For
the treatment of alcoholism and other addictionsEnglish | Nederlands
For
the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions
A: For admission information please contact the Admissions Secretary on +44 (0)1721 722763 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, or the nurse on duty outside these hours. Professionals wishing to make a referral may wish to speak to our Consultant or to the Medical Director.
Because we are a Hospital we usually consult with the general practitioner regarding the patient’s medical status. Pre-admission assessments are conducted by our nurses and Consultants.
A: Castle Craig has a unique location set amongst 50 acres of parkland in the stunning Scottish Borders countryside allowing patients plenty of space for outdoor relaxation in total privacy. There is an emphasis on the dignity of each patient at Castle Craig and treatment takes place in a comfortable, relaxed setting. The staff you will meet at the clinic are experienced and trained professionals, committed to helping people who are suffering from addiction recover their health, their sense of identity and dignity.
A: The programme involves a comprehensive assessment under the direction of the consultant psychiatrist and a combination of therapies designed to assist patients acquire insight and avoid relapse. Castle Craig hospital employs a team of addiction professionals able to treat all aspects of the disease: physical, emotional spiritual and social. The treatment programme is intensive and days are structured to include lectures, group therapy and one to one therapy.
At Castle Craig patients will explore the first five steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Other aspects of the programme include:
A: A typical day at Castle Craig involves two group therapy sessions, two daily lectures, one to one counselling, therapeutic assignments, recovery meetings, exercise therapy and personal free time.
A: Many people will help you along your way. You are greeted upon arrival by a nurse who will orientate you and help you get settled. Within an hour you will see a specialist doctor who will check your physical condition and who will decide on detoxification therapy along with your consultant.. Nurses at the Medical Centre will help you during your first few days and monitor your physical condition. Your therapist will greet you within twenty-four hours of arrival and begin your orientation and assessment. Your focal therapist will co-ordinate your care, answer your questions monitor your progress and support you throughout treatment.
The administration department will also help you with any insurance and financial issues.
A: Night and day there are nurses and a doctor continually on immediate call. We carry resuscitation and emergency equipment.
A: All Castle Craig therapy staff have received thorough training. They currently hold accreditation with COSCA (Confederation of Scottish Counselling Agencies) university accredited diplomas or degrees in counselling and all have international accreditations in addiction counselling (IC & RC ). The therapists are members of the clinical team and their practice is under the direction of the consultant and medical director.
A: Castle Craig is registered with the Scottish Care Commission and subject to regular inspections. Castle Craig holds ISO 9001 accreditation for all medical, nursing, treatment, and administrative procedures. These procedures include the management and training and supervision of staff. Castle Craig is also a member of the Independent Health Care Association and the European Association for the Treatment of Addictions. Our health care governance arrangements ensure an ongoing commitment to quality.
A: Castle Craig has run for many years a successful residential three day family programme This programme explores the effects of addiction on the family members and the relationship issues that are common among families who live with or care about chemically dependent persons. An educational programme for family members is also available on Sundays and therapy sessions will also be organised with the patient’s therapist.
A:. The length of time you will be at Castle Craig varies depending upon your individual needs. Detoxification and our detailed assessment procedures usually require from three to ten days. The first stage of treatment in the intensive treatment unit will usually range from four to six weeks. If extended care is required transfer can be made to our secondary care unit in the grounds where treatment stays vary from six weeks to six months.
A: Payment arrangements will vary with each patient. Our administration staff will be happy to give you advice.
A: We advise you to bring “smart casual” clothes for everyday use. You may wish to wear something more formal for such times as Sunday visits. Casual wear and trainers are recommended for use during fitness sessions and sensible footwear is needed for walking in the grounds. Towels are provided. Please bring night wear and toiletries for your stay.
A: Visiting hours are usually on Sundays from 1.30 to 6 p.m. although in exceptional circumstances other arrangements can be made. Patients may receive phone calls from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and pay telephones are also available for outgoing calls. We do not advise any telephone calls for the first week of treatment to allow patients time to settle into the programme without any outside pressures. Enquiries can always be made to the nurse on duty or a patient’s therapist.
Patients may also send and receive mail, though for obvious reasons packages must be opened in the presence of a nurse.
A: We provide sheltered smoking areas outside the main buildings. In common with all institutions and hospitals Castle Craig is smoke free . We offer smoking cessation therapy to those who wish to quit.
A: Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure and an individualised aftercare plan is developed by the focal therapist in conjunction with the team. Castle Craig will help patients make connections in their home groups of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Advice will also be given on any professional follow-up that is needed, including our own aftercare groups which take place weekly at various venues in Scotland and the Netherlands. We hold regular reunions at Castle Craig for all our ex-patients.
