Applying to River Garden Auchincruive
This page provides advice on how to access residential rehabilitation services in Scotland. It is important to note that Health Boards and Local Authority partnerships have their own process in place so you should make that local connection to find out more detail of referrals. Professionals looking to refer someone to River Garden should email hello@rivergarden.scot.
1. Get Professional Support and Referral
In Scotland, most residential rehabilitation services, like River Garden, do not accept self-referrals. You need a professional to refer you.
- Contact Your Local Services: Your first step should be to engage with your local Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (DARS) or Community Addiction Service (CAS). If you have a social worker, GP, or key worker, contact them. They are crucial to the application process.
- Secure a Case Worker: This professional will become your primary link. They will conduct an initial assessment, discuss your needs, and, critically, complete the formal referral paperwork on your behalf.
- Be Clear About Your Goal: Express clearly to your case worker that you are seeking residential rehabilitationand are prepared for a long-term commitment (often 6 months or more).
2. Understand Eligibility and Readiness
Before applying, you must meet key criteria. Being ready to commit is vital.
- Residency and Age: Confirm you are over 18 and currently living in Scotland.
- Abstinence Requirement: Most Scottish services require you to be drug and alcohol-free prior to admission. You may need to demonstrate a period of stability or complete a detoxification programme first. Discuss your detox needs and options (like Buvidal/opioid substitution therapy, if applicable) with your case worker.
- Commitment: Be prepared to commit to the full duration of the programme (often 3 to 6 months). Programmes are intensive and require full engagement.
- Practical Readiness: Be willing to participate in all aspects of the programme, including therapeutic group work and often a work-based or vocational programme.
3. Address Practical Barriers Early
Residential rehabilitation often requires you to step away from your normal life for an extended period. Identify and address potential barriers now.
- Medication Review: If you are prescribed any medication, especially those that can be mood-altering (like Gabapentin, Pregabalin, or certain opiates like DF118), you must inform your referrer. Some abstinence-based centres exclude admission for people taking these due to safety and programme integrity reasons. Work with your GP and case worker now to review and safely transition off any excluded medications.
- Housing and Finances: Discuss your housing and financial situation with your case worker. You will need to ensure your housing benefit or rent payments are secure while you are away. Services like River Garden are often fully funded by the Scottish Government for the treatment itself, but you still need your finances in order.
- Family and Dependents: If you have children or dependents, develop a robust care plan. If you have a dog and wish to bring them, research dog-friendly services like River Garden and confirm their specific requirements
4. Prepare for the Assessment
Once referred, you will undergo an assessment by the rehabilitation centre. This is your chance to demonstrate your commitment.
- Be Honest and Open: Be truthful about your substance use history, mental health and personal circumstances. The staff who connect with you are there to help, not judge.
- Articulate Your Goals: Clearly explain why you want recovery and what you hope to achieve. Focus on your future, not just your past. Assessors look for motivation and genuine readiness for change.
- Be Patient: The referral, assessment, and placement process can take time. Maintain regular contact with your case worker and continue engaging with local recovery supports while you wait.
