Treatment for addiction is available. We work with an addiction therapist from the Leeds Addiction Unit (LAU). Clients are seen at a local community clinic or at a regular Thursday morning clinic at the Grange. We expect that our patients see the therapist as an essential part of their assessment and treatment. This is in line with the practice of many other GPs in Leeds working in the Shared Care scheme.

Patients will be advised about harm reduction. Blood testing and counselling for Hepatitis and HIV is offered. Immunisation against Hepatitis is available.

Detoxification treatment will only be offered if an addiction therapist has assessed the patient first. Supervision of detoxification treatment by a non-drug using family member or by a pharmacist is preferable and offers greater chance of success.

Methadone or Subutex treatment may be offered to stabilise a clients drug use. Some patients may be maintained on this treatment in the longer term but usually efforts to gradually withdraw this type of treatment will be made

Urine sampling allows us to confirm compliance and gives confidence about the success of the treatment.

Naltrexone (�blockers�) can be prescribed to give long term abstinence.

Alcohol dependency - We also offer help for those people who are problem drinkers. There is a regular weekly clinic at the Grange dedicated to giving advice to those people who wish to reduce their alcohol intake.