Cigna UK HealthCare Benefits (Cigna) and Archangel have united to improve access to specialist detoxification support at home for Cigna's customers.
Cigna's customers can now bypass their General Practitioner (GP) and self-refer to detox at home.
The detox at home service offers specialist nurse support to withdraw from opiates or alcohol addiction in the comfort and security of the home environment.
This takes place over a one week period with the care of an appropriately trained addiction nurse.
The risk of relapse is then managed through a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by Cigna's partner, CBT Services.
Phil Austin, managing director of Cigna's UK HealthCare Benefits said: "Twenty percent of GPs expect the wait for an appointment to be longer than three weeks in a year's time.
"The profession is coming under increasing pressure to reduce the number of onward referrals they make, so the option to self-refer means Cigna customers can be confident they will be offered access to the treatment they need.
"Some will even complete their home detox programme before the average person would be able to see their GP to discuss their drug or alcohol addiction."
Rebecca Yagci, nurse director of Archangel Home Detoxr, said: "Archangel is delighted to collaborate with Cigna to provide detoxification in the home environment. If someone is struggling with an addiction, the hardest part can be admitting there's a problem and seeking help.
"We're able to provide a bespoke care plan to fit individual needs and provide care, day and night, at home. With our service, there's no need to take long periods off work for recovery - ensuring privacy and professional reputation is maintained."
