Castle Craig has been providing residential addiction treatment in the Scottish Borders since 1988. The admissions process is built around reducing uncertainty – a free pre-assessment, a dedicated case manager from the first contact, and a clinical team that begins working on your case before you arrive.
For many people, the admissions process itself is the part they know least about. What each stage involves, how long it takes, and what is being assessed at each point are reasonable things to want to understand before committing to anything.
That process begins with a single conversation – no obligation, and no decision required to have it.
Find out if we’re the right fit for you
“I feel like this experience has been life changing for me, this will help me continue with my sobriety. I couldn’t stop on my own, I am very grateful to Castle Craig.”
Who can come to Castle Craig for rehab in Scotland?
Castle Craig treats addictions in adults aged 16 and over who need behavioural rehab, alcohol rehab or drug rehab in Scotland.
Our programme is residential and inpatient, which means you live on site for the duration of treatment.
How does rehab admissions work at Castle Craig?
Castle Craig offers treatment to those with substance dependency and those who have behavioural addictions and need inpatient treatment. We are licensed to treat adults aged 16 and over.
-
A free, confidential, no obligation discussion
The first step is a phone call to our admissions team, where you’ll speak to a member of our expert team.
From this call, we assign you a dedicated case manager who stays with you through every stage of the process.
If you’re seeking addiction treatment on behalf of someone in your life, you can start the process for them.
-
What does the complimentary pre-clinical assessment involve?
The assessment is a phone conversation lasting around 30 minutes. It covers your substance use, your mental health, and your personal circumstances.
The assessment is how our clinical team begins to understand what you need.
The information you share is used to start building your treatment plan, so the more open you can be, the better your plan will be.
-
Building your clinical picture — why we ask for your medical records
We ask for your GP records because we need a full picture of your physical health before you arrive. This is for your safety, especially during detox, and it’s standard practice when transferring between healthcare settings in the UK.
Your GP can usually send records within 24 hours. If you download the NHS app before you call, you can find your own records and share them directly. That often speeds the process up.
Everything we receive is held in confidence.
-
Confirming your admission to Castle Craig
Once everything is in place, we confirm a date and send you an information pack covering what to bring, what not to bring, and what to expect when you arrive.
Your case manager helps with transport and any questions you still have about us or our facilities. When you arrive at Kirkurd House, our dedicated admissions unit, the team is ready to welcome you.
How quickly can I start rehab in Scotland?
When medical records and paperwork come through quickly, admission to Castle Craig can sometimes happen in as little as 24 hours. Of course this isn’t always possible, but our admissions team chases records and coordinates paperwork to keep things moving.
If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call. We can try to prioritise your admission and move as quickly as your medical information allows.
Quick and Easy Admissions
Funding your rehab in Scotland
Private drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Scotland requires funding. There are several routes open to you, and our admissions team can go through the options with you.
- Self-funding gives you immediate access with no waiting lists or insurance constraints
- Private medical insurance is accepted from most major UK and international providers, with admission typically arranged within 48 hours
- NHS and CGL funding is available in some cases, though the process can be lengthy
- TRICARE and ISOS cover veterans, active military personnel, and their families
- International patients can sometimes claim the cost back from the funding authority in their home country
Find out more about the cost of rehab and how you can pay for treatment at Castle Craig.
What happens after you leave Castle Craig?
Admission to Castle Craig is the start of a longer relationship. After discharge, you have access to an online continuing care programme that supports your recovery as you return to daily life.
You can also join the Recovery Club, which keeps you connected through alumni events, online workshops, and regular newsletters.
There are some days and weeks after rehab that may not go smoothly. Continuing care means support is there whenever you need it.
Phone our admissions team today
Call Castle Craig for a free, confidential conversation. There’s no obligation, and our team can answer your questions before you decide anything.
Find out more about our treatment process.
Get Help Today
Castle Craig’s team of expert and compassionate advisors are here to help you, submit the form below and our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your concerns with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can family members or a friend help with the admissions process?
Yes. Many admissions begin with a call from a relative or close friend. You can call Castle Craig, explain the situation, and begin the process on their behalf. The assessment itself will need to involve the person directly, but someone else can handle everything up to that point.
-
Will I be able to use my phone during treatment?
Phone use is limited during treatment. The main reason is clinical. Constant notifications raise stress and anxiety, and when you put the phone down for a while, it’s easier to focus on recovery and build real connections with the people around you. There is some flexibility depending on individual circumstances. If you have questions about this, ask the admissions team when you call.
-
What should I bring to Castle Craig?
We send a full list of what to bring and what not to bring as part of your pre-admission information pack. In general, pack comfortable clothes, toiletries, and anything you need for daily life. Leave valuables at home.
-
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Castle Craig is a confidential rehab. We hold your personal and medical information securely and share it only with the clinical staff involved in your care. If you’re in a professional or public-facing role and confidentiality is a particular concern, raise it when you call, and we can talk through how we protect your privacy.
-
How long is the rehab programme at Castle Craig?
The residential programme starts at four weeks and can extend to 12 weeks or longer. Research consistently shows that longer stays produce better outcomes. Your clinical team will discuss the right length with you during your assessment.