The Substance Use Psychology Service is a specialist team that is part of the Psychological Therapies Service and is embedded within the statutory and non-statutory drug and alcohol services in Forth Valley.

We work with people who experience mental health difficulties which are related to their drug and alcohol use. We recognise that people use substances for a wide variety of reasons, and we therefore offer evidence-based person-centred approaches to support these individuals to develop an understanding of their difficulties and learn new ways of coping, in order to move towards recovery.

Who are we?

The Substance Use Psychology Service consists of clinical psychologists who work across Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa. We work in collaboration with our third sector colleagues in Change, Grow, Live (CGL) who offer cognitive behavioural therapy. We work within an MDT which consists of medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, recovery workers, and more.

What do we do?

We provide a range of evidence based psychological interventions. We often work with individuals who have survived trauma and may experience ongoing emotional regulation difficulties. We offer trauma informed interventions whilst using a formulation-led approach. Our interventions can also focus on difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, and sleeping problems.

What treatment does the Service provide?

Treatment is provided either in one to one sessions (which can take place in person or via videolink/telephone) or in group sessions. Your therapist will discuss the best options with you following your triage assessment appointment.

Most treatments will encourage you to:

• Explore your difficulties
• Agree aims for treatment
• Complete tasks between appointments
• Learn how to cope with difficult situations, memories, and emotions

Where will appointments be?

Appointments are held in a private room at one our bases (see below). They may also take place via videolink or telephone.

What will happen at the first appointment?

Your first appointment will be a triage assessment appointment and will last between 30-60 minutes. We can provide this using video ‘Near Me’ appointments powered by ‘Attend Anywhere’, a secure NHS virtual consultation service, telephone appointments and face to face appointments.
A summary of this appointment will be discussed with you and a letter will be sent to the person that referred you and your GP. If the assessment indicates that you would benefit from psychological intervention, treatment options will be discussed with you. Should our service be unable to meet your needs, we will discuss alternative options available to you.

How is the Service accessed?

You will need to be referred by your GP, another health professional within NHS Forth Valley, or by our colleagues in CGL.

Confidentiality

All NHS staff have a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. We keep information about your contact with the Service in paper and electronic form and it is held securely. Only staff involved in your care will be able to look at your records and we can check who has looked at your electronic record.

The person that referred you to the service will be kept informed about your treatment and at times we might be required to exchange information with other professionals involved in your care. On occasion, we are required by law to share confidential information out with the NHS. If this happens, we will make every effort to keep you informed.

Where is the Substance Use Service based?

Our team works from a number of bases including:

• Mayfield Building, Falkirk Community Hospital
  Telephone Number: 01324 614 347 / Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
• Community Alcohol and Drugs Service, Falkirk Community Hospital
  Telephone Number: 01324 673670 / Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
• St Ninian’s Health Centre, Stirling
  Telephone Number: 01786 468282 / Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
• Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre, Alloa
  Telephone Number: 01786 434499 / Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

Useful Websites and Resources

If you are concerned about yourself or somebody else who may be at immediate risk, contact either your local GP surgery, NHS 24 (dial 111) or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

For further information, the following websites and resources may be helpful.

Websites

• The NHS Forth Valley –  help and support for drug and alcohol problems
• NHS Forth Valley Substance Misuse Services 
• NHS inform provides helpful information regarding specific health conditions, alongside links to other organisations.
• Please see the Psychological Therapies page which includes websites and resources covering a wide range of mental health issues
• NHS Inform Self-help guides – Both physical and mental self-help guides can be found at NHS Inform.
• Carers Centres provides information and support to carers of all ages.
  – Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre
  – Stirling Area
• Steps for Stress
• Get Self Help
• Psychology Tools
• Moodjuice

YouTube videos

• 478 Breathing to aid sleep
• Guided Mindfulness Meditation- 5 minutes of Relaxation
• 5 Minute Quick Anxiety Reduction – Guided Mindfulness Meditation
• The Honest Guys- to aid sleep

Apps

• Headspace
• Mindshift
• Wellmind
• Virtual Hope Box
• CALM
• Self Help

Telephone lines

• NHS 24 – 111
• Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87
• Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90