Tackling mental health and substance misuse together
In health terms, when people struggle with substances and their mental health at the same time, this is called a Dual Diagnosis. We have been working with local organisations to help improve the support available in Hertfordshire.
How can I get help?
Locally, Spectrum Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service and Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) work together to support people with a Dual Diagnosis. They can also support family or friends worried about a loved one.
Spectrum (the drug and alcohol service) and HPFT (the mental health service) make sure people get the support that’s right for them. Both teams can also help refer to the other.
If you have mental health and drug or alcohol problems, you are entitled to:
- An assessment – This is an opportunity for you to talk about your care, wellbeing and support needs
- A joint care plan – this plan involves you and your carer (if appropriate) and documents your care and needs. Regular care meetings and reviews (which your loved ones can join as well) are also held.
- Other services may include peer support, access to medication, therapy, work/ volunteering opportunities, group programmes and more.
- Support from HPFT and Spectrum - to assess and treat your mental health; and to address and treat your substance misuse. A named contact from HPFT and a Recovery Worker from Spectrum will support you.
Want to find out more?
If it's an emergency, or you don't think you can stay safe, please call 999 or go to A&E. If you feel like you need someone to talk to right now, we recommend calling the Samaritans on 116 123.
Click on this link to find out more about Dual Diagnosis help from Spectrum Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services or phone: 0800 652 3159.
Click here to contact Hertfordshire Partnership (hpft.nhs.uk) or phone: 0800 6444 101.
Want to find out more?
For more information about Dual Diagnosis and support available, click here:
