A Guide To Rehab

Each year, approximately 138,081 people check into a drug and alcohol rehab for addiction treatment. Although this figure may seem somewhat significant, research reveals that more than 589,101 adults are currently battling substance addictions.

Whilst many people understand that attending rehab is in their best interest, rehab is often the last resort, with treatment frequently deferred due to limited understanding surrounding what can be expected.

However, deferring treatment can be life-threatening.  To raise awareness and ensure that you understand what rehab entails, at Addiction Advocates, we have created a simple guide to rehab.

Covering all there is to know about rehab, our guide to rehab is sure to provide you with all of the information you find yourself searching for.

Outpatient Vs Inpatient Rehab

Across the United Kingdom, drug and alcohol rehabs can be accessed via the NHS and private providers.

Although the overall aim of rehab is to ensure that addictions can be overcome, there are several differences between outpatient and inpatient rehab.  These include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Inpatient rehabs cater to mild and severe addictions.  Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, is recommended to individuals with mild addictions.
• Outpatient rehab requires patients to attend rehab during the day.  In contrast, patients who attend an inpatient rehab must remain within the treatment centre at all times during their treatment.
• Individuals who attend outpatient rehab can maintain a normal daily life.  Many continue to work and fulfil any day-to-day obligations.  When inpatient rehab is attended, structured programmes are implemented and require complete dedication.
• NHS outpatient rehab is free of charge. In contrast, private inpatient and outpatient rehab can cost £1,000 per week.

Which Rehab Is Best For Me?

Determining which rehab is best for you depends on several factors, such as your recovery needs, the severity of your addiction, the impact your addiction has had on your life and your income.

At Addiction Advocates, we consider the above factors before recommending a suitable rehab.  However, we typically refer those who approach us to inpatient rehab.  Although inpatient rehabs require complete dedication and can be somewhat disruptive to an individual’s everyday life, recovery rates are much greater, and the treatment available is superior.

How Do I Secure Treatment?

Depending on the rehab you decide to attend, how you secure treatment will differ.  This is because outpatient rehabs operated by the NHS require a medical referral from a professional such as a GP.  Essentially, this means that you will need to arrange an appointment to discuss your addiction with your doctor before attending rehab.

Meanwhile, private inpatient and outpatient rehabs do not require a medical referral. Instead, individuals can refer themselves for treatment. Concerned family members, friends and employees can additionally refer an individual for addiction treatment.

Understanding The Admissions Process

Before commencing addiction treatment, many rehab providers require individuals to complete a comprehensive admissions process.  Usually consisting of an initial telephone assessment, the admissions process ensures that appropriate support and treatment can be accessed.

The first step in securing treatment, telephone assessments are carried by an admissions team who ask several questions to ensure that treatment recommendations can be made.  Here, rehab costs will be discussed, as will the treatments available.

As private rehabs face an increase in demand, you will be required to pay a small deposit to secure your space, should you wish to attend inpatient rehab.  Once your deposit has been received, you will be given a suitable admissions date, and you will be welcomed to commence treatment.

Commencing Rehab Treatment

When the time comes for you to commence rehab treatment, you will be introduced to the medical professionals and recovery support workers that will be responsible for your care.  If attending an inpatient rehab, you will also be provided with a tour of the facilities, and you will be shown to your private bedroom.

Before starting treatment, a medical assessment will be conducted. Here, your physical and psychological health will be reviewed to ensure that you are fit to progress through treatment.  This assessment will also enable medical professionals to determine which treatment will be implemented into your treatment programme.

It should be noted that, due to demand, if you attend an outpatient NHS rehab, you may find that you are required to wait for a minimum of three weeks before commencing treatment.

In contrast, you will be encouraged to commence treatment just a few days after making a referral should you attend inpatient rehab.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

During your time in rehab, you will encounter many treatments that will maximise your recovery potential.  However, the treatment you receive will depend upon the rehab you attend, the severity of your addiction, and the results of your medical assessment.

Private rehabs, for example, equip all patients with a personalised treatment programme that spans 28-days.  Intense yet highly effective, these programmes are tailored to the needs of each person and often include the following:

• Detoxification
• Rehabilitation
• One-to-one therapy
• Group therapy
• Psychological therapy
• Well-being therapy
• Relapse prevention 
• 12-months of free aftercare treatment 

Outpatient rehab treatment, on the other hand, often consists of the following:

• Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy
• Medication
• Detoxification
• Recovery support groups

These treatments are recommended for at least 90 days.  However, as no one addiction is the same, some require treatment for much longer.

Whether you attend an inpatient or outpatient rehab, treatment will encourage you to understand your addiction, determine the root cause of your addiction and learn how to cope with any triggers and cravings that you may experience in the future.

Contact Us Today

While the thought of attending rehab can be intimidating, we hope that our guide to rehab will offer some reassurance.

If you have any questions about this guide to rehab or want to find out more about inpatient and outpatient rehab, please contact us today.  Likewise, if you are ready to refer yourself to rehab and would like to take advantage of the support we offer, contact us today by calling our 24/7 free helpline on 0800 012 6088.

With rehabs located across the nation, we are certain that we can find a suitable centre for you to begin your journey to a substance-free future.