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Our Substance Misuse Services

Our comprehensive substance misuse services help to support local people to live addiction free lives. We work with each person to develop a personal recovery plan built around their individual circumstances and needs. We also aim to reduce the harm caused by addiction to individuals, families and communities.

These services are delivered in partnership, with multi-disciplinary teams renowned for excellence in care. Spectrum’s professional clinicians are highly regarded for our clinical expertise, wellbeing focus and outreach, as well as our integrated approach.

We have clinics across County Durham, South Tyneside, York and North Yorkshire. We also support patients with substance misuse in secure environments (eg prisons).

Our services are free, voluntary, confidential and non-judgemental. We provide comprehensive, holistic recovery plans, including clinical prescribing, physical health and emotional wellbeing. We support our patients and where appropriate their families, in achieving long term recovery, health and wellbeing. We signpost to other community services for additional help and advice on anything the individual needs.

For anyone who prefers it, we can also signpost people to Breaking Free Online, an online confidential wellness and recovery support programme for alcohol and drugs.

We also work with our partners to promote awareness of drug and alcohol misuse, and ways to reduce your intake. Our health and wellbeing campaigns provide a wealth of help and advice, including drink and drug driving, spiking, know your units and much more.

Our substance misuse services are available to anyone living with addiction in the local area. People can access the services directly, either by walking in to one of our clinics or calling to make an appointment. Patients can also be referred by a range of other services, including:

  • National Probation Service
  • HM Prison Service
  • General Practice
  • Other community healthcare services
  • Social Services
  • Liaison & Diversion Services

What to expect

When someone first contacts one of our services, our team conducts an initial assessment of their situation and healthcare needs. The patient is allocated a dedicated key worker, who provides support throughout the treatment and recovery programme.

We actively encourage everyone who works with us to take ownership of their own recovery plan, for the best chance of a successful recovery.

Our services vary slightly at each location. Typically, we offer:

  • Structured support to overcome addiction, which may include one to one support, access to group therapy and psychological support.
  • Health screening and vaccinations, including screening for blood-borne viruses.
  • Clinical support with licit and illicit drugs.
  • Relapse prevention advice and planning.
  • Signposting to partner services.
  • Support and advice for family members, who may be affected by addiction.

County Durham Drug and Alcohol Services

County Durham Drug and Alcohol Services offer ways for local people with drug and alcohol problems to become free from their dependence. We also want to reduce the problems that substance misuse causes to families, friendships, workplaces and communities in County Durham. 

The service is overseen by Durham County Council in partnership with a range of health, mental health, adult, children and young people’s social care, criminal justice agencies, voluntary and community sector services. 

North Yorkshire Horizons

North Yorkshire Horizons is the substance misuse service for the county of North Yorkshire, providing free, confidential services for individuals and families affected by drugs or alcohol.

The service is a partnership between Spectrum, Humankind and Changing Lives. Our overall service has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service

South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service offers local people with drug and alcohol problems ways to become free from their dependence. We also want to reduce the problems that substance misuse causes to families, friendships, workplaces and communities in South Tyneside.

The service is overseen by South Tyneside Council, with Spectrum and Humankind.

York Drug & Alcohol Service

York Drug & Alcohol Service provides a range of free, confidential and non-judgemental services for local residents in York who are affected by drug or alcohol misuse. Our experienced team of professionals will work with you to provide an initial assessment and understand your needs.

The service is a partnership between Spectrum and Changing Lives.

Major milestone in HCV treatment

A ground breaking approach to tackling Hepatitis C (HCV) has seen the first patients beginning their treatment journey, through a pilot running at substance misuse services in North Yorkshire, the Humber and York. The approach has led to people receiving quicker treatment, directly from staff employed at the services. This treatment pathway is the first of its kind in England, where the NHS Hepatology team does not need to attend the service or see the patient before HCV treatment begins.

It is hoped that the model will provide a roadmap for making HCV treatment more open and accessible to everyone who needs it. The programme involves Spectrum, Change Grow Live, Humankind, Changing Lives NHS England and the Hepatitis C Trust.

Help and advice for patients and families