If you are suffering from a drug or alcohol problem, it makes sense to seek help for it as soon as you can. Addiction and substance misuse can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health. Did you know, for example, that alcohol is the single biggest risk factor for ill-health, disability and death among 15-49 year olds and the fifth biggest risk factor across all age groups?1
Misuse of illegal and prescription drugs is not as widespread but for the individuals involved, they can be every bit as dangerous. And that’s without going into the damage that addiction and its associated behaviours can have on families, relationships, work life, social life and pretty much every other area of your life.
Addiction is very difficult to beat alone, but it can be successfully treated. There is no easy fix – it still takes a lot of hard work and motivation on the part of the person in recovery – but many people break free from the grip of drugs and alcohol every year. There are a number of different approaches to addiction treatment but a comprehensive treatment programme delivered in a residential drug and alcohol rehab centre is the most effective way of treating serious addiction.
Should I Choose Free or Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
There are certainly free options that you may wish to consider. NHS drug and alcohol services can be very valuable, and – in theory at least – they should ensure that no one who needs it has to go without treatment for a drink or drug problem. In reality, resources are sadly stretched. A 2021 analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists that was published in the British Medical Journal found that youth addiction services in England experienced real-term cuts of 37% between 2013-14 and 2019-20.2
Whatever age group you are, you may face waiting lists and levels of treatment that are lacking in some areas.
With private drug and alcohol rehab in Seaham or elsewhere, you will receive the highest levels of priority treatment. This means speedy treatment, the highest levels of care and tailored treatment programmes based on evidence and years of experience. Residential rehab also has a number of advantages over the type of community-based treatment typically offered on the NHS. For a start, you will be in a secure environment with no access to drugs or alcohol and safely away from the triggers and temptations that may be associated with your usual drinking and/or drug use.
You will be able to undergo a medically supervised alcohol and drug detox and take part in a highly focused programme of therapies and other treatments. Rehab is not like prison. Most rehabs are very comfortable, friendly and relaxed, but they also tend to be very structured. This can be very useful for people struggling with drink and drug problems, as well as helping you to make the very most out of your time there.
It is worth bearing in mind that private medical and health insurance will often cover some or all of the costs of drug and alcohol treatment, including residential alcohol and drug rehab. It’s also worth considering the costs of leaving an addiction untreated – to your finances, health, relationships, career and many other aspects of your life.
Treatments Available at Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Every alcohol and drug rehab centre is different and your treatment programme will be tailored to match your own unique needs and circumstances. That said, there are some common treatments you can expect to find in most rehabs.
For most people, the process begins with a drug and/or alcohol detox. This is when you get rid of the drugs or alcohol already in your system – sometimes from years of misuse. It can be accompanied by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can be potentially dangerous. Undergoing a medically supervised detox in rehab means you will receive the finest care and support, as well as medical treatment and prescription medications where appropriate.
Another key part of rehab is a programme of therapies, workshops and other treatment sessions aimed at dealing with the psychological aspects of your addiction and exploring the root causes of your substance misuse. There may also be complementary therapies and workshops that can improve your overall well-being and help you to avoid relapse moving forward.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Addiction, substance misuse and mental health issues often have complex relationships but each can affect the other. Substance misuse may trigger or exacerbate a mental illness for example, while a person suffering from mental health issues may try to alleviate the symptoms or self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Dual diagnosis is when addiction and mental health problems exist and are treated at the same time. This is important because leaving one side of the equation untreated could have an effect on the other – such as a mental health issue contributing to a relapse after you have been through drug and alcohol treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Aftercare
While a thorough treatment programme will provide you with all the tools you need to keep heading in a positive direction once you leave, it can still be challenging to maintain your recovery. Relapse can be a risk, but a tailored aftercare package can lessen that risk by providing vital ongoing support when you need it. It can also help you to get back on track if you do experience a relapse – helping you to see it as a setback rather than the end of the line.
Contact Us Today
At Addiction Advocates is not a single rehab clinic. Rather, we work with many different rehabs to ensure that the right person is in the right place and programme for their own unique needs and circumstances. We can help you to find the best place for your own recovery and guide you through the early steps of selection and the admissions process.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you to beat your addiction for good.