Every day, people succumb to addiction. They find themselves caught in a cycle – believing they are alone and that there is no help out there.

This is not true.

Addictions Advocates are an organisation dedicated to helping people get the support they need. We are a referral service, providing guidance and advice for those seeking to rid themselves of addiction.

Our experienced team can help you find the perfect drug and alcohol rehab that provides effective addiction treatment that suits your needs. We have access to a large network of drug and alcohol rehab centres all over the country, so we can help you wherever you are.

What Does Drug and Alcohol Addiction Look Like?

If you are suffering from a severe addiction then the results of that life will show up daily.

Physically, you will have probably noticed a decline in your appearance and a change in your eating habits that may make you look gaunter and more haggard. You may find sleep difficult now and experience bouts of fatigue and get sick more often.

Addiction can exacerbate mental health issues, making you feel more depressed, anxious and paranoid. People may notice that you have rapid mood swings and are more aggressive and agitated.

These effects can bleed into your behaviour as you become more secretive to hide your addiction. You are likely spending more time procuring drugs or alcohol and devoting more time to using drugs and drinking.

If some of these situations look like what your life is now then it might be time to consider alcohol and drug rehab.

 

Options for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

When it comes to addiction treatment, there are two main pathways.

Outpatient treatment allows you to maintain the routines of your life whilst getting help. This form of treatment is publicly available, cheaper or sometimes free. It takes place over a longer period and has a limited amount of treatment options.

Inpatient treatment via private drug and alcohol rehab is the most effective form of addiction treatment. If it suits your purposes then Addiction Advocates will likely recommend private rehab centres in our network. Inpatient rehab provides a wider range of treatments in fantastic facilities – whilst being cared for by expert staff.

 

How Long Do I Need to Stay in Rehab?

When going into a private residential rehab centre you are expected to complete at least a 28-day treatment programme. This amount of time allows you to effectively detox and supply you with coping techniques that you will need in the outside world.

If you need to stay longer then, of course, you can stay – as long as you can afford it.

Refer a Family Member or Friend

Friends and family members close to an addict often feel the effects of addiction. Substance abuse and alcoholism can destroy lifelong relationships and push people’s capacities to love.

As someone close to an addict, you may face the difficult situation of figuring out how to help that loved one. Watching someone self-destruct is very distressing and you should not delay in finding out how to help them. Waiting for them to hit rock bottom isn’t the best path forward as their very life could be at risk.

Reaching out to Addiction Advocates via our family referral and friend referral services is a good approach to take. Our experienced team can offer advice and guidance during this time and help you choose an appropriate approach.

We can provide you with treatment options, address any questions or concerns you have about addiction, provide ongoing support to all parties and discuss potential intervention options.

Even though you are not suffering from addiction, you are suffering and Addiction Advocates is here to help you help someone get the help they need.

Addiction Treatment at Drug and Alcohol Rehab

An effective addiction treatment programme at rehab will deal with both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. By dealing with the physical side, you are fighting the symptoms and effects of addiction. Facing up against the psychological aspect means knowing and overcoming the origins of your addiction.

Detox

Detoxification is the first step of addiction recovery. With a thorough detox regime, you will rid yourself of your physical dependence on drugs and alcohol. Doing this will leave you physically and mentally better off and more prepared for what comes next. At most rehab centres, the drug and alcohol detox processes are the same – what may differ is the medication you will be given to lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

Therapy is also a part of residential rehab. Through a combination of individual, group and well-being sessions you will work on coping skills, better understand your addiction and try to boost your self-esteem and mental health.

Social Activities

What you do in your downtime at rehab is also important. You will be used to filling spare time with drug-taking and drinking so replacing this with constructive activities is important. Many rehabs will encourage you to interact with people in the centre, take part in quiz and film nights and go on daily walks. Socialisation is important so that you don’t feel isolated when you are cut off from your family, friends and normal life.

What Happens After Rehab?

Once you finish treatment at rehab and enter the world again, it can be hard to stay motivated. Many people encounter this upon leaving rehab and slide into relapse, unfortunately undoing all the work they did.

This can be a big worry for people when leaving rehab, but that’s where aftercare comes in.

With an effective aftercare plan, you can stay motivated during your recovery journey and hone your coping and relapse prevention techniques. As time goes on, the risk of relapse will likely decrease as you get better at recognising possible symptoms and counteracting them.

Through support meetings, 12-step programmes and perhaps additional aftercare therapy you can maintain access to continued guidance and support and remain connected to those that understand the recovery journey.

If you engage with aftercare and stay on top of your addiction, you are much more likely to achieve your recovery goals and maintain your sobriety.

How We Can Help

If you are ready to begin your recovery journey, then don’t delay in reaching out to Addiction Advocates. From deciding on the right rehab centre for you to guiding you through the admissions process, we can help you decide the best action to take.

Start the process today by calling us at 0800 012 6088 or text HELP to 83222.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Deal With Withdrawal Symptoms?
As mentioned previously, withdrawal is not something that should be attempted at home without medical support. Attending a rehabilitation centre with a detox clinic where you can have your withdrawal symptoms managed through careful medication is the safest way to experience drug and/or alcohol detox.
Can I Be Cured from Addiction?
Due to the fact that addiction is a chronic illness, the threat of relapse will always be there. Although, learning how to keep the threat of relapse at bay will come to be second nature with the help of relapse prevention planning at a professional rehabilitation centre.
Is Addiction A Mental Illness Or Disease?
This question can divide a lot people who work in healthcare. However, most people agree that addiction is a mental health disease. Regardless of how an addictive disorder may be characterised, the staff at the drug and alcohol treatment centres that we work alongside are able to get you clean and sober for the long-term.