Some clients who attend the Focus12 programme do so on a daily basis because they are living close enough to the centre to be able to come in each day. These people will either have their own transport or use public transport to travel in. This arrangement works well and allows the client to demonstrate their motivation and willingness. Prior to admission the staff will have checked that the client's home environment is suitable and supportive.
However in certain circumstances even though a client may live within an easy travelling distance of Focus12, the team may take the view that it would be better to attend on a residential basis. For instance, if a client was living with a partner who was also using on a regular basis, this would obviously not be a safe place to return to each night. Again, in some situations the tension within a household may be such that it would not be beneficial to return each day to a dysfunctional or aggressive home environment.
However, if clients are able to access the programme on a daily basis they will also be able to access a detox in a similar manner. Clients attending for detox on a daily basis will have been assessed prior to admission and had an agreed detox regime established between themselves and the Consultant Psychiatrist. On admission, providing they are not intoxicated, the detox regime will usually begin within twenty minutes of arrival. All medications and detoxs will be held, managed and distributed by the Focus12 staff, as and when required. Clients will be given their evening medication to take home with them.
Clients who are going through detox at home will have to have assured the team that they have adequate support . They will also be able to access 24 hour staff cover through a monitored telephone line. Under normal circumstances, the clients will not be able to drive whilst they are undergoing detox.