Substance misuse services in the borough are provided by Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust. They provide a range of services to people who misuse drugs and alcohol, and their families and friends. Services include: Street Based Services, General Practitioner Liaison Service, Criminal Justice Team, Harm Reduction Services, Community Detox, two Community Drug Teams, and Abstinence Services.
Two specialist substance misuse teams in the borough (in Wigan and Leigh town centres) provide expertise to help to identify and tackle drug and drink related problems, such as:
- depression
- anxiety and stress
- relationship problems
- coming off drugs
- staying off drugs
- legal problems
- financial problems
- employment and training
- choosing the right rehabilitation service
The teams provide access to a range of treatment and care options for people with dependent substance misuse problems.
Advice, information and counselling
- The service can provide advice, guidance and support to users and relatives, and a telephone counselling and advice service is available during office hours.
- A wide range of information leaflets, educational material and health advice is also available.
- Specialist counselling can also be provided, aimed at reducing health-damaging behaviour associated with substance misuse, and supporting people to prevent relapse.
Needle exchange
A needle exchange service is provided at both substance misuse teams, in partnership with local pharmacies. It provides clean equipment for people who don't want to stop using, and the facilities for safe disposal of used equipment. It also includes: primary health care, Hepatitis screening and vaccination, HIV pre and post counselling.
Community detoxification
The service provides a range of options for community-based detoxification, including home detox.
In-patient detoxification
The service can refer people onto regional in-patient facilities, offering detoxification programmes for both drugs and alcohol.
Residential rehabilitation
The service carries out assessments to help people to choose the right residential facility. This includes applying for funding, where appropriate.
Direct payments
A direct payment is a cash payment given by the council to enable people to buy their own care services from the person or agency of their choice.
Helpline
Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust also operates a local helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - phone 0800 389 4463.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is having problems with a drug addiction, contact Wigan and Leigh Street Based Services to make a referral for services. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is having problems with an alcohol or other substance addiction, contact your nearest Substance Misuse Service in Wigan or Leigh. Referrals for the service can be either self-referral, or referral by an agency. All services are free and confidential. The aim is to offer an assessment appointment within 48 hours.
