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Drug & Alcohol Rehab Cambridgeshire

Get help for your addiction, no matter where in Cambridgeshire you are based. Here at Help 4 Addiction, our mission is to make recovery from drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or even emotional disorders, possible in your area. If you want to quit being addicted and get your life back on track, take our online consultation now. Together, we can get you on the path to recovery.

Cambridgeshire is known for being home to one of the most prestigious universities in Britain, for being an historic county and for being the site of Flag Fen – one of the most important Neolithic settlements in England. In spite of all of this, Cambridgeshire has a darker underbelly that few get to see. This region in the east of England is home to some shocking statistics regarding alcohol and drug abuse.

Cambridgeshire Drug and Alcohol Abuse Figures

As recently as last year, experts in the Cambs Times were warning about a sharp rise in drink and drug addiction among young people in the area. In Cambridge city alone, 152 children under the age of 16 were admitted to hospital because of alcohol related issues over the course of the year. Coupled with a further 183 admitted for substance misuse – and we start to see a bleak picture of addiction in Cambridgeshire.

Cambridgeshire is a hub of alcohol abuse. Not only that, but some reports[i] linked the abuse of alcohol to higher crime rates, placing this region 4th in line as the rowdiest on a weekend evening. Further, it is estimated that there are over a half a million dependent drinkers living in the UK, right now. Of these, not even a fifth receive treatment.

If you are a dependent drinker who wants to change the future, then we want to hear from you. Complete an online consultation today or call us on 0203 955 7700 for more details.

What Are the Symptoms of Addiction?

If you are wondering how to stop drinking alcohol or how to stop taking drugs, then you may have an addiction. There is no shame to it, but you should seek help. All of us are able to succumb to addictions – and most of us do, at some point in our lives. Where some form a caffeine or nicotine addiction, others turn to narcotic drugs, gambling, or other addictions that can damage your life.

So how do you know for sure if you are addicted to substance abuse? The symptoms are often divided into physical and psychological categories. Here are some of the most common signs of an addiction:

  • An inability to stop using a substance, or to stop repeating an action for the reward, in spite of it damaging your health or otherwise having a negative impact on your life.
  • Addicts turn to their substance whenever life gets difficult. If you reach for a bottle whenever you feel bad, it may be the working of addiction.
  • If you are addicted, you will constantly worry about whether you have enough. If you are obsessively worrying about where you will get your next fix from, you are addicted.
  • Addicts take more risks. If you are addicted to opiates or cocaine you may find yourself taking more and more at once, risking an overdose by chasing the best high.

If you or someone you know is suffering, encourage them towards our online consultation service. Our skilled team will put you in touch with those you need to reach, in order to get the help you need. You can also find a full list of symptoms here.

Depression and Anxiety Go Hand-in-Hand with Addictions

One of the least talked about symptoms of an addiction is the depression and anxiety that comes with it. If you do not know where your next drink or hit is coming from, you are likely to be in a state of high anxiety until this is corrected. The guilt and shame that is associated with addiction can cause the chances of depression to rise. Addiction, emotional disorders, and mental illness are not mutually exclusive.

The Cambridgeshire Live news team ran a recent survey of their readers, in order to find out if they had any history of mental illness. To their shock, 90% of their readers had experienced anxiety or depression within their lifetimes. Although it might be normal to be sad, frustrated, or angry on a day-to-day basis, it is when these things start to interfere with our lives that they become a problem… in the same insidious way that an addiction takes over.

When you suffer from an addiction your mental ill health does not disappear. In fact, an addiction is likely to make an existing condition much worse. Seek help by going to your GP, then visit our pages for further help and advice.

What are my Rehab Treatment Choices in Cambridgeshire?

There are several options available to you so it can be difficult. We can help. Here are the basic choices to help you get off drugs…

Detox

This is the initial stage of quitting drugs or alcohol and will involve withdrawing from your substance of choice. If your addiction is physical rather than substance dependent, then you may find that detox involves removing yourself from temptation. The shakes, sweats, and irritability will be just as tough, although the physical symptoms will be less intense.

Detox can be harsh and may even be physically dangerous. You should not suddenly stop taking opiates, for example, without medical advice. You can visit our pages to learn more about how to detox from drugs, safely. It involves medical professionals, combined medication and therapy, and a high drive to succeed for you to get off drugs in Cambridgeshire.

NHS Rehab

NHS rehab is your cheapest option. If you are on a low income, then the government (or Cambridgeshire county council) will be able to help you with some of the funding. NHS rehab contains a mix of medication and therapies similar to a private rehab clinic, but you will not be recovering in luxury. You might also find that NHS rehab clinics are a lot less likely to be fully residential, so you may get to come home at the end of the day.

Private Rehab

Private rehab allows you to get off drugs, stop drinking, or live-in your rehabilitation centre. They are usually full-time, and you do not check out until your treatment time is complete. Most will advise the standard 28 days.

Dayhab

There are also options for those that want to recover but have busy lives or can’t afford to take time off for a month. In this case, we may be able to refer you to a dayhab clinic based in Cambridgeshire. These centres are non-residential but allow you to get all the help you need through the day. Online therapies are also a growing option to allow you to maintain a normal life during recovery.

NHS Vs Private Rehab in Cambridgeshire

You have the choice between going to the NHS and receiving a 28 day rehab treatment plan which might not be fully residential, or you might want to opt for private rehab. The private option is the same type of rehab that you see celebrities going through and will ultimately do everything it can to make you more comfortable while you quit alcohol or stop taking drugs. You can read our article about private rehab options if this is of interest and you wish to know more.

Ultimately, and NHS facility based in Cambridgeshire will give you all you need to quit drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any other addiction. It will be equally as valuable to you, but much less comfortable.

How Long Will Rehab Take?

Whether you live in Cambridgeshire or not, the length of time it takes to make a full recovery will often vary from person to person. That being said both alcohol rehab and drug rehab take an obligatory 4 weeks/28 day approach. This is the typical length of time you will need to break the bad habits that made you an addict in the first place. It is also plenty of time to get the substance completely free from your system and leave you feeling healthier and more equipped to tackle your addiction in your normal life.

If you are still confused about how long rehab will take you, we have put together a substantial resource for you to draw on, here. Help 4 Addiction exist to ensure your recovery is as simple as possible. Don’t forget to complete our online consultation if you think you need help.

Help For Addiction is Available in All Areas of Cambridgeshire

We offer our addiction recovery services throughout the Cambridgeshire area. Some of the towns we cover include (but are not limited to):

If you live in the Cambridgeshire area and think you need help to overcome an addiction, we want to hear from you. Visit our online consultation area today to start getting help. Don’t let drugs and alcohol ruin your life. Get help, get better, and get back on track, all with a little Help 4 Addiction. Contact us now on 0203 955 7700 to get started.

[i] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics

Other Related Areas To Consider For Rehab

Milton Keynes, Luton, Watford, Slough, London, Coventry, Leamington, Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Buckinghamshire

Help for Addiction and Rehab is available in all areas of Hertfordshire including:

  • Bainton
  • Buckden
  • Burwell
  • Cambourne
  • Cambridge
  • Coates
  • Coldham
  • Cottenham
  • Crowthorne
  • Ely


  • Glatton
  • Godmanchester
  • Histon
  • Linton
  • March
  • Melbourn
  • Milton
  • Peterborough
  • Sandhurst
  • Sawston
  • Sawtry
  • Sowham
  • St Ives
  • St Neots
  • Thatcham
  • Waterbeach
  • Windsor
  • Whittlesey
  • Wisbech
  • Yaxley

Related Posts:

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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.