Borders addiction services (BAS)

Specialist alcohol and drug treatment service for adults aged 16+ who are using opiates dependently and requiring a specialist prescribing service. We also offer assessment for Alcohol detoxification, in-patient and outpatient after initial assessment by We Are With You (WAWY). We work in partnership with WAWY and the family service Chimes. We look to offer support for people wherever they are on their recovery journey, whether that’s accessing residential rehabilitation or harm reduction support and advice.

We strive to offer inclusive, non-judgemental, person centred and holistic care for all in service.

Who to refer, who not to refer, how to refer

Who to refer:

NHS Borders Addiction Service (BAS) provide support to anyone 16yrs and over with drug/alcohol dependency and physical/mental health needs registered with a Borders GP.

Anyone with alcohol/drug issues or their loved ones, can be sign posted to one of our multidisciplinary/service drop-ins, here we offer a café style holistic one stop shop offering amongst other services, same day prescribing, supply of take home naloxone, vaccination and testing for BBVs, all harm reduction advice, supplying Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) as well as hot drinks and a chat! Information on venues and times for the Drop ins available here

Who not to refer:

Non-dependent substance use. Individuals with hazardous substance use may still wish to address specific problems relating to their alcohol or drug intake and could be referred to We Are With You
Cannabis dependence should not be referred to NHS Borders Addiction Service. We Are With You will accept referrals for cannabis use.
NHS Borders Addiction Service is not a crisis service and hence acute mental health issues e.g. suicidality even in the context of drug/ alcohol use should be referred to mental health teams / crisis team in the usual way.
Any individual requesting treatment only due to requirement to attend e.g. from courts or family is unlikely to be offered an appointment since there is no compulsory treatment element and it must be the individual who is choosing to attend.
Alcohol referrals should be sent to We Are With You for initial assessment.

How to refer:

Preferred referral route is self-referral either contacting number below or attending one of our Drop-in services located in Galashiels, Peebles, Eyemouth, Hawick and Kelso. We will take GP referrals if dependently using opiates. Though will pass referrals on to appropriate services if required.

We strive to see people as quickly as we can and if safe and appropriate, we can offer same day prescribing. We tend to make contact via phones to speed up the process though will make contact via letter if this is preferred or attempts by phone has not been successful.

Please assist the service by documenting substances used/ route of use/ quantity used/ health consequences/ current prescriptions and whether vaccination for hepatitis or BBV testing has been performed

Any questions please contact us on the professional line during office hours where we will happily answer any queries.

Joint With You/Border Addiction Service Referral Form - Please complete fully and email (see below)