I have been seeking professional mental help for about 6 months here in Brighton. I was very hopeful when my GP suggested this service to me. Very long wait for the appointment. I knew it would take a long time but the wait here was excessive. I was looking for some kind of help with depression, low self-esteem, severe anxiety etc. which are slowly but surely ruining my life. I was particularly interested in trying cognitive behavioral. The lady who I got to speak with told me that this would not be possible in my case because I self medicate with drugs (pharmaceutical as well as illicit). The lady explained that CBT is not effective for drug users. I was shocked by this point of view since all evidence shows that it is in fact one of the most effective ways to help people deal with drug addiction. I think it is terrible that in a place like Brighton, where drug and alcohol abuse is fairly common, CBT (the most effective treatment) is off limits to people who are users. Overall, the lady was nice but could not offer any kind of help or advice. Except telling me I should probably stop using drugs... thanks, hadn't thought of that.
"Very dissapointing"
Posted via nhs.uk
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