The free first appointment for addiction is an initial information and assessment interview, at no cost, in which a professional listens to what is happening and advises on the most suitable kind of help. It can be requested by the person with a substance use problem or by someone in their family. At Fundación Salud y Comunidad (FSC) it takes place at the SAP (Psychosocial Care Service), its outpatient centre in Barcelona.
How to ask for help with an addiction: the first step
Taking the first step is hard. Many people put off asking for help out of shame, fear of being judged or because they believe they can still control it on their own. At other times it is the family who notices the changes and does not know where to turn. A first appointment commits you to nothing: it helps you put things in order, understand the options and make an informed decision.
To request one, simply call +34 93 424 04 00 (guidance is free of charge) or write to us using the contact form. You do not need to know in advance what treatment you need.
Free first appointment for addiction: who can come
The person with the substance use problem
People calling for the first time usually are not sure what kind of treatment suits them; what they are looking for is guidance. And that is exactly what this interview offers: a professional assessment and a specific proposal.
The family, even if the person does not want to come
Often it is a family member who gets in touch first, because the person affected does not see the problem or does not want professional help. In that case, the family is offered a place on a specific programme where, supported by a therapy team, they learn to set limits, stop being overprotective and avoid mistakes that feed the substance use. This work brings relief to the family, who no longer feel alone and guilty, and it often ends up making it easier for the person to agree to start treatment. We explain it in the family support programme.
What happens at the first appointment
The interview is a conversation, not an exam. The professional asks about:
- The history of use: which substances or behaviours, since when and how often.
- Physical health (in clinical terms, organic pathology).
- The family, social and work situation.
With this information, three questions are assessed:
- Whether detoxification is needed before starting and, if so, whether it can be done at home (outpatient) or requires hospital admission. We explain this in detoxification.
- Which type of treatment is the best fit: outpatient, attending appointments while carrying on with daily life, or residential, with admission to a therapeutic centre.
- Which centre is the most suitable if admission is recommended. FSC has two treatment centres: Riera Major and Can Coll.
How the choice between outpatient treatment and admission is made
The underlying question is whether the person can stop using and stay that way in their real circumstances of work, family and health.
- Outpatient treatment is usually recommended when there are few physical health problems, a wish to stay abstinent and surroundings, usually the family, able to support it.
- Admission to a therapeutic centre is usually recommended when there is deterioration, little awareness of the dependence or little motivation, serious risk situations, no supportive environment, or previous outpatient treatments that did not work.
If you already know what treatment you need
Some people arrive already clear about the type of treatment, because they have been through another treatment before or because another institution refers them with a specific request. In that case the assessment is not repeated: they are given all the information about the relevant service.
What a CAS is and how the public network works
The CAS (the public addiction care centres in Catalonia) are the specialist centres of the Catalan public health network that treat problems with alcohol, other drugs and other addictions. They are part of the public health system. If you do not know which one is yours, your primary care centre can advise you.
Publicly funded places with the Generalitat
In addition to its private care, FSC has publicly funded places with the Generalitat (the Catalan government) for people referred by a CAS. If you are already being seen at a CAS, ask there about this option. If not, at the free first appointment they will explain where to start.
When to ask for help
You do not need to wait until you “hit rock bottom”. It is worth seeking advice when:
- You have tried to cut down or stop using and cannot manage it.
- Your use is affecting your work, studies, health or relationships.
- There are arguments, lies or constant worry at home because of it.
- You need to use to feel well or to avoid feeling bad.
If you recognise yourself in any of these points, call 93 424 04 00, free of charge, and ask for your free first appointment. In the event of intoxication or a medical emergency, call 112, the European emergency number. To understand the problem better, see also how to detect an addiction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first appointment really free?
Yes. The initial information and assessment interview costs nothing. It is used to understand your situation and advise you; afterwards you decide whether you want to start treatment.
Can I come if my family member does not want treatment?
Yes. It is common for the family to get in touch first. They are offered guidance and the chance to join a programme for families, which helps them handle the situation and often makes it easier for the person to end up asking for help.
What will I be asked at the first appointment?
About your history of use, your physical health and your family, social and work situation. With this information, the team assesses whether you need detoxification and which type of treatment suits you best.
What is a CAS?
CAS stands for Centro de Atención y Seguimiento a las drogodependencias: one of the public addiction care centres in Catalonia, the specialist addiction service of the Catalan public health network. A CAS can refer people to publicly funded places, such as those FSC has.
Do I need a referral for the first appointment?
No. You can call 93 424 04 00 directly. Referral from a CAS is the route to the publicly funded places with the Generalitat.