Supporting And Treating Addiction

Alcohol and drug addiction services are set to be streamlined across the Kingdom.

Fife Alcohol Support Service and Fife Community Drug Service have merged. Work has been underway since the summer of 2014 to make the transition happen.

FASS was formed in 1977. It is a charity that aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by alcohol-related problems. FASS provides specialist help for people in difficulty because of excessive drinking, dependency, or binge drinking, and the complexity of personal mental health, trauma and relationship difficulties that can underpin problem drinking. FASS also provides therapeutic support for members of the family and friends who are trying to cope with someone who is drinking too much. 

The agency also provides intervention skills training and alcohol education services. FCDS provides confidential advice, outreach support and counselling for individuals, young people, families, carers or anyone with a drug issue, Specialist help with Opiate, Benzodiazepines, Psychoactive Substances (legal highs), Cannabis, Prescribed Medications, Steroid misuse, Cocaine and Amphetamines. In 2011 FASS and FCDS became partners to deliver the ADAPT Substance Misuse  Recovery project. Funded by Fife Alcohol and Drug Partnership, the ADAPT project provides a range of supportive help for people in need including access to services 
through Recovery Clinics, structured Alcohol/Drug Counselling and Diversion from  Prosecution services.

Jim Bett, Service Manager with FASS states "Working together had proven to be a very valuable experience. It forged recognition of the great good our complimentary services do, the common values shared by both charities, and the benefits that a synthesis of skills and experience can bring for our clients."

John Hamilton, Chairman of FASS states "We identified many benefits and opportunities. It was clear that merging would create an organisation with the scope to serve the needs of an increased range of client populations. Furthermore, we could do so with greater organisational efficiency and with capacity to develop innovative new services"