During an assessment of Substance misuse services
We inspected Stockton Recovery Service on 26 and 27 May 2026. The service delivers specialist community support for adults with drug and alcohol addiction problems. The service runs a range of groups, sessions and meetings to support clients. Some of these involve therapy that focuses on thoughts and behaviour, such as self management and recovery training. Others focussed on peer support from people with similar experiences.
People who are alcohol dependent can access detoxification either at home or in an inpatient setting depending on need and as part of a wider recovery plan. Healthcare professionals oversee the process to ensure safety and provide ongoing guidance. People may be prescribed medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they reduce their alcohol intake.
The service also offers a range of treatment options for people with drug problems. Support may include self-directed change for those not at risk of withdrawal, peer support groups and recovery meetings, medication-assisted treatment (such as methadone or buprenorphine) for people dependent on opioids, medically supervised detoxification, and facilitated access to residential rehabilitation programmes. Treatment plans are developed collaboratively, with clinical oversight to ensure safe prescribing, stabilisation and, where appropriate, planned reduction or detoxification.
During the previous inspection, we identified that risk management plans were not fully completed to address all risks identified and key information was missing to confirm how each risk was being mitigated and managed. This was a breach of Regulation 12 Safe care and treatment. However, this had now been addressed as risk management plans were effective in mitigating any risks identified. Other issues identified at the previous inspection such as consistently recording discharge plans had also been addressed. However, the provider continued to have challenges with evidencing that all staff received an annual appraisal.
Mental Capacity Act / Consent to Treatment Overview
All staff had completed Mental Capacity Act training and staff we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of its principles, particularly the five statutory principles. Staff were able to identify when a client’s capacity to consent to treatment may be in question and took appropriate steps to support clients in making their own decisions.
Care records we reviewed evidenced that capacity assessments were completed and documented appropriately on a decision-specific basis for significant decisions. Where clients lacked capacity, staff involved mental health services and made best-interest decisions that considered the individual’s wishes, feelings, culture and personal history.
Staff also ensured that signed consent-to-treatment forms and confidentiality agreements were in place that clearly documented who personal information could be shared with. These records were accessible to all staff involved in the client’s care and treatment.