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Drug & Alcohol Rehab London

If you’re struggling with addiction, then Help 4 Addiction is here to help. We are a rehab centre admissions service serving people struggling with addiction in London. Our staff are here, ready to connect you with the right treatment. All you need do is call us, tell us which substances you’re struggling with, and we’ll find you the help you need, right here in the London area.

Get Help Finding Private Rehab In London

At Help 4 Addiction, we’re committed to helping people beat their drug and alcohol addiction and get back on the path to a healthy and productive life. You can call our admissions team at any time to discuss whether you might need private rehab. It doesn’t matter what substance you may be struggling with; whether that’s cocaine, amphetamines, prescription drugs, heroin, or alcohol, we have the expertise you need to find the right rehabilitation service for you.

 

Everybody’s path to recovery is different. We understand this, which is why we take the time to listen to your case and make recommendations based on what you tell us. We then find the rehab centre that is in the best position to offer guidance, support and help for you.

 

 

Private rehab is a paid service where patients go to a clinic and receive treatment for addiction. Often, patients receive residential treatment, meaning that they stay at the private rehab clinic, 24 hours a day, under supervision. Although it is possible to go to a rehab centre for immediate treatment and then return home, most patients find it beneficial to spend some time in residence, especially when they are newly recovering.

 

Residential rehab in London offers a variety of benefits for patients. It has higher success rates than outpatient programmes (where patients receive treatment but do not stay at the rehab centre) because they can escape temptation and social environments which foster substance abuse. Residential rehab programmes also offer around-the-clock support to help patients recovering from a serious addiction, allowing medical staff to help them through the process of detoxification and provide assistance when required.

 

Depression And Anxiety And Substance Abuse In London: A Vicious Cycle?

Although not always, depression and anxiety are often associated with substance use. Both of these conditions cause an individual to suffer, and drugs appear to offer a temporary escape.

 

Substance abuse and mood disorders, like anxiety and depression, frequently go hand-in-hand. There is evidence that substance use can worsen both anxiety and depression, but there is also evidence that anxiety and depression can lead to substance use. Anxiety, depression and drug addiction can form a vicious cycle, each feeding off the other, often making symptoms far worse overall.

 

Many people with depression and anxiety use drugs to medicate their condition. Drugs and alcohol help them to feel more “normal” and “more like everybody else,” and may permit them to function normally for a while. However, if you’ve ever used drugs or alcohol to medicate anxiety or depression, you know that the effect is fleeting. While you may initially feel good, after a while the effect wears off, and you end up in a worse place than you were in before. Soon, you need drugs or alcohol just to keep yourself from crashing – a cycle of behaviour that damages everything you care about in your life, whether that’s your health, your relationships, or your work.

 

Although people use substances to medicate for all kinds of problems, substance use can have specific effects on a range of common disorders. Take social anxiety disorder, for instance. If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, then you often feel panic or distress in social situations. Many people with the disorder come to believe that alcohol can help them manage the condition, and so they drink heavily while in the presence of other people. Alcohol, however, can often make social anxiety worse, leading to all kinds of negative ramifications down the road. For instance, misusing alcohol not only damages the body but can also lead to sleep disorders which, in turn, heighten states of anxiety.

 

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of disorder that occurs after a traumatic event which can produce intense feelings of anxiety in certain situations. If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, you may feel the need to medicate to manage symptoms. As a result, PTSD and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand with the sufferer using substances to take the edge off their negative experiences. The problem, however, is that just as with social anxiety disorder, using drugs to medicate PTSD can make the symptoms of the condition worse.

 

Treating Mood Disorders And Substance Abuse In London

Although it is possible to take substances and become addicted without some kind of pre-existing mood disorder, it is rare. What’s more, substance use often leads to problems with anxiety and depression, necessitating that the two must be treated at the same time. Most rehab centres in the London area, therefore, offer support for both mood disorders and substance abuse concurrently. When you check into a rehab centre, you’ll be assessed and then offered a range of therapies depending on your specific need.

 

If you think that your substance abuse has led to a mood disorder, or believe that a mood disorder caused you to begin using substances, then private residential rehab can help a great deal. The priority of the rehab centre is to intervene in the damaging cycle of substance use and feelings of anxiety or depression.

 

Most centres offer cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy – or CBT for short – is a kind of treatment which specifically intervenes in destructive behaviours and emotions. The idea behind CBT is to train the brain into thinking differently in particular situations. For instance, CBT can help people suffering from substance abuse disorder say no to drugs and focus on the path to recovery. The therapy can last for as long as it is needed, although many see benefits between 12 and 16 weeks. The good thing about CBT is that it can be done as an outpatient: you can leave residential rehab, but continue to take part in therapy at times that suit you.

 

Withdrawal Symptoms For London Patients

The challenging part of dealing with any substance-related addiction is managing withdrawal symptoms. The specifics of withdrawal depend on the kind of substances to which you may be addicted.

 

Take alcohol, for instance. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that it changes the way that your brain works, slowing the rate at which messages are sent from one part to another. If your brain is in this state for a long time, it begins to try to fight the effects of the alcohol and put you in a more alert state. A person suffering from alcohol addiction, often needs more alcohol to avoid this unpleasant brain state, fuelling a cycle of addiction.

 

The process of withdrawal, therefore, is a process of returning to health. The brain wants to get back into balance, but cannot do this so long as the alcohol dependence continues. It can only return to a state of health when the alcohol addiction ends.

 

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and drug abuse vary from person to person and depend on the type of substance being used. If you stop using a substance, you may find that you experience insomnia (an inability to sleep), anxiety (especially if you have not resolved this issue), shaking hands, vomiting, sweating and headaches. Withdrawal can be a frightening and challenging time, which is why it is always best to have the support of professionals who can manage your transition through the process and see you safely out the other side. Dealing with withdrawal by yourself can be both unpleasant and lead to relapse.

 

The length of time between stopping using a substance and the onset of withdrawal depends on your particular biology, as well as the extent to which you might be dependent. Withdrawal symptoms tend to show up within the first 12 to 24 hours after you stop using a substance, so you need to prepare. Many people avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, like seizures or delirium tremens (where people imagine that they can see and hear things that aren’t there), but some don’t. According to data from WebMD, around 5 per cent of people will experience vivid hallucinations within 48 to 72 hours of stopping their use of alcohol. That’s why it is a good idea to manage your recovery with professionals by your side.

 

Managing Withdrawal For London Patients

Treating withdrawal is the primary objective of residential rehabilitation. Private rehab centres are there to provide an environment in which you can safely and securely let go of your addictions, get the support you need, and refocus your life around the things that matter to you.

 

Most people seeking rehabilitation in London find that they don’t need much more than a supportive environment to recover from their addiction. Rehab centres offer all of the things that you need to get on the road to recovery, including soft lighting and quiet surroundings. Rehab centres help to take you out of your current situation and put you in a new environment, without the cues and triggers that might lead to relapse.

 

The people around you will be positive and supportive through your journey to health. You will engage in life-affirming conversations and enjoy the company of those with your best interests at heart. At a rehab clinic, you will escape environments that may tempt you to abuse substances, and no drugs or alcohol will be available.

 

Finally, rehab centres provide healthy nutrition and lots of fluid. Fluid helps to flush the system of drugs and allows the body to remove harmful chemicals from the system. Proper nutrition supports this process and can also have a positive effect on mood.

 

Not all people entering a drug rehab clinic can manage withdrawal from addictive substances without medication. Doctors at rehabilitation centres are trained explicitly on which medications to use and who to treat.

 

You may need treatment for a number of withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, insomnia, or problems related to your heart and blood vessels. Some medications can interact with drugs in your body, so it’s beneficial to have ongoing medical support from trained professionals.

 

The Importance Of Counselling For Patients In London

Rehabilitation clinics are adept and dealing with the initial difficulties of removing substance abuse from your life, but without counselling, many people find themselves relapsing weeks or months after they return home. Ongoing counselling and support both help to get to the root of the addiction and find ways to address the underlying problem.

 

Addiction can result from all kinds of adverse life situations. You may have felt the need to medicate with substance for any number of the following reasons:

 

  • Relationship breakdown
  • Work-related stress
  • An abusive childhood
  • Being the victim of sexual violence
  • Being unhappy with your appearance
  • Suffering from a mood disorder, like anxiety or depression
  • Being unhappy about something you did in the past

 

Counselling can help you deal with deep-seated issues like these so that you can avoid the need to use drugs and alcohol to medicate. Ongoing counselling and support groups (where you meet with other people managing their addictions), can be of enormous benefit.

 

Finding Help For Your Addiction In London

If you believe that you may need help overcoming addiction, then don’t delay. A rehab centre in London can help free you from your dependence and give you back the life that you want. Don’t suffer any longer than you have to. The longer you continue to use addictive substances, the more difficult managing withdrawal could be.

 

Finding the right rehab centre can be a challenge, especially if you are currently suffering from substance abuse. You may not feel like you have the ability to judge which treatment centres are the best for dealing with your particular needs.

 

With Help 4 Addiction, there’s no need to worry. All you have to do is call our admissions team on 0207 955 7700, and we will find a suitable clinic that caters to your particular circumstances. Don’t delay: call our friendly team today.

 

If you reside in the United Kingdom, Help4Addiction’s experienced admissions officer can cut through the headache of finding the rehabilitation centre that suits you best. Help4Addiction can even take on funding arrangement administration, particularly if you choose to fund via a private insurance policy.

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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.