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Drug & Alcohol Rehab Hackney

If you’ve got concerns about a loved one or you’re worried that you’ve lost control, and you’ve become reliant on drink or drugs, you don’t have to muddle through or soldier on alone. At Help4Addiction, we’re here to advise and reassure you. We provide free, independent advice to help you find the best rehab facilities in your local area. If you’re based in East London, and you’re looking for drug or alcohol rehab in Hackney, we can help.

 

Understanding addiction

If you’ve never come across somebody who has an addiction before, it can be challenging to understand exactly what they’re going through. From an outside perspective, it may seem straightforward for that person to just stop what they’re doing and put down that glass of wine or that wrap of cocaine. The trouble is that addictions are virtually impossible to control. When you’re addicted to alcohol, for example, you can’t just tell yourself not to drink and get on with your day. Addictions compel you to do something, even when you know that it could harm you. You’ll continue to drink even if you know that your health, your safety and your relationships with others are at risk. You simply can’t fight that compulsion alone. If you are addicted to drink or drugs, the most significant step you can take is to acknowledge that you cannot control your behaviour, and you need help to take back control of your life.

 

There are several reasons why addictions occur, and every person has a different story. In some cases, genetics may play a role, but often, traumatic life events trigger unusual or exaggerated behaviour. If you’ve lost somebody close to you, for example, you may feel like drugs or alcohol are the only thing you have that can numb the pain of grief and help you get through the day. When you become addicted to substances, your body becomes more tolerant, and this means that you need more to achieve the same feeling. You might find that a large amount of alcohol that would normally make somebody feel very drunk doesn’t touch the sides, for example.  

 

Spotting the signs of alcoholism

Many of us enjoy a refreshing beer at the pub or a glass of red with our evening meal, but what happens when drinking becomes a compulsion? It’s fairly common to drink more than you think, but there’s a difference between drinking too much and losing control over how much you drink. If you exceed the recommended intake of 14 units of alcohol per week, this doesn’t mean that you’re addicted to alcohol. An addiction to drink is characterised by a constant urge to drink, which cannot be controlled or suppressed. If you find yourself reaching for a bottle after a bad day at work, you’ve started to spend more time alone so that you can drink without other people judging you, or you’re telling lies to ensure others don’t know how much you’re drinking, these are signs of alcoholism. It can be incredibly tough to admit that you’re addicted to alcohol, but if you’ve got to a stage where alcohol is your main concern or your priority, seeking help is a positive step in the right direction.

 

When to seek help for drug addiction

Like alcohol, drugs are not solely used by drug addicts. Just because you smoke cannabis or you take a pill, this doesn’t mean that you’re addicted to drugs. Addiction occurs when you become dependent on drugs, and your life starts to revolve around your next hit. When taking recreational drugs on a night out spirals into relying on drugs to get through the day, for example, this indicates an addiction. Everyone is different, but here are some common signs of drug addiction:

  • Feeling like you need to use drugs daily or several times a day
  • Becoming withdrawn and shutting yourself away from others
  • Getting into debt or stealing to buy drugs
  • Taking more powerful drugs or feeling the need to take larger quantities of drugs
  • Taking risks, for example driving while you’re under the influence of drugs
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking drugs
  • Trying to cut back, but failing

 

If you feel like these scenarios sound familiar, there is help out there.

 

The relationship between addiction and stress, anxiety, and depression

Addiction is often linked to stress, anxiety or depression, and often, a cycle is created that is incredibly hard to break. Anxiety is a normal human emotion and a reaction we experience when we’re scared or fearful. What isn’t normal is feeling anxious or on edge in scenarios or settings where we should feel comfortable. If you’re prone to anxiety, and you find it hard to relax and stay calm, you may find that taking drugs or having a drink makes you feel better. The trouble is that in the long-term, your body will start to rely on drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety. If you have depression, you may identify drink or drugs as a tonic to lift your mood or help the world seem a less daunting place. Likewise, if you’re stressed, reaching for a can of beer might seem like the best therapy. If you’re in a cycle where you’re drinking or taking drugs to nullify the symptoms of depression or anxiety or tackle stress, this can be very dangerous, and treatment will aim to break these habits and equip you with different ways of coping.

 

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, rehab programmes will aim to address the underlying condition at the same time as helping you adjust to sobriety. In most cases, medication is combined with talking therapies like counselling and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

 

Getting help for addiction in Hackney

Sometimes, it’s very difficult to recognise that you’ve crossed a line and that you no longer have control of how much you drink or how frequently you take drugs. Once you have arrived at this point, it is possible to find help in Hackney. In many cases, rehab is recommended for those with an addiction to drink or drugs. Rehab comes in various guises, and there are several facilities that offer alcohol and drug rehab in Hackney.

 

Residential rehab is an intensive form of treatment, which usually involves undergoing therapy in a secure, residential setting. You will stay at the rehab centre for a period of time and you will be cared for by a team of medical professionals. Residential rehab is usually available to private paying patients, but rehab is also available on the NHS. Places are limited and there may be a wait. Private centres may be able to offer treatment faster, and they might also offer a wider range of services.

 

What is a detox?

If you’re addicted to alcohol, and you take it away, your body will react, and you will experience withdrawal symptoms. A detox is a cleansing phase, which is designed to eliminate alcohol dependency. If you were to stop drinking all of a sudden at home, you might not be able to cope with the symptoms that ensue, and this is why it’s so beneficial to undergo controlled detox. When you’re in rehab, you’ll have a team of people looking after you while you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and you’ll be given treatments like medication to reduce the severity of symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety
  • Shaky hands
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares
  • Raised blood pressure

 

What are the advantages of going to drug or alcohol rehab in Hackney?

If you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, rehab can set you on the path to recovery. The purpose of rehab is to ensure that your body is no longer dependent on alcohol or drugs, but most importantly, that your mind is able to function without the need to drink or take drugs. Psychological therapies play a vital role in enabling you to understand why you resort to alcohol or drugs, and to help you develop strategies and techniques that will help you cope if life gets tough when you leave rehab. If you go to rehab, you’ll have the support of a professional medical team, you’ll have access to effective, tried and tested treatments, you can benefit from meeting new people, and you have the opportunity to get away and focus on yourself. If you’re at home, there are distractions, and maybe even temptations, that won’t get in your way at rehab. If you’re thinking about work, you’ve got a household or a family to take care of, or friends wanting to see you, this can make it difficult to concentrate on your recovery, and it may be overwhelming.

 

If you need help for drug or alcohol addiction and you’re looking for advice about alcohol or drug rehab in Hackney, we’re here for you. Call us on 0203 955 7700 or request a callback online. We provide free expert advice, and we can point you in the direction of the best rehab centres in Hackney.

 

Other Related Areas To Consider For Rehab

Greenwich, Watford, Croydon, Slough, London, Barnet, Chelsea, Fulham, Hampstead, Highgate, Knightsbridge, West Brompton, Essex, Surrey, Notting Hill

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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.