The following points of information on rehab programs are prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information on a rehab programme can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0800 246 5293.

What is a Rehab Program?

Rehab programs deliver psychological treatment to those who are having their lives ruined by addiction. In some cases, where a physical dependence is present, a detox will be required at the start of treatment. This provides the support to withdraw safely and comfortably from a substance under medical supervision. Once free from the substance, the treatment will focus on the behavioural and psychological side of the addiction. The residential aspect of the treatment allows quality time to focus and address the core concerns at hand.

Treatment within a residential rehab program is usually delivered through group therapy, one to one counseling, thought and feeling groups, anxiety and anger management classes, educational workshops, diary keeping and reflection groups and fellowship meetings. Treatment may also include additional holistic therapies such as acupuncture, art therapy, reflexology, equine therapy, yoga and many more to help with withdrawal symptoms, cravings and relaxation.

Treatment can be accessed for a number of addictions including alcohol, heroin, cannabis, cocaine and others. If you or your loved one are suffering with more than one addiction, drug abuse programs can also offer treatment for secondary addictions. In some cases additional disorders such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders can also be catered for.

When should someone seek a Rehab Program?

Withdrawal symptoms can be a vital indication that a detox as part of a rehab programme is required. Withdrawal symptoms are generally experienced when a substance is not present, though the body physically craves the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical such as sweating, shaking, and vomiting

If you are concerned that you or a loved one require a rehab program then call us on 0800 246 5293. Our advisors are here to support and advise on the next steps to take to access treatment.

Types of Rehab Programs

A residential rehab program is usually accessed within specialist treatment facilities or rehabilitation clinics. Residential rehabilitation programmes tend to share a number of key features and offer a structured programme of psychological, educational and social therapy alongside a detox where required. Residential treatment is usually preferable, especially for detoxification, as it is usually considered safer (medically) and offers more psychological and emotional care during the treatment programme. Vitally, drug addiction programs should be followed up intensively in their local, home environment, with aftercare counselling or community care coordinator visits.

Residential rehab centres are also possible to access overseas.  This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed help in the UK with limited success.

Although inpatient residential treatment is recommended primarily, some people may require home based treatment to accommodate their work, family or lifestyle. Treatment at home can vary depending on the needs of the individual. Trathen et al (2008) identifies typical community services in the Guidelines for the Best Practice Treatment of Substance Misuse, such as community detox, counseling, and 'drop in' or day programs in order to deliver personal recovery plans, relapse prevention and 12 step treatment.

Not everyone will be in a position to access treatment privately. NHS and voluntary services can offer support and treatment for addictions. Levels of funding vary from one local council to another, and funding for addiction treatment is usually limited. This can make residential treatment on the NHS difficult to access, and long waiting lists are usually experienced. 

How long could treatment in a Rehab Program take?

The length of rehab can vary depending on the severity of the dependence, the situation, and the substance being taken.  Overall, it seems the longer someone commits to treatment, the less likely they are to relapse in the future. This is supported by research by The National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) in 1996 that showed a significant relationship between the length of residential rehab treatment and outcomes of success.

Typically, a minimum period of 28 days is recommended for alcohol addiction and a 6 week programme for drug dependency. Shorter detox programmes can be accessed if required. In order to safely detox this will usually take between 7 and 10 days for alcohol and a minimum of 14 days for drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin. For the best outcome of success, residential treatment should be followed by a regular local to home aftercare programme.

How much does a private Rehab Program cost?

The cost of treatment can vary depending on the duration, clinic and amount of aftercare accessed.  Cost can vary depending on the facilities, accommodation standard and location of the clinics. The level of medical cover may also have an impact on the cost.

Where to find a Drug or Alcohol Rehab Program in the UK

Triage Healthcare works with a large number of counsellors, nurses, doctors, psychologists and residential rehabilitation centres throughout the UK and abroad. Triage Healthcare carefully regulates the standard of service provided on behalf its partners and ensures all service are statutory regulated, for example by the Care Quality Commission or the Health Professions Council.

Triage Healthcare Ltd is a specialist healthcare company dedicated to the treatment of addictive illness. We were formed in 2005 by Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

 References

NTORS The National Treatment Outcome Research Study: Summary of the project, the clients, and preliminary findings: First Bulletin. (1996). Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., Edwards, C., Lehmann, P., Wilson, A., & Segar, G. Department of Health: London.

Guidelines for the best practice treatment of Substance Misuse (2008): Triage Healthcare: Canterbury, UK.