People living in Lothian with serious alcohol and drug problems can now access help from an expanded rehabilitation service.
The Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) is providing more placements than ever before thanks to its renewed partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and support from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board and The Cyrenians.
Up to 22 people can now benefit from one of the intensive three-month residential placements to overcome their addiction in a safe and supportive environment.
The service provides clinical, medical and therapeutic support backed up by two years of aftercare and peer support and a family programme.
The boost will help to significantly reduce waiting times for patients looking to access the service following lockdown. It is in line with Scottish Government priorities for increasing residential rehabilitation provision.
Dr David McCartney, clinical lead for LEAP, NHS Lothian explains: “As a direct result of the pandemic we had to reduce service capacity to just 40 percent. While we continued to provide some patient support remotely, our residential services were reduced to just eight places.
“With the help of our partners we are back operating the full range of services again, helping even more people to get help and support as quickly as possible.
“The majority of LEAP patients starting the programme complete it. Nearly two thirds of them reach their goal of a long-term successful alcohol and drug-free recovery with significant improvements in their mental and physical health.”
LEAP is currently operating as a partnership between NHS Lothian, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, The Cyrenians, Access to Industry and Rehabilitation and Recovery Team Social Workers. It offers detoxication and therapeutic treatment for people who want to become alcohol and drug free alongside structured, practical support to get into work or education as part of people’s recovery if needed. Patients can also access psychiatry, psychology and occupational therapy services whilst in treatment.
Linda Nichol, a volunteer with NHS Lothian’s subsistence misuse team and former LEAP patient and PEER supporter encourages anyone struggling with addiction to access the service.
She said: “LEAP changed my life. It helped me recognise that I had a disease and gave me the confidence and support I needed to turn my life around. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction then ask for help and get referred into LEAP. It is possible to change your whole life beyond your wildest dreams.
“LEAP is different. A lot of the benefit comes from living with the other addicts and learning how to interact with people. And the support doesn’t end after 12 weeks, it’s there for a further two years. I was never afraid to call on LEAP for help and I got loads of support including one-to-ones and group sessions in care, compassion, and mindfulness which are really beneficial.”
Lesley Taylor, Registered Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, added: “We’re delighted to be working with LEAP again to help roll-out this essential service. Our team have a valuable role in providing accommodation and support, not only for the initial three-month placement but also in assisting individuals address their longer-term housing needs.”
LEAP is open to people who have a serious problem with alcohol or other drugs. Anyone interested in being assessed for residential treatment should speak to their GP, health, support or social care worker.
More information can also be found at: https://services.nhslothian.scot/leap/Pages/default.aspx
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