Our free addiction assessment explained

Addictions are treatable, and the most important first step is to get help. Here at Priory, we understand this can be an extremely daunting and difficult time, so we do all we can to make this as easy and as stress-free as possible.

Assessment overview

The initial discussion about your addiction will take place with an addiction therapist, although if you're struggling with prescription drug addiction, we advise you to see a consultant first. Your therapist will ask you questions about your addiction and assess your current situation.

When you're having your initial discussion, your Priory expert will give you information about our admissions process as well as explain the confidentiality and safeguarding act we uphold. You will be able to discuss our therapy and detox programmes, as well as take a tour of the hospital to gain an idea of what a typical day might involve.

We can also discuss the involvement of your family and friends in the recovery process, if that's what you want.

We'll also provide information about our free aftercare services and any details you need about costs and our payment process.

What to expect from an addiction assessment

Your addiction assessment is an opportunity for us to have an open and supportive conversation, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and challenges. The aim is to get a full picture of your situation so we can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

During your addiction assessment, we’ll explore various aspects of your life and addiction, covering areas such as:

• The substances or behaviours you’re currently struggling with
• Significant life events or stressors you may have experienced recently
• How long you’ve been using or engaging in this behaviour, and how frequently
• Whether you find it difficult to control your use, or stop once you start
• The impact your addiction has had on your relationships (for example, with family, friends and colleagues)
• Whether your addiction has affected your work, education or other responsibilities
• Any pre-existing medical or mental health conditions you may have
• Whether you’ve ever experienced withdrawal symptoms
• Your previous efforts to reduce or stop your use, and the outcomes of those attempts
• Whether you’ve sought professional help in the past (for example, therapy, rehab or support groups)
• The level of support you have from friends and family
• Whether you’re currently experiencing any thoughts of harming yourself
• Whether you’re currently involved in any support networks (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Gamblers Anonymous (GA))

What will you need for the assessment?

Before your assessment, you'll need to confirm your GP's contact details and agree to your information being shared with your GP.

While we would prefer to receive a GP referral when a patient enters our services, this isn’t always essential. We're also an approved provider for all of the UK’s leading private medical insurers. If you have private medical insurance, a GP referral may be required by your insurer before treatment can commence. Please liaise directly with your insurer to confirm this.

Please allow yourself around 1 to 1.5 hours for the whole assessment to take place.

What happens after the assessment?

During the assessment, our specialist will have taken the time to understand you and your circumstances, in order to recommend the best treatment path for your needs. If an inpatient stay on our 28-day addiction programme is deemed suitable and accepted, you would:

• Meet with your consultant on admission (or up to 48 hours after admission, dependent on presentation)
• Meet with your nursing team, who will show you your room and go through admissions procedures
• Meet with our admissions manager to discuss payment
• Be assessed for a medically managed detox
• Receive a physical assessment by a medical doctor

Admissions can happen immediately if availability of beds allows.