START Programme, Harrogate
Strategies & Treatment for Alcohol Rehabilitation and Therapy is a two stage residential treatment.
About us:
START offers a 7 day physical alcohol detox with the option of continuing on to a 10 day programme of intensive therapy.
The two stages are available separately or as a complete alcohol treatment package. START aims to free you of physical, psychological and emotional dependence on alcohol and enable you to live and function in a world where alcohol is freely available. We do this in a pleasant and safe environment within which you can successfully detoxify from your alcohol addiction as comfortably as possible.
Philosophy of START
The programme assumes that people are capable and willing to take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions. We aim to provide a programme within which you can learn new strategies for dealing with life’s stresses and problems, understand the context of your past drinking behaviours and restructure your relationships and communication in more positive and life affirming ways.
The START Programme is designed to free you from your physical, psychological and emotional dependence on alcohol.
What is START?
START is a unique 2 stage, residential treatment programme. A fixed price covers every aspect of treatment from the consultants’ fees and medication, to therapy sessions and telephone support on discharge. The two stages are available separately or as a complete package.
What does the treatment involve?
A 7 day physical detox is done in a pleasant, safe environment, with a consultant psychiatrist prescribing suitable medication to minimise alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A 10 day therapeutic programme follows. Relaxation techniques, stress management and assertiveness training are among the skills you will acquire for a new, alcohol-free lifestyle.
Who oversees my treatment?
You’ll work with a consultant psychiatrist to tailor a treatment plan, following assessment of your alcohol dependence.
Our doctor will let you know the impact drinking has had on your health after a full physical examination and blood tests.
There will be daily feedback from staff and we will take into account your family history and current lifestyle when working with you to set goals.
A named nurse is appointed to support you through your care and treatment programme, alongside other members of the clinical team.
7 Day Detox
The first 7 days of the programme will be dedicated to the detoxification. This is normally managed with medication to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Your consultant may use other medications as well, in order to reduce the chances of fits (sometimes associated with withdrawal) or to replace vitamins that may have been depleted as a result of prolonged use of alcohol.
During this period you will be observed and monitored. It is normal during this period to experience feelings of boredom, restlessness and to want to be ‘doing something’. You are advised to take this opportunity to rest and as your concentration improves we recommend that you occupy yourself with reading, music or television.
Relaxation tapes, CDs and talking books are available from the Therapy department. You will be advised by your consultant and nursing staff if they believe you are fit enough to go into the grounds, although you may need an escort.
Visiting is encouraged but we have to advise you that the ‘Private and Voluntary Health Regulations 2001′ require that special arrangements are made for visiting by children under 18 years. Please contact the ward if you wish children to visit and we will endeavour to arrange a suitable room for the visit to take place in.
Towards the end of this period most people are ready for the therapeutic stage or for discharge home.
Discharge is planned with you in advance and a member of staff will arrange a suitable time with you to organise this. You may well want to involve your family/significant others in this session.
10 Day Therapy
The second stage of the programme runs for 10 days. This is a residential programme however in some locations you may also access the 10 day programme as a day patient. You will attend a planned programme of therapy sessions that will give you the opportunity to explore all aspects of your drinking behaviour and to develop new skills and strategies for managing stress. You will also be given material/notes and “homework” to complete outside of these sessions to reflect on the work done in the therapy groups.
Pending assessment by your consultant, you may have access to our local leisure facilities.
Visiting is encouraged but not during the therapy session times and therefore evenings and weekends are available. We have to advise you that the “Private and Voluntary Health Regulations 2001” require that special arrangements are made for visiting by children under 18 years. Please contact the ward if you wish children to visit and we will endeavour to arrange a suitable room for the visit to take place.
Throughout your stay, time will be spent discussing your progress during one to one sessions with nursing staff.
Discharge is planned with you in advance and it is preferred that family and/or significant others are involved. A member of staff will arrange a suitable time with you to organise this. Discharge will take place on the last day of the programme following the final therapy session which will be completed at 15.30 pm.
Contact Details:
START Programme
Cygnet Hospital Harrogate
23 Ripon Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 2JL
Telephone: 0845 070 4166