Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service: St Albans

Who we are

The Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service in St Albans

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 St Albans area. Hertfordshire Drug

and Alcohol Recovery Services have hubs throughout

Hertfordshire, and run satellite services, please contact

the service for further details

What we do

Our services

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: in-house prescribing

service to support recovery from heroin addiction, with

access to GP shared care.

Needle exchange: offering clean injecting equipment,

swabs, disposal spoons, filters, water amps, sharps bins,

and condoms 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: to provide support and help individuals

develop an understanding of their problems.

Counselling: a safe and confidential environment for

individuals to explore their issues, feelings, attitudes

and behaviours relating to their drug and/or alcohol use.

Evening appointments offered.

Alternative therapies: a range of complementary

therapies which help manage anxiety, ease stress and

reduce cravings. Acupuncture is included.

BBV screening and vaccination: access to

confidential BBV screening and on-site vaccination

along with a referral into treatment.

Alcohol interventions and access to medically

supported detoxification.

Family and carer support: free and confidential help,

support and advice for partners, family members and

friends of people with drug and/or alcohol problems.

Peer mentoring and volunteering opportunities:

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

How to access our service

Referrals are accepted from GPs and partner agencies

as well as treatment providers and other professionals.

We also accept self-referrals.