Rehab In The UK

Rehab In The UK

Alcohol and drug misuse have been on the rise in recent years, and addiction in the UK is causing great harm to individuals and their families. Fortunately, many programs are in place to help one get into rehab in the UK. Some believe addiction is something that only affects the individual, but the reality is that substance use can have many negative effects on friends, family, and the community.

You can find effective and affordable treatment programs for rehab in the UK that are either publicly or privately funded. The National Health Service (NHS) offers numerous services that can help treat addiction in the UK. Those in need of more intense care may benefit from attending a private residential clinic.

Featured Addiction Treatment Centres in the UK

Does The NHS Cover Rehab In The UK?

The NHS offers government-funded medical and health care services. It is an umbrella organization that covers most publicly funded services and health centers in the UK, but the services offered can vary by region. All those considered permanent residents in the UK who are in need of treatment for substance abuse are entitled to NHS care.

If you plan on seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction through the NHS, it is recommended that you visit a general practitioner (GP) that can go over different options. After an assessment, the GP may offer treatment at their practice or refer you to a local drug service. In addition to the NHS, there are charities and private drug and alcohol organizations that can help you get in and pay for some cost of rehab in the UK.

When you go to your first appointment for drug treatment, you will be asked about your drug use, your work, family, and housing situation. You will be assigned a keyworker whose responsibility is to support you throughout your treatment. The type of addiction treatment you choose will depend on your circumstances and the substance that is being abused. Your keyworker can help pick the right plan for you.

These local drug services include:

• Talk therapy: This type of therapy requires you to talk to a counselor or psychologist. Certain types of talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you learn how your thoughts and feelings affect your behavior.
• Medication assisted treatment: Those who are dependent on opioids, such as heroin or oxycodone, and are going through withdrawal may be offered a substituted drug such as methadone. Medication assisted treatment can help you transition into your addiction treatment without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or buying illicit drugs that could result in overdosing.
• Detoxification: Also known as detox, detoxification is a treatment used to help you stop taking opioids completely. The purpose of detox is to cleanse your body of all opioids and help you cope with withdrawal symptoms.
• Support groups: Your keyworker may be able to suggest local support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. In these groups you can meet fellow peers going through similar experiences.
• Harm reduction: Staff at local drug service centers can help reduce other risks associated with your substance abuse. Services offered for harm reduction include testing and treatment for hepatitis or HIV.

Treatment programs are most often covered by NHS and available through outpatient services or inpatient at a hospital. If your substance use is severe or complicated, you may be referred to a residential rehabilitation program. Most rehabilitation centers are not covered by NHS, but financial assistance may be available through your local addiction center. Referrals to residential rehab in the UK are often given to those who have tried addiction treatment though their GP or local drug center and continue to struggle.

Privately Funded Residential Rehabilitation

The cost of going to a residential rehab in the UK will vary on the location and length of stay. Residential rehab in the UK is usually paid out of pocket, but private health insurance may be used to fund treatment. In special cases, the NHS or social services may assist in paying for your stay at a residential center when local community-based treatments do not suffice.

Most programs require you to go through detoxification and be drug-free upon admission. Programs typically last 3-6 months, but some 12-step programs may last up to a year. When choosing a residential program, it is important to ask what treatments they provide and try to figure out which ones best suit your needs. There are many types of programs, but most tend to fall within the following categories:

• Therapeutic communities: These types of programs offer a hierarchical structure which residents work through based on intense therapy sessions.
• Minnesota model: Typically associated with Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous 12-step programs. This kind of program aims for long-term abstinence and often includes spiritual and practical guidance.
• General house programs: These programs focus on group and individual therapy.
• Faith-based house programs: There are faith-based residential programs, such as Christian rehab centers. They are usually run by Christian staff and may have specific religious requirements to be accepted.

Finding Rehab In The UK

No one should ever feel alone in their struggle with drug or alcohol addiction; treatment providers can help to discuss available options. There are many options when seeking rehab in the UK, from support groups to medication assisted treatment to residential programs. In most cases, the NHS can assist in paying for community-based treatment. But a more intense approach may be required. If you’d like to explore your options for rehab in the UK, contact a treatment provider who can go over the different options with you.