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For the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions

 

FAQs

Q: What is the admission process?

A: For admission information please contact the Admissions Secretary on +44 (0)1721 722763 between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm, 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 prefer to consult with the general practitioner regarding the patient’s medical status. Pre-admission assessments are conducted by our doctors and consultants.

Q: What is the environment like and who are the staff?

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.

Q: What does the programme involve?

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.

Components of the programme include:

  • Relapse prevention therapy
  • A series of lectures about addition and recovery
  • Grief therapy
  • Family counselling
  • Therapeutic drumming therapy
  • Relaxation therapy
  • Fitness programme
  • Eating disorder therapy
  • Post traumatic stress therapy
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy
  • Therapy for gambling disorders
  • Yoga

Other therapies additionally available in the Extended Care Unit include, equine therapy, skills training, intensive relapse prevention therapy, relationships groups, therapy for children of alcoholics. At Castle Craig patients will explore the programme of Alcoholics Anonymous. There is strong evidence for the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous, especially if patients attend these groups after treatment

Q: What is the average day like?

A: A typical day at Castle Craig involves two group therapy sessions, two daily lectures, one to one counselling, therapeutic assignments from your therapist, recovery meetings, exercise therapy and personal free time

Q: Who will help me throughout my treatment at Castle Craig?

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 consultant and then you will be seen by the resident medical officer who will check your physical condition and decide on detoxification therapy 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.

Q: Is there always a doctor on duty?

A: Night and day there are nurses and a doctor continually on immediate call. We carry resuscitation and emergency equipment.

Q: What are the qualifications of the therapists?

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

Q: Is Castle Craig committed to quality care?

A: Castle Craig Hospital is registered with the Scottish Care Commission and subject to regular inspections. Castle Craig Hospital 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 Hospital is also a member of the Independent Health Care Association, the European Association for the Treatment of Addictions, of which our Chairman, Peter McCann is the Founder and the International Board for Alcohol and Addiction, of which our Chairman is a board member. Our health care governance arrangements ensure an ongoing commitment to quality.

Q: What services are available for family members?

A: For many years Castle Craig Hospital has run a successful residential 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 be organised with the patient’s therapist.

Q: How long will I be at Castle Craig?

A:. The length of time you spend in treatment at Castle Craig depends upon your individual needs. Detoxification usually requires from five to ten days and the duration of your subsequent care in the Intensive Treatment Unit will be assessed with your consultant. If extended care is required transfer can be made to our secondary care unit in the grounds where treatment lasts on average three months.

Q: How do I arrange payment?

A: Payment arrangements will vary with each patient. Our administration staff will be happy to give you advice.

Q: What clothes should I bring?

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.

Q: Can my family visit or call? Can I receive mail?

A: Visiting hours are usually on Sundays from 1.30pm to 6.00pm, although in exceptional circumstances other arrangements can be made. Patients may make and receive phone calls from 8.00am to 10.00pm 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.

Q: Can I smoke?

A:We provide sheltered smoking areas outside the main buildings. In common with all institutions and hospitals Castle Craig Hospital is smoke free. We offer smoking cessation therapy to those who wish to stop smoking.

Q: What happens at the end of my treatment ?

A: Alcoholism and other addictions are relapsing illnesses. Castle Craig Hospital thoroughly prepares patients before departure and an individualised aftercare plan is developed by the focal therapist in conjunction with the team. Advice will 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 former patients. Our doctors will ensure that your G.P. and other relevant professionals already involved in your care receive discharge communication so that ongoing follow-up can be provided.
At departure, Castle Craig will provide patients with information about their local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous groups. There is strong evidence that continued involvement in these groups improves your chances of continuing recovery