What is the Argyll and Bute Addiction Team (ABAT)?
The ABAT is a health and social work addiction team of professionals who offer services to people affected by their use of alcohol and/or drugs.
The ABAT consists of nurses, social workers, support staff, office staff and a psychiatrist. All staff have chosen to work in the ABAT, have particular interest in providing quality addiction services and have appropriate training. Services are delivered by small teams based in each locality.
How do I access the service?
To access the service you need to be referred by another professional service such as Social Work, GP, Criminal Justice Service etc.
If you wish to refer yourself to an addiction service there are voluntary sector addiction agencies in most areas. To access this information please contact the ABAT Central Office, Argyll & Bute Hospital, Lochgilphead. Tel: 01546 605602.
Who do you work with?
We work with adults from the age of 16 years. The harm reduction service in Oban works with people aged 12 years upwards.
We work with people who are experiencing problems in their lives due to their use of alcohol and/or drugs.
We work with people referred to us from other services such as your GP or Social worker.
What will you do to help me?
We will send you an appointment in your local area to come and see us.
If the appointment does not suit please contact us as soon as possible to rearrange another date.
At this first appointment a member of staff will listen to your concerns about your use of alcohol and/or drugs. We will ask some questions to help the staff and you understand your problems. We will do this using an assessment document. A first appointment usually lasts about an hour. At the end of the appointment staff will discuss with you what you want to do next.
- You can decide if you wish to work with us and the staff will discuss with you the options available within the service.
- Or with your permission we can refer you to another service better suited to your needs.
- Or you can decide you do not want any further help.
If you decide to work with us staff will offer appointments either in your home or at clinics. This will be discussed with you. Clinics are held in a number of places. Your first appointment letter will tell you where the clinic is being held.
First appointments are always held at a clinic unless there is a reason why you can’t leave your home. If you can’t leave your home two members of staff will visit you in your home for the first appointment .
Please note that if you have children we are obliged to make home visits at some points during your work with us.
What options are available in the service for me?
Each person is regarded as an individual by our staff therefore the services which are right for each person will vary.
Services available include :
- Psychological support (exploring options, setting goals, anxiety management etc),
- Planning lifestyle changes,
- Detoxification (drying out) from alcohol or from drugs, Working towards abstinence from alcohol or drugs,
- Working towards controlled drinking,
- Reducing use of alcohol and/or drugs
- Substitute prescribing programmes (not available in all areas)
- Provision of clean injecting equipment
- Blood Borne Virus (BBV) testing and referral for treatment
If you agree to work with us you will have a key worker who will be the main person you will work with.
What are my responsibilities?
Each person has an individual recovery plan which is agreed with them. If you have a family member or friend you want involved in supporting you, they can also attend and be included in your recovery plan. This will only happen if you request it.
It is very helpful if you can let us know in advance if you cannot keep your appointment.
Please do not attend when intoxicated as this usually means staff cannot have any meaningful discussions with you. It can also be alarming for other people attending the service. If staff are visiting you in your home they will not come into your home if you are intoxicated.
Please tell us how best to communicate with you e.g by phone, text or letter.
Confidentiality
In order for you to receive the best service all information about you is shared within the team. Your information is held securely within the team. If we feel that other agencies could help you we will ask your permission to share information with them, you can refuse to give your permission.
We can only ignore your refusal to share your information in particular circumstances :
- if we are worried about a child who is at risk of actual harm or not getting the care they need to develop normally.
- If we are worried about a vulnerable adult - this might be someone you tell us about or it might be you if you are at risk of harming yourself.
What if I am not happy with the service?
We will take any concerns you raise seriously. If you are not happy with the service you receive we hope you will feel able to talk to your key worker about your concerns. If you are not able to do this, or are not happy with their response you will be given information on how to make a formal complaint.
Contact details for ABAT local services.
Kintyre Addiction Service
Campbeltown Hospital, Ralston Road, Campbeltown, PA28 6LE.
Tel: 01586 555816
Oban, Lorn and Isles Addiction Service (service covers Mull / Tiree/ Coll)
Includes harm reduction and alcohol liaison nurse service.
Market Street Centre, Market Street, Oban, PA34 4HR.
Tel: 01631 571294
Cowal
Cowal Community Hospital, 360 Argyll Street, Dunoon, PA23 7RL.
Tel: 01369 708710
Bute
Victoria Annex, Lochfield, Townhead, Rothesay, PA20 9JH -
Tel: 01700 894571
Mid Argyll (service covers Islay and Jura)
Arach Centre, Mid Argyll Community Hospital, Blarbuie Road, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JZ
Tel: 01546 605602
Helensburgh and Lomond
Jeannie Deans Unit, Victoria Infirmary, 93 East King Street, Helensburgh, G84 7BU.
Tel: 01436 655053
Useful Links
- NHS 24 - 111
- Drinkline - 0800 7314 314
- Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90
- Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87
- Shelter Scotland - 0808 800 4444
- Alcoholics Anonymous - 08457 69 75 55
- AL Anon - 020 7403 0888
- Scottish Families Affected by Drugs - 0808 10 10 11
- We Are With You - 0800 206 1460