​Skilled team in place to support new service

Services offered by a drug and alcohol charity are expanding to support people experiencing childhood trauma.

Addaction Scotland’s South Lanarkshire service is leading on a tailored form of addiction support for clients with a history of childhood problems at its Hamilton branch.

The charity – which has drug and alcohol services across Scotland and the UK – has a new team with a very specific skill set at its Hamilton service.

Co-ordinator Susan Bonner explained: “Our small team - within Addaction in Hamilton - is called the South Lanarkshire Survivor Counselling Service. We’re taking referrals from people (aged 16-plus) who have experienced traumatic childhood events.

“Put simply, the links between trauma and addiction are very strong. That’s why we’re doing this. Exposure to trauma and adverse childhood experiences leave people seven times more likely to have issues with alcohol misuse, five times more likely to take drugs and 12 times more at risk of suicide.

“Our specialist therapists are trained to use a person-centred approach in counselling with individuals who come to us. We also involve other relevant parties where necessary, so that we can be a seamless one-stop shop. This means there’s no revolving door and no repeating of personal stories; just recovery.”

She added: “By expanding Addaction South Lanarkshire’s service into this field, we hope that more people get the tailored support they need to deal with substance misuse and the reasons behind it.

“Having a single service that takes a holistic approach like this is so valuable. We are confident it will empower people in South Lanarkshire to rebuild the lives they deserve and to move forward.”

The service is funded and supported by Survivor Scotland. All referrals are treated in confidence. Individuals must live in South Lanarkshire and be aged 16 or over.