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Drug & Alcohol Counselling
Overcoming Addiction, Rebuilding Health, Sustaining Recovery
Addiction is complex, and achieving long-term recovery requires far more than good intentions. Quitting drugs or alcohol is exceptionally difficult, even for those who feel ready to change. Substance misuse creates profound consequences—not only for the individual navigating post-release life, but also for their families, support networks, and wider communities.
At Maxton Specialist Services, our drug and alcohol counselling is designed to bridge the critical gap upon release, providing immediate, short-term support that helps clients unlearn destructive patterns and re-learn healthy, lasting coping mechanisms.
New for 2026: Post-Release Counselling Program
Led by Experienced Clinical Expertise: Marisa Coulson (MBACP)
Our drug and alcohol counselling service is led by Marisa Coulson, a fully qualified counsellor and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
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6+ Years of In-Prison Experience: Extensive background working within correctional facilities, starting as a specialist Drug and Alcohol Practitioner with The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt).
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Family & Relationship Focus: Former Family Support Worker experienced in managing client expectations and fears, helping rebuild fractured relationships, and fostering healthy family dynamics.
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Diverse Clinical Background: Active in both private/public practice and NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) services.
Program Highlights:
Launch Date: Available from March 1st, 2026
Format: 6 Dedicated Counselling Sessions around drug and alcohol use.
Access: Voluntary & available to all clients upon request.
The immediate post-release period is often the most vulnerable window for relapse. This 6-session intervention provides immediate emotional and practical support to address short-term challenges while clients transition and prepare to engage with long-term community services.
I have worked with Maxton for 11 years. I met Sheena and Val at HMP Standford Hill open prison. She has supported me over the years despite me being recalled on several occasions.
I have been to rehab 3 times and I am finally clean. She helped house me on many occasions and I was supported through grants to provide me with the essentials I needed to live in my home. I am disabled and she got all my benefits sorted out.
Her team have been great and provided me with one- to -one support when I have needed it.
I still work on my recovery everyday but I know it’s the best option for me other than prison. It is hard out here but working towards a stable life is better than where I have been in prison. I have had Counselling and this has helped me. I also had several sessions with Marisa of Intense Custodial Support. This has really helped Thank you
Michael
Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities
When clients choose to progress their therapeutic journey beyond initial stabilisation, we utilise evidence-based psychological frameworks tailored to individual needs:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifies and restructures negative thought patterns and triggers that drive substance use.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness techniques to prevent impulse-driven relapse.
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Behavioural Re-Learning: Helps individuals replace harmful coping habits with sustainable, positive daily routines.
Integrated Care for Dual Diagnosis (Co-Occurring Disorders)
If an individual experiences both a mental health condition and a substance misuse disorder simultaneously (a dual diagnosis), treating both conditions together is essential for long-term recovery.
Why Integrated Treatment is Essential:
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Preventing Relapse: Addressing addiction without treating underlying depression, trauma, or anxiety often causes mental health symptoms to worsen once self-medication stops, significantly increasing relapse risk.
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Protecting Mental Health: Substance misuse reduces the effectiveness of psychiatric medications and negatively impacts daily functioning and stability.
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Aligned with recommendations from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the APA (American Psychological Association), we deliver an integrated treatment model, treating mental health and addiction concurrently using unified therapeutic strategies.
Comprehensive & Pharmacological Support:
Medical Collaboration
We assist clients in connecting with GPs to access safe, non-addictive prescription medications for mental health management (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilisers, antipsychotics).
Flexible Care Pathways
We support clients across both outpatient community setups and inpatient rehab environments when complex dual-diagnosis cases require structured residential care.
About
Maxton
We work collaboratively with the public and third-sector organisations to meet demand and provide opportunities for change.
Maxton offers support and guidance for all tariff offenders (Lifers, IPP’S). Your license is for life- Maxton is for life.
We offer a telephone support service.
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9 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday
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5PM – 9 AM Emergency phone line
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WEEKENDS emergency phone line 24/7
Call us on 07762 410989.