Privacy policy

Confidentiality is one of the most important factors that people worry about when they come in to treatment. This is especially the case for something like drug or alcohol dependency. Although many people around you might already know that you have a problem, clients like to feel reassured that their decision to get help is completely private.

We are legally bound to adhere to this code of confidentiality. Unless you give us permission to speak with someone, be it partner, family, employer or friend, we will not communicate with them.

There are two exceptions to this. Firstly we have to speak with your GP prior to admission. This is so that we can confirm any prescribed medication you might be on and also to find out if there are any medical, or psychiatric, matters that would influence your stay in treatment. If you do not have a GP we would wish to try and verify your medical history in some way. The second exception would be if you disclosed something that implied someone else may be physically harmed or in danger.

Wherever it is possible we do encourage clients to meet with their family while they are in treatment. We believe that if clients are planning to have some sort of relationship with their partners or family after treatment it is extremely useful to have discussed this with a staff member during your stay. We provide support groups for families and partners and experience shows that the more they are involved with your treatment the better the outcomes.

But outside of these matters it is your right to decide to keep your stay with us completely private if you want to. You will be asked when you come in to treatment to name the people you are, or are not, prepared to communicate with. Sometimes you may not have any choice in the matter. You may be under some sort of reporting regime with Probation or Social Services. If you are, having professional staff members speaking on your behalf can often be really helpful.

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