Not everyone seeking rehab for an addiction problem is aware of the treatment options and the pros and cons related to each kind. Here we explain what is available the main points that you should consider, and what to avoid.
The moment you start looking for the right rehab is likely to be a time when you are not well prepared to do so. You are probably under considerable strain and may have very little knowledge of what addiction treatment entails. At such a vital and stressful moment, it may be tempting to go to Google or a similar platform and pick the first likely-looking place that appears when you type the words ‘addiction rehab’.
Be aware, however, that Google search results are not based on excellence alone (though that may be a factor). Algorithms combine complex data and are influenced by many factors, including advertising revenue. The choice of rehab that you make should be appropriate to your needs and personal circumstances. There are many varieties of rehab as well as many varieties of addiction and finding the right fit is crucial. Here we explain what is available and what to consider when making this important decision.
Treatment Options
In the UK, there are several options open to those seeking treatment for Addiction:
- Treatment on the NHS
- Private Rehab Centres
- Charity-Run Rehab
- Self-help organisations
The two major factors when considering treatment choices are quality of care and funding. Here we look at each available treatment option with these factors in mind.
Need Help Deciding?
How to Check the Quality of a Private Rehab Clinic You Are Considering
Search the website or ask for the information directly:
- Inspection reports (Care Quality Commission (CQC) or equivalent)
- International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) accreditation
- Verified outcomes (success rates of previous clients)
- Medical staffing levels
- Client satisfaction statements and reviews (eg Trustpilot)
- Social media-based alumni support groups and continuing care arrangements
- Family Support programmes – do they exist?
NHS Addiction Rehabs
Public NHS rehab services are free. However, budgets are often very tight and waiting lists are long. Your GP or social worker can refer you to a local drug and alcohol team, who will provide an assessment and connect you to appropriate services. NHS drug and alcohol addiction treatment usually entails an outpatient programme, with regular appointments at a local clinic.
The NHS is a vast resource with some excellent facilities run by very able professionals, but they are often overstretched, meaning that the care, although good, can seem limited. NHS-run treatment facilities are nearly always on a day-care basis. They can provide individual counselling and group therapy though this is unlikely to be intensive – it might be just a few sessions per week.
They often operate on weekdays only. They provide a dedicated service but often struggle to give the intensive support needed by people with severe or chronic problems, or those cases where there are co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or PTSD. Nevertheless, it is well worth researching the available drug and alcohol services in your area – these will vary according to region.
The NHS will also sometimes fund treatment in privately run rehabs, but such places are hard to come by and again, the availability may vary according to region. Everyone agrees that alcohol and drug addiction is a major problem that negatively affects the whole of society – it’s just that local authorities simply don’t have the funding to offer the kind of intensive care that they would like. Not all rehabs in the UK accept NHS-referred patients. However, Castle Craig in Scotland is one of these rehabs, so it is possible to have your treatment with us funded via the NHS if your local authority will agree to this.
Private Addiction Rehabs
Rehabs vary in many ways – cost, type of treatment, quality of treatment, types of addiction treated and location being the main points to consider.
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Cost
Private rehabs are expensive because they combine much of the facilities and expertise of running a hotel with those of running a hospital. Professional staff with the right experience play a crucial role but they must be paid for. On the other hand, this quality of skilled and intensive care produces good outcome statistics with a reduced risk of relapse (which would likely lead to more cost).
When you choose a good rehab you are choosing quality care and the cost is essentially an investment in your future. Remember too, that addiction itself has an often-severe financial toll which in certain cases, such as gambling addiction, can be devastating.
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Type of Treatment
The most common type of treatment found in a residential rehab clinic is known as the Twelve Step Programme. This uses the principles and much of the methodology of Alcoholics Anonymous, first conceived in the USA in 1935. This approach views addiction as a disease and recovery as a process of self-discovery, personal responsibility for change and spiritual growth.
It is a well-tried method that produces good results and has the advantage of providing a ready-made support network of like-minded people and self-help meetings that those completing rehab can connect to, worldwide (and free of charge). People are sometimes put off Twelve Step programmes by the spiritual aspect (the word ‘God’ appears in the Twelve Steps four times) but the movement is entirely non-dogmatic and supports no particular religion.
Other types of treatment include programmes emphasising practical techniques such as relapse prevention or the use of drugs to block addictive cravings. Some clinics will help you learn ways to control your drink or drug use if that is your aim.
At Castle Health Group, we firmly believe that addiction is best dealt with when a person achieves peace of mind by facing up to their problems and making changes, rather than trying to manage a situation that is notoriously hard to control. Nevertheless, there is certainly room in our programme for the use of appropriate medication and techniques – it is all a case of first assessing each person’s needs – a vital first stage of any recovery.
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Quality of Treatment
In addiction recovery, quality of treatment should be measured not just in terms of getting a person clean and sober but in helping them change their whole lifestyle to one that is likely to ensure lasting peace of mind. A good indication is usually to be found in outcome studies – how many people were still clean and sober at say, twelve months after treatment completion.
Outcome studies are often hard to prepare accurately and should not be taken as the only measure of success (in Russia, chronic alcoholics are likely to be consigned to terrifying camps where some die, but the relapse rate for survivors is understandably low). When researching rehab treatment quality, be sure to look at customer satisfaction reviews and website reports of reunions and other alumni activities. Another good plan would be to review a rehab website for a variety of complementary therapies such as art, mindfulness and equine-assisted therapy.
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Types of Addiction Treated
More addictions are now recognised – and treated – than there were even thirty years ago – shopping, video gaming and pornography for example. Some rehabs may struggle to treat some of these especially when there is a dual diagnosis, so it is important to check. Gambling and eating disorders are examples of other addictions that are not treated by some treatment centres.
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Location
A rehab’s location can be important – for many people a quiet country setting is an easier place to handle the likely emotional and physical challenges that usually go with early recovery and distance from the stresses of home or work life can also be an advantage. In general, location is usually a secondary consideration to the quality of treatment.
Charity-Run Rehabs
These non-profit organisations may be donation-based, sponsored by religious organisations or funded by social businesses. They often provide valuable preventative work in schools and social clubs as well as providing outpatient and inpatient treatment. These organisations are a shining beacon of hope in the difficult world of addiction and its consequences. The standard of care is usually high and those involved are highly motivated and genuinely driven to provide the best outcome possible for their charges.
If you can locate a place (it is best to search for charities near your home as they are often motivated to provide help in their local region) then this could well be your very best option. As you might expect, there is a high demand for beds and an insufficient supply but it is still well worth trying.
Apart from small local options, there are larger charities such as Turning Point and SMART Recovery that cover most of the country. These may follow faith-based models or have programmes geared towards specific demographics such as young men or women only.
Self-Help Organisations
Self-help should not be seen as a last resort. Many people have successfully achieved lasting happy sobriety this way. The predominant self-help sources are 12 Step organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and its many similar manifestations to cover all sorts of addiction from gambling to sex and shopping.
They are amazing organisations whose only motivation is to achieve sobriety and help others. Everyone who thinks they may have a problem should try them because there is nothing to lose by doing so, and everything to gain. However, they do not provide detox facilities or any kind of professional counselling.
Their work is entirely non-directive and has a strong spiritual element that does not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, recovery is about change and embracing new ideas. An open mind is the best option by far for anyone seeking help with addiction. The best advice is: to try these self-help meetings and see if they work for you. You won’t know unless you try.
Choosing to enter rehab is an important moment in your life – perhaps the most important decision you can make on your recovery journey. We are always glad to talk things through and help you decide on your best option – even if you ultimately decide not to take the private treatment route.
Our phone lines are open 24/7
Benefits of Private Rehab:
- Immediate admissions
- Flexible, adjustable and personal treatment plans
- Complete confidentiality
- Round-the-clock medical care and supervision
- Medical detox unit
- Multiple treatments and therapies taking place on one site
- Access to continuing support and aftercare programme
- Access to complementary therapies to boost mental health
- Family accommodation and involvement in recovery
- Flexible programmes with extended stay time
Begin Your Recovery Today
When it comes to addiction treatment, the choice between private and free rehab can significantly impact your journey to recovery. At Castle Health, our private inpatient and outpatient rehabs offer personalised care, expert support and a focused environment to help you overcome addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Reach out to us today for a confidential consultation, and let us guide you toward a lasting recovery.
FAQs
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How Do I Pay For Rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. The cost of private addiction rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through private health insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS.
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How Long Is the Rehab Programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at 4 weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
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Who Will I Speak to When I Call?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. Once you have decided that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
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What Happens at the End of My Treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online continuing care programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.
