hertford team run satellite services in Bishop's Stortford and plan to extend these to Ware and Broxbourne.

 

What we do

Each individual will have access to a range of services that include:

• assessment and recovery planning: a confidential assessment that enables individuals to plan their own recovery treatment programme.
• one-to-one support - from an assigned recovery key worker who will assist with recovery planning and support individuals through the service pathways.
• medically assisted recovery from our in-house prescribing service to support recovery from heroin addiction, with access to GP shared care.
• our needle exchange offers clean injecting equipment, swabs, disposable spoons, filters, water amps, sharps bins, and condoms, all free of charge. Service users can also dispose of used equipment safely using sharps bins
• harm reduction: to help individuals reduce the damage caused to them and others by substance misuse.
• group work provides support and help individuals develop an understanding of their problems.
• Counselling in a safe and confidential environment for individuals to explore their issues, feelings, attitudes and behaviours relating to their drug and/or alcohol use.
• alternative therapies: a range of complementary therapies which help manage anxiety, ease stress and reduce cravings. Acupuncture is included.
• access to confidential blood-borne virus (BBV) screening and on-site vaccination along with a referral into treatment.
• alcohol interventions and access to medically supported detoxification.
• free and confidential help, support and advice for partners, family members and friends of people with drug and/or alcohol problems.

Peer mentors and volunteers help us to deliver services, in return we offer:

• training, support and placement opportunities for peer mentors and volunteers.
• peer support: individual and group peer support and mentoring to help individuals to succeed and move forward in their recovery journey.
• relapse prevention: to help individuals develop skills and approaches that will increase their chances of remaining drug free. The topics covered include coping with triggers and cravings, lifestyle changes and action planning.

Next steps

Referrals are accepted from GPs and partner agencies as well as treatment providers and other professionals.

You can also drop in, phone or email us if you want to discuss the drug or alcohol use of you or someone you about whom you are worried.

Further information

You can download some further information about the project below:

Out-of-hours service: 0800 652 3169