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Drug & Alcohol Rehab Portsmouth

Here at Help4Addiciton we aim to provide a safe space for anyone who is finished with drink or done with drugs. On the day that you decide you have used enough; we will be here to guide you through the difficult process of rehab clinic selection. Those who come to us are more likely to successfully quit by merit of being matched to the best rehab clinic for them, in their area.

We operate a sort of rehab dating service wherein we match the people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction with the people that can best meet their rehab needs. So, if you really love animals, we can match you with a rehab clinic that uses animals as part of the recovery process. If you want full time, residential rehab near you in Portsmouth so you don’t need to move out for a month to recover – we will find it for you. If you need to be treated as an outpatient or want to detox at home, we can even help advise you on the right ways to go about it. We help everyone in England and Wales that suffers from addiction in a friendly, non-judgmental manner. Why? Because we want you to get off drink or drugs.

If you are interested in quitting your addiction for good, then contact us. You can reach us on 0203 955 7700 or you can use our online consultation service to get help. Whichever way you do it, that you reach out is what matters.

What’s it Like to Be Sober?

We included this section as a bit of an eye opener for those that are stuck between whether to use or whether to get sober. Just for those people, this is what it is like to live a sober life by comparison to your own:

  • If you can stay off drugs you never need to detox for this addiction ever again.
  • You will always have a spare few pounds in the bank instead of always struggling to pay for food or rent.
  • People don’t give you funny looks because you aren’t drunk or high.
  • You can hold down a job.
  • You can hold down a job without anyone complaining that you are drunk or high.
  • Your family visits. You visit them.
  • You don’t have the crippling sense of anxiety that comes with using the last of your stuff.
  • You can go on holiday or general anywhere you want without having to worry about how you will get your hit.
  • Your personal hygiene improves because you are not always ‘out of it’.
  • Your living space improves because you are sober enough to tidy up.

Yet some of us still choose to use drink or drugs in our daily lives. We don’t want to shame you for this, because we know exactly how hard it can be to break free of the habits that make you an addict. The other major problem with breaking free from drink or drugs that nobody talks about is the social aspect.

The Social Side of Drink or Drugs

When you are addicted to drugs you almost exclusively hang out with people who use those same drugs. These people don’t judge and tend to accept your habit because it is their normal, too. This means that you reach a stage of addiction where all of your friends are drug takers. Some people invest so much in these friendships that they don’t want to quit in case they lose these friends.

The harsh truth of the matter is that, should you choose recovery, you probably will navigate away from those friends. What you are failing to consider is all the other friends you have. The ones you forgot about because you were interested in getting high. You haven’t lost those friends and the chances are that they will be extremely happy to see you when you are on the mend. IT probably broke their hearts to watch your descent. They will be rooting for you on the way back up.

For drink and alcoholism this whole scenario is similar, yet different. Yes, your friend group probably drinks more than they should, but no, this doesn’t mean they are as restricted to small groups as drug takers are. This is simply based on the fact that alcohol is legal and illicit drug use isn’t. This means it is socially acceptable for you to sit in the sun, drink with your friends, and not think twice about it leading to a dangerous path if you do it too often.

Alcohol is available in stores all over Portsmouth. It is sold in the places you go to be social, making it even more of a temptation for the recovered alcoholic. The best advice we can give you is to listen to your instincts. If you feel able to go to a pub and drink non-alcoholic beers, then do so. BE sure all of those you are with know your situation and don’t buy you a real beer. If you don’t feel like you can go to a pub and enjoy a night out without being overwhelmed by the temptation – form new hobbies and don’t go, there. Invite those same friends to the cinema, or bowling, or to somewhere there isn’t alcohol at all. You will have something to do with your hands, the night won’t depend on alcohol, and you don’t need to explain why you aren’t drinking.

We have specific pages on drug rehab and on how to quit drinking for good if you want a little extra reassurance that recovery from drink or drugs is the right option for you. We are also here when you do decide to get off drink or stop taking drugs. We cover both outpatient and inpatient help, so call us today on 0203 955 7700 and let’s get going!

Drink and Drug issues in Portsmouth

You might think that Portsmouth is a fairly unaffected city, but this is a lie perpetuated to make you feel safe and sleep at night. Portsmouth, England, and Wales, all have as much of a problem with alcohol as the stereotype of the Scottish and Irish. Portsmouth city council got so annoyed with alcohol misuse in and around the city that they issued guidance on the matter through their web site. Even the BBC has weighed in on the subject, reporting on one of the former Portsmouth FC players, who suffered from addiction problems while recovering from an injury.

Drugs are also a bit of an issue in the city. Again, Portsmouth City Council issued guidance in response to public worry over the number of readily available illicit substances in the city. The Portsmouth News have already reported on the issue of drug deaths in the city. They inform us that Portsmouth has been identified as having one of the highest drug death rates in the whole of England.

In June 2020, 2 people were arrested after a dual raid on Meadowsweet way and Spenlow Close. More than £30,000 cash were recovered, as well as numerous drugs and paraphernalia. Hampshire Police made two arrests… but it just goes to show how much money there is in the drug industry if two dealers harboured 30k between them. A few years ago the city made international news after a 135 million GBP drug haul was seized from a banana pallet changing hands at the port. The ship had come from Colombia under the guise of trading bananas, in fact, the pallets the bananas came in were filled with Cocaine. The BBC reported on the case, recording that these drugs would have made their way up and down the country from the port at Portsmouth… an unwelcome haul indeed.

Help 4 Addiction is Available In All Areas of Portsmouth!

It doesn’t matter which streets you live in or what your average median income might be, we at Help 4 Addiction won’t turn away anyone from the city of Portsmouth that comes to us for help. We make sure we connect those that ask for our help with the very best rehab clinics near them, ensuring they successfully get off drink or stop taking drugs for good. We cater to everyone, regardless of what they were addicted to or how long for. We will find a place to suit your needs whether you want a residential centre or whether you are looking for somewhere to be treated for addiction as an outpatient. If you are currently wondering whether we help you, the answer is likely to be a firm yes.

We help people from the following parts of the city to get clean from alcohol or drugs:

  • Baffins
  • Buckland
  • Copnor
  • Cosham
  • Drayton
  • Eastney
  • Farlington
  • Fratton
  • Hilsea
  • Kingston
  • Landport
  • Milton
  • North End
  • Old Portsmouth
  • Paulsgrove
  • Port Solent
  • Portsea
  • Rudmore
  • Sumerstown
  • Southsea
  • Stamshaw
  • Tipner
  • Widley
  • Wymering

Don’t forget that we help those from outside these areas, too. So if you live in the middle of nowhere but still have a Portsmouth postcode, we can help you quit drinking, drugs, or give up addictions for good, forever.

Call 0203 955 7700 for more information.

Other Related Areas To Consider For Rehab

Bedfordshire, London, Birmingham, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Bournemouth, Manchester, Huntingdonshire, Middlesex, Northumberland County, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire County, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Sussex,West Midlands, Devon, Derbyshire, Cumberland, Durham, Newport, Swansea, Derby, Kingston-Upon-Hull

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thumbOur advice will always be led by your needs and is free, confidential and impartial.
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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.