We can help you find the right drug and alcohol rehab centre and treatment plan for you in the Birmingham area, whether it be NHS-operated or a private rehab clinic.
Read on to learn more about drug and alcohol addiction and what to expect from the treatment process, from detoxification to aftercare.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Addictions
Addiction can be difficult to deal with alone – but luckily, you don’t have to. At Help4Addiction, we can find the right alcohol and drug rehab treatment for you in Birmingham, whether it be private rehab or rehab on the NHS.
Addiction is characterised by the lack of control over taking a substance despite the negative effects it may present (e.g finances, relationships, mental and physical health, etc). Addiction is commonly associated with drugs and alcohol, but it is possible to be addicted to anything – whether it be shopping, fast food, or even exercise. [i]
If you want to seek help, you’re not alone – last year, over 275,000 people contacted drug and alcohol services. [ii] Knowing about substance abuse including alcohol and drug addiction is the first step to getting help – read on to learn more about drug addiction and alcohol addiction, as well as the drug/ alcohol treatment process.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that has been around for a long time – historically, people in South America would chew coca leaves from the coca plant (aka Erythroxylon Coca) to experience the effects of the drug.
It is a stimulant drug that affects how your brain’s dopamine system functions – which can ultimately result in you feeling the urge to take more to feel pleasure. [iii]
It is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the UK, second to cannabis. [iv] Cocaine addiction can lead to you developing physical dependence, meaning you’ll need to take more of the drug to feel the same effect. You may also experience mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal if you stop taking the drug.
If you think you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine, we recommend that you seek treatment. Contact us today to learn more about the cocaine treatment available in and around the Birmingham area.
Heroin Addiction / Opioid Addiction
Heroin is a highly addictive substance, made from morphine that derives from the opium poppy plant seed pods. It is an illegal drug that can be smoked, injected, sniffed, or snorted.
However, not all opioids are illegal – you can be prescribed opioids to treat pain. Prescription opiates such as codeine have a similar chemical makeup to heroin and produce a similar high – and when it comes to opioids, substance abuse can be deadly.
Opioids affect your central nervous system – they bind to the opioid receptors to block certain signals. This creates pain relief. If you think you or a loved one is addicted to heroin, contact us today to find your nearest Birmingham heroin addiction treatment.
Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis use in the long-term or frequent cannabis use can lead to you developing an addiction. If you think you might be unable to stop smoking or consuming cannabis, contact us to find the right treatment for you.
As many as 30% of regular cannabis users develop symptoms that are consistent with cannabis use disorder/ cannabis addiction[v] – so it’s more common than you may think.
Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine is currently a controlled drug in the UK [vi] and is illegal for recreational use. However, it is used in the medical field and the veterinary field. It is a dissociative anaesthetic that can cause feelings of relaxation and sedation.
Although physical dependence is not proven, it is possible to develop a psychological dependence on ketamine with frequent or long-term use that can be difficult to break. If you think this is the case, we can help to free you of the psychological addiction.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Just like you can be addicted to substances such as cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, you can also become addicted to prescription drugs. Prescription drug addiction isn’t that uncommon – in fact, almost 12 million people in the UK struggle to stop taking prescription medication. [vii]
The chances of becoming addicted to prescribed drugs are increased if you abuse prescriptions – which can include taking a higher dose than recommended, mixing with alcohol or other drugs, or simply taking prescription drugs in any way other than prescribed. Contact us today if you are struggling to stop taking prescription medication.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is one of the most common forms of addiction, with over 602,000 people dependent on alcohol in the UK. However, 82% of these people are not receiving treatment. [viii]
Alcohol addiction (aka alcoholism) is the most severe form of alcohol use disorder – characterised by the lack of control over alcohol consumption.
If you abuse alcohol, you’re more likely to become dependent on alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms. If you think that you may have an alcohol problem, contact us to begin the treatment process.
The Drug And Alcohol Rehab Treatment Process
The addiction treatment process for drugs and alcohol can vary depending on the facility. However, the three main stages typically remain the same – detox, therapy, and aftercare. There are a variety of rehab clinics in Birmingham that specialise in all kinds of addictions, from cocaine to codeine.
In some cases, inpatient residential rehab is recommended by medical professionals. However, some people prefer to undergo rehab as an outpatient, attending treatment at an outpatient centre.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Birmingham
The first stage of alcohol and drug addiction rehab is the detox stage. Detoxification is a process aimed at cleansing your body of the substance, dealing with the physical aspect of addiction as opposed to the behavioural and social aspects of addiction. [ix]
This process can be difficult, and you may experience unpleasant and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, when the withdrawal symptoms are expected to be particularly uncomfortable or dangerous, you may be offered a detox with medical supervision (medically assisted detox) at an inpatient rehab.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Therapy Birmingham
This stage of addiction treatment can only usually be completed once you have successfully detoxed – when you are ready to deal with the psychological aspects of addiction and have overcome the physical addiction.
Therapy can help to promote your well-being, build your confidence, and improve your mental health overall. Therapy aims at dealing with the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction and can be effective at improving any mental health disorders or issues associated with addiction.
Different rehab centres will offer different therapies – however, you’ll find that most treatment centres offer either (or a combination of) cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and group therapy.
Some people may be offered dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). In a private rehab centre, you may also be offered holistic therapies such as sports or art therapies, as well as a focus on mindfulness and meditation.
Secondary Treatment / Aftercare Birmingham
Once you complete your treatment, you may wish to continue receiving treatment as an outpatient (outpatient treatment). Secondary treatment can help to prevent relapse by easing the transition from rehab to your normal life.
Some forms of aftercare include support groups (e.g alcoholics anonymous), group therapy, or further counselling. Group therapy and support groups can be effective as you’re socialising with people in a similar situation.
Finding The Right Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Birmingham
At Help4Addiction, we understand that it can be difficult taking that first step into drug or alcohol addiction treatment. That is why we will guide you through the process in a sympathetic and friendly manner, providing you with the support you need.
We can take the stress of finding a quality rehab centre, taking into account your preferences, requirements, and needs. Wherever you’re based in or around the Birmingham area, we can find a quality rehab treatment facility for you, whether it be for illicit drugs, prescription medication, or alcohol.
We want you to make a full recovery and live a drug-free life, so contact our addiction specialists for drug or alcohol rehab in Birmingham today.
[i] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/addiction-what-is-it/
[iii] https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/cocaine
[iv] https://www.statista.com/topics/7547/drug-use-in-the-united-kingdom-uk
[v] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02530-7
[vi] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ketamine
[viii] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics
[ix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get rehab in the UK?
Are there any rehab clinics in Birmingham?
Can I get treatment for alcohol addiction in Birmingham?
Can I get treatment for drug addiction in Birmingham?
Where is the nearest Birmingham rehab clinic?
Can I get NHS help covering rehab costs?
How much does Birmingham rehab cost?
How can I afford to pay for a rehab clinic?
How long will it take me to quit drinking?
How long will it take me to quit using cocaine?
