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Alcohol Rehab & Addiction Treatment

Treating Alcohol Addiction with Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol rehab is available to people in the UK, regardless of how severe the addiction is. We understand that the initial diagnosis of alcohol addiction is difficult to face up to as it is generally a very sociable activity and alcohol consumption is well accepted as a part of our social lives. However, this consumption can go above and beyond social.

Alcohol addiction can be devastating to one’s life. However, there’s a misunderstanding regarding the condition and many people assume that it’s something that willpower alone can overcome. Unfortunately, the reality is that alcoholism is a condition that affects the entire body including the brain, meaning it’s not something that can be dealt with by just going cold turkey.

Fortunately, alcoholism is a condition that can be treated if the correct steps are taken to effectively treat it. This is where alcohol rehab centres come in.

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What is Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

 

Alcohol rehab is designed to help identify the root of the addiction while also helping to detox your body and cleanse your system of alcohol. When your body is reliant on alcohol, your nervous system changes and your brain works overtime in order to keep your body functioning correctly. Going cold turkey and stopping your alcohol intake suddenly will introduce withdrawal symptoms because your body is still operating as if your body is consuming alcohol on a regular basis. Light alcohol withdrawal symptoms can pass in a few days, but if you’ve been a heavy drinker for many years then it will take more than just detox and some medicine to subdue the withdrawal symptoms.

 

Alcohol rehab treatment helps you overcome those withdrawal symptoms while also helping you locate the source of your alcohol addiction. The goal is to ultimately find the reasons why you have built an addiction to alcohol, and trained practitioners will perform assessments and tests in order to identify the issues that led you to develop an addiction in the first place.

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We have strong relationships with several alcohol rehab clinics that are dedicated to helping their patients overcome their addictions completely. Many people incorrectly assume that rehabilitation is just to solve your withdrawal symptoms, but the reality is that coping with and overcoming withdrawal symptoms is just the beginning of a long journey to help beat your addiction to alcohol.

 

Alcohol addiction goes deep and there are certain mental and physical factors that trigger addictions to form. While you may no longer be dependent on alcohol after a detox program, you may find it incredibly easy to sink back into alcohol addiction. This is often caused by external factors like your environment, your relationships and your lifestyle. A rehabilitation program aims to deal with your addiction with a holistic approach to ensure that the addiction is dealt with swiftly and never returns.

 

We understand that alcohol addiction can be a problematic issue that not only affects your body but also your mind and your relationship with friends and loved ones. Alcoholism is no laughing matter and certainly not something that can be powered through with willpower alone, so it’s important to admit that you have an issue so that you can deal with it through the right channels.

 

How Do I Know If I Need to Undergo Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

 

The most difficult step to take is the first; admitting that you have an issue. In order to determine if you need to undergo rehabilitation treatment, it’s important to determine how serious your condition has progressed. Here are a couple of signs that should make you seriously consider a rehab program.

 

 

  • You have health problems caused by your alcohol addiction – If you’ve recently been for a medical check-up and your doctor has told you about health problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, then it’s a sign that the alcohol is becoming harmful to your body and you may be susceptible to withdrawal symptoms.
  • Your friends and family have pointed out your alcohol problem – Friends and family members often give us second opinions that might not be what we want to hear, but it’s vital that you listen to them if they are concerned for your wellbeing. If they are pointing out your alcohol consumption then it’s with good reason and you should be concerned.
  • You have driven a car while under the influence – The further your alcoholism progresses, the less likely you will heed warnings such as not driving while under the influence of alcohol. If you find yourself taking more and more risks, you should immediately seek help because you could end up seriously injured if you continue.
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you cut your alcohol intake – The first sign of alcohol withdrawal symptoms should come when you stop alcohol consumption for a few hours. If you stop drinking and feel like your body is strange or that something is missing, then you’ll likely need to undergo alcohol rehab treatment.
  • You have wild mood swings that have led to you or someone else getting hurt – Alcohol withdrawal can cause rapid swings in your mental state and this could result in you harming yourself or those around you. No matter how upset, embarrassed or angry you might feel, it’s vital that you seek assistance if it has come this far.
  • You have tried to quit in the past but always relapsed – Wanting to quit is the first step to take when dealing with an alcohol addiction because it means you are at least admitting to the problem. Unfortunately, it’s usually not enough to try once or twice without professional help and that’s where an alcohol rehab treatment centre can help.
  • You’re lost and not sure how to seek advice or help – It may feel hopeless that you can’t seem to overcome your alcoholism, but it’s vital that you start by seeking advice. You’re always welcome to get on the phone and speak to one of our friendly representatives that will not be judgemental and you can remain anonymous for the entire call if it makes you more comfortable.

 

 

While some of these reasons may be upsetting to read, it’s vital that you understand just how important it is to identify your alcoholism problem so that you can tackle it properly. Acceptance is often the hardest step to make, but it’s one that will be vital on your road to recovery.

 

It’s also worth mentioning that not all of these signs need to be exhibited in order for you to be considered addicted to alcohol. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak to someone as soon as possible so that you do not worsen the condition, harm your relationships or even hurt yourself.

 

Is Alcohol Rehab Treatment Necessary to Recover From Alcoholism?

 

While recovering from alcoholism isn’t entirely impossible without medical intervention or the help of a rehab centre, it’s ideal if you want to experience a speedy recovery. The reason being that medical professionals will be able to perform tests on your body to see how reliant your body is on alcohol and they will offer medication and treatments to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms. We definitely recommend that you consider rehab as a viable option to help you break your addiction.

 

What Are the Advantages of Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

 

Many people consider alcohol rehab treatment centres to be an expensive waste of time because they believe they are capable of breaking free from alcoholism on their own. While it’s not unheard of to break an alcohol addiction without external help, it’s incredibly taxing on the body and there are many advantages that a rehab centre can offer:

 

 

  • Comfortable environment to break your addiction – If your addiction is triggered by an uncomfortable or negative atmosphere at home then it’s beneficial to visit an alcohol rehab treatment centre because it offers a safe and comfortable environment for you to deal with your alcoholism in peace.
  • Learn about alcoholism and why it affects you – Alcoholism is a greatly misunderstood condition and your preconceived notions may be affecting your feelings of self-worth or even your mental state. By learning about alcoholism, you’ll achieve small personal victories to help you understand how complicated and difficult it really is to break out of an addiction.
  • Medical assistance and detoxification advice to help – Whether it’s your withdrawal symptoms causing grief or deeper issues that are dragging you down, a rehab centre can help you solve those problems by offering medical assistance around the clock.
  • A holistic approach to dealing with alcoholism – Rehab centres all follow a holistic approach to dealing with alcoholism. This means that every aspect of your life is taken into consideration and it’s not just about helping you stay off the alcohol. It’s about improving your quality of life and looking after your wellbeing.
  • Support from your peers as well as medical professionals – Not only do rehab clinics provide you with medical assistance, but you’d surprised at just how helpful it can be to speak to people who are in the same situation as you. You can share experiences, support each other and make new friends that will have been through the same ordeal as you.
  • Learn strategies to cope with and prevent a relapse – One of the most important considerations when trying to deal with your alcoholism is to prevent relapses in the future. Rehab clinics will teach you strategies to cope with and prevent a relapse.
  • Receive aftercare when you leave the rehab centre – Even after you’ve completed your treatment at the rehab centre, you will receive aftercare to ensure that you don’t enter a relapse and that you have all the support you need.
  • Help can often be extended to families as well – While the one suffering from alcoholism experiences many negative effects, families and friends are also affected and may be traumatized or frustrated as a result of your alcoholism. Rehab centres will extend their services to friends and family to ensure that you can fit back into your normal life with zero complications.

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All of these advantages are incredibly important when it comes to dealing with alcoholism in a swift and efficient manner. All of the extra assistance is vital and there’s no shame in sharing your problems with your peers at the clinic. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can direct you to local clinics that will be able to lend a helping hand.

 

What Should I Expect During Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

 

Not many people have been inside rehab centres which gives them an air of mystery that can be quite intimidating at times. Many people would incorrectly compare them to prisons or psychiatric hospitals, but the reality is that they’re very welcoming buildings with perks that may be unexpected.

 

For example, alcohol rehab centres do not have locks on any of the doors. You are actually free to walk out at any time and you will not be penalized for doing so. The reason there are no locks is that you are expected to be willing to improve your conditions, so if you go to rehab with no intention of healing yourself then you are simply wasting your time.

 

You will often start with detoxification which will deal with the withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals will start by examining your situation to gauge how severe your withdrawal symptoms will be before prescribing you medicine to help keep the symptoms at bay.

 

Next, you’ll typically go through a variety of different counselling or group therapy sessions depending on your personal preferences. Many rehab centres will help you keep the alcohol clear from your system but they also offer a variety of personalised therapy treatments to help you learn why you resorted to alcohol and understand the factors that caused you to drink heavy amounts. You may also be offered family meetings where you can invite friends and loved ones to help you identify your struggles and encourage you to recover.

 

Once your treatment is finished or you feel comfortable enough to return to your regular lifestyle, you will be offered an aftercare program that could last a month or longer. This is to ensure that you’re always getting the right care even after you leave the clinic.

 

Where Can I Get More Advice or Information About Alcohol Rehab?

If you or somebody you know is suffering from alcoholism it’s vital that you seek professional advice. You can always contact us at 0203 955 7700 if you need advice or want to learn more about alcohol rehab treatment clinics.

 

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Detoxification (detox) is the medical intervention required for someone who is physically dependent to drugs or alcohol. If required, medical detoxification would be the first step taken in residential rehab. Detox is used to prevent uncomfortable and dangerous (even fatal) withdrawals symptoms resulting in suddenly becoming abstinent from alcohol/certain drugs.

The goal of a medical detox is to aid in the physical healing required following long term addiction and rid the body of all together of substance whilst providing a cushion for unpleasant symptoms of withdrawals. Detox is not considered the whole treatment for drug/alcohol addiction and it is always recommended that a comprehensive rehabilitation program is used along side to help maintain long term abstinence.

Medication is often required for alcohol detox. If you are dependent on alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms it is vitally important to seek medical advice prior to stopping. There is a long list of medications used when treating alcohol addiction and the exact medication given to an individual will depend on their needs/medical history. Some of these include;

  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Diazapam (vailium)


Librium and Valium are the most commonly used detox medication in the UK. All medication used to help with alcohol detox have been proven to help reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms.

There are also a number of drugs recombined by the NHS to help treat alcohol misuse. Some of these include:

  • Naltrexone
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  • Nalmefene
  • Acamprosate (campral)

Medication is always required for heroin detox. For someone suffering from heroin addiction, the thought of detoxification (detox) can be exceptionally daunting. Withdrawal symptoms from opiates, such as heroin, can be severe and include pain, vomiting, nausea and shaking.

There are different ways that heroin detox can be carried out, most usually either ‘maintenance therapy’ or ‘full medical detox’.

Attempting to switch from heroin to a heroin substitute, usually on a controlled prescription, is known as Maintenance therapy. Subsites used are most often methadone or buprenorphine.

A full medical detox from heroin will always be carried out in a residential rehab setting and will allow the individual to switch form heroin to a substitute and slowly withdraw completing treatment free of all substances. Someone using a heroin substitute can choose to have a full medical detox at any time, however detoxing substances such a methadone can often add to the length of detox required. Drugs most commonly used to fully detox from heroin are, Subutex, Suboxone and Methadone. Much like alcohol, the exact drugs used will be dependent on the individuals needs/medical history.

Once detoxed from heroin the risk of overdose is much higher following relapse due to tolerance following withdrawal.

The length of treatment in a residential rehab depends on a number of elements. Some substances require longer periods of detox than others.

Private paying patients will also often choose a length of stay that suites their therapeutic and financial needs. As a rule, a full treatment program in a rehab is considered to be 28 days (often referred to as a month), however, treatment is offered in several different ways and lengths starting at 7 days.

Treating alcohol addiction will always require a minimum of 7-10 days, this would be considered the detoxification (detox) faze. The length required for treating drug addiction can vary drastically depending on the substance being used. Detox for Heroin addiction is generally around 14 days minimum, with more time required if substances such a methadone are being used. Treating prescription drug addiction can often take the longest. The time required for treating gambling addiction, eating disorders and sex addiction will be based on the individuals needs.

Rehab programs can be as long as an individual requires but primary treatment is normally caped at 12 weeks, with the offering for further secondary and tertiary treatment thereafter.

*based on average rehab stays, everyone will vary dependant on needs and medical requirement/history.

There is no need for your employer to know that you are seeking help for trauma and addiction unless you choose to involve them with the process. All employers should have a policy that explains what you do if you cannot come to work due to illness – illness to include treating alcohol addiction/treating drug addiction.

If your work absence extends over 7 days your employer is likely to require an official statement of fitness to work which would be obtained from your GP. This would need to supply evidence of your illness as well as any adjustments required for returning to work, fazed return or reduced hours, but does not need to specify in detail the reason why you have been absent.

If you are absent from work for 7 days of less, for example entering rehab for a detoxification (detox) on a Saturday for 7-10 days taking a full week away from work, you can self-certify your illness by letting your employer work you will not be attending work for that period of time. Exactly how an individual would do this would be dependent on a specific companies’ policies on taking sick leave.

Any time longer than 7 days it is likely an employer will require a note from the individuals GP certifying their sickness and a fit note on return. Most companies have a clearly outlined policy on sickness and receiving sick pay so the exact requirement can vary. A rehab will always be willing to advise on time off work.

How much does rehab cost is a very frequently asked question. The cost of treatment can range from £1,000 per week upwards depending on the place, with luxury rehab being the most expensive.

There are free options available on the NHS but the waitlist of those looking for free treatment is longer than that for privately paying patients. Some private health insurance policies will cover treatment in some rehabs around the country.

Choosing the right rehab centre will often be based on priced but it is important to follow guidance on the most suitable treatment centre for an individual’s needs which our expert team of advisers are on hand to offer.

There are certainly pro’s for both treatment near by and traveling for treatment with one of the most asked question being should I get rehab near me? There are rehabs all over the UK and around the world that all offer expert programs, let’s look at how to choose a rehab.

Local treatment

Being close to home gives certainly has benefits. Visitors are normally permitted in rehab following the first 7 days stay, therefore if an individual is in treatment for a length of time longer than that being local will make it easier for loved ones to visit.

Most rehab centres will also provide a full aftercare plan for someone following treatment, this will include ongoing aftercare in the specific treatment centre. Living close by can make it easy to take full advantage of ongoing aftercare. There can also often be the option for ongoing care with an individual therapist, again being close by will allow that treatment to be carried out face to face.

Some individuals wish to be local but are willing to look broader, for instance the greater city of residence (London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc)

Treatment Away

Getting treatment away from home can be very appealing to some. Being out of the local area makes it a lot harder to just walk out of treatment as resources locally are unknown. Some also take comfort in knowing that they are not near home and focus more on treatment.

As the price for treatment can vary so much from one residential treatment centre to another, private paying patients often would rather travel to keep the cost down. Those using private health insurance may also have to travel to find a treatment centre covered in their policy.

When opting for treatment away from home this can be anywhere in the UK and also abroad. Aftercare can still be carried out and very successful using tools such as The Online Rehab.

There is no right or wrong when choosing where to go to residential rehab, but our expert advisors are always on hand to help provide information on all possible options.

Whilst millions of people in the UK have taken recreational drugs (amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, crack, crystal meth, GHB, heron, ketamine, methadone, and prescription drugs) and drank alcohol not all become ‘addicted’. Most recent reports show that 279,793 individuals were in contact with drug and alcohol misuse services in the last year with over half of that being from opiate addiction and a quarter for alcohol.

There are several risk factors invoiced in addiction and those using drugs and alcohol socially, simply take the risk. These risks are as follows;

Tolerance – basically, if a substance is used repeatedly an individual’s tolerance to it will build. This will result in more of the same substance being required to get the same effect. In the long run this can easily lead to addiction and physical dependencies.

Environmental risks – these can include influences such a peer pressure and stress as well as physical or mental abuse of an individual (particularly as a child). Overall, those who live with frequent pressures and stress are more likely to reach for a substance to cope and are therefore at higher risk of becoming addicted.

Drug type – it is very well known that certain drugs are simply more addictive than others. Using substances such as heroin increases the risk of becoming addicted for need to ‘chase’ a high as well as physical dependency.

Drug administration – how a drug is administered can affect its addictive qualities. A drug injected rather than smoked or snorted will release a quicker and more intense high thus making it psychologically (and in many cases physically) more addictive.

Biological factors – it is now widely reported that being an addict is not only psychological but also biological. This includes your genetic makeup, mental health, sex and age. It is also reported to be 8 times more likely for the child of an addict to become an addict themselves.

Its believed that addiction is approximately half genetics and therefore some are 50% more likely to become addicted than others.

How do you help a loved one trapped in addiction?

The first step is to help and encourage the individual to become willing to accept help. They do not need to be shouting this off the rooftops, but they do need to be willing to go into treatment. There are ways to help someone become willing to get treatment for alcohol or treatment for drugs.

Set boundaries – set boundaries and stick to them. Once you have laid them out follow through with whatever consequences you have set however hard it is.

Stop finances – if you are financially supporting someone stopping these finances can be the quickest way for the addict needing to ask for help. With no money to acquire a substance an addict’s options become very limited.

Intervention – getting together with other family members/friends/colleagues and staging an intervention is often very successful in the fist stage of acceptance and gaining an admission to residential rehab.

You can’t make them quit, this can lead to dangerous withdrawal. Boundaries are very important in helping someone become willing to get help. Unfortunately you cannot do someone’s recovery for them and without self-motivation it is very hard to make it work.

The next step is to call our highly trained advisers 0203 955 7700.

There is a huge range of rehab options available and where to start can be completely over whelming so let us help.