Here to Guide You Towards Recovery
Table of Contents
Download Our Brochure
Online and In-person Alcohol and Drug Therapy in Edinburgh
Meet in confidence with our experienced addiction psychotherapists at our local Edinburgh counselling centre or online.
We understand that addiction and mental health can be a complex and challenging issue that affects all aspects of an individual’s life, from their personal relationships to their mental and physical health. Whether you are suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling or gaming addiction, sex or porn addiction or another mental health issue, we are here to help. Our goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where our clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, identify the underlying causes of their addiction, and develop the skills and tools necessary to overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
CATCH Recovery provides a wide range of flexible and bespoke therapy and recovery coaching services for clients in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas such as Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian, who are struggling with problems with alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, gambling, gaming, social media addiction and other addictions. Often our clients also experience mental health issues such as anxiety, trauma and depression which we also assess and address through therapy.
Drug Addiction Statistics in Scotland
According to the Scottish Government, drug-related deaths in Scotland hit a record high in 2020, with 1,339 drug-related deaths reported in the country.1 This represents a 5% increase from the previous year and a more than doubling of the rate seen a decade ago. Scotland has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe, and drug use is a significant problem in many Scottish cities, including Edinburgh.
In terms of alcohol addiction, the Scottish Health Survey 2019 found that 22% of adults in Scotland were drinking at hazardous or harmful levels, with men more likely than women to report harmful drinking patterns.2 Alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern in Scotland, with significant social and economic costs.
The Government has acknowledged the severity of the addiction crisis in Scotland and has committed to implementing a range of measures to address it, including increasing funding for addiction services, improving access to treatment and support, and introducing new policies to reduce harm from drugs and alcohol. Despite these efforts, addiction rates remain a significant public health concern.
Treating Addiction Since 1988
Spotting the Signs of An Addiction
There are some universal signs and symptoms of process addictions and substance use disorders. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of control: One of the most significant signs of addiction is a loss of control over the behaviour or substance use. People may struggle to limit the frequency and amount of substance use or gambling.
- Preoccupation: Those suffering from addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming or sex may spend a significant amount of time thinking about their behaviour or substance use. This preoccupation can interfere with daily life, work, or relationships.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms typically manifest when a person attempts to stop the behaviour or substance use. These symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as headaches, shaking, or sweating.
- Continued use despite negative consequences: Even when people experience negative consequences such as financial problems, relationship difficulties, or legal issues, they continue to engage in the behaviour or drug or alcohol use.
- Mood changes: Individuals with addiction may experience significant mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability, due to their behaviour or substance use.
- Interference with daily life: Addiction can interfere with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. They may struggle to maintain relationships, hold a job, or engage in other activities they previously enjoyed.
Whether you are suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling or gaming addiction, sex or porn addiction or another mental health issue, we are here to help.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these signs and symptoms. Additionally, these may vary depending on the type of addiction and each person’s specific circumstances. If you or someone you know is struggling and looking for addiction counselling in Edinburgh, contact our team at CATCH Recovery at 0203 468 6602.
What is Addiction Counselling?
Addiction counselling is a form of therapy that helps people suffering from addiction overcome their substance misuse or compulsive behaviours. At CATCH Recovery, we aim to help patients understand their addiction and learn how to manage and cope with the triggers that lead to substance misuse or compulsive behaviours.
Addiction counselling typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups. In individual therapy, the counsellor works one-on-one with the patient to identify the underlying causes of their addiction and develop a personalised treatment plan. This may involve cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours, as well as other evidence-based therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), group therapy and family therapy.
In addition to these therapies, addiction counselling may involve other forms of treatment, such as medically-assisted treatment, to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The counsellor may also work with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors or psychiatrists, to ensure the patient receives comprehensive care.
Addiction Therapy in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a range of addiction therapy options available for anyone seeking treatment for compulsive behaviours and substance use disorders.
Here are some options:
NHS Addiction Services
The NHS provides addiction services such as counselling, medication-assisted treatment, and referral to residential treatment centers.
Private Therapy
There are several private therapists and counselling centres in Edinburgh that offer addiction therapy services. These may include individual counselling, group therapy, and family therapy.
Support Groups
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery are available in Edinburgh. These groups provide a supportive environment where members can share their experiences and receive support from others who are going through similar challenges.
Residential Treatment Centres
Residential treatment centres provide intensive treatment for people with severe addiction issues. These centres offer round-the-clock care and may include detoxification, counselling, and therapy.
Online Therapy
Online therapy options are also available for those who may not be able to attend in-person sessions. These services may include video counselling, chat-based therapy, and mobile apps.
It’s important to find a therapy option that works best for your needs and circumstances. Our addiction specialists at CATCH can help you determine the most appropriate treatment options for you during your free phone assessment.
What Happens During Alcohol Addiction Counselling?
Alcohol addiction counselling focuses specifically on alcohol use disorders. It involves a variety of techniques and strategies aimed at helping people overcome their addiction to alcohol and lead a healthy, sober life. Some of the key components of alcohol addiction counselling at CATCH Recovery include:
Assessment
The counsellor will begin by conducting an assessment to determine the severity of your alcohol addiction and identify any co-occurring mental health disorders or medical issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
Goal-setting
The counsellor will work with you to establish specific goals for your recovery. This may include goals related to reducing or eliminating alcohol use, improving overall health, and developing healthy coping skills.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to alcohol use. Your addiction counsellor will work with you to identify triggers for alcohol use and develop strategies for coping with those triggers.
Motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a technique that helps patients identify their motivations for changing their behaviour. Your counsellor will work with you to identify your reasons for wanting to quit drinking and use those motivations as a source of strength and inspiration.
How Does Addiction Counselling Help?
Addiction counselling is a crucial component of a comprehensive treatment plan for anyone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
Understanding the root causes of addiction
Drug addiction counselling can help you identify and understand the underlying factors that contribute to your addiction, such as trauma, stress, mental health disorders, or family history. Highlighting these factors means that you can work towards resolving them and reducing the risk of relapse.
Developing coping strategies
Addiction counselling can also teach you how to manage triggers and cravings for drugs and develop healthy coping mechanisms to help you deal with stress or difficult emotions without turning to substances.
Setting and achieving goals
Setting achievable goals for recovery and developing a plan to reach them provides a sense of purpose and motivation to stay sober.
Improving relationships
Addiction counselling can help you repair damaged relationships with family and friends, and learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts in a healthier way.
Providing ongoing support
Having a safe and confidential space to discuss challenges and receive guidance and encouragement during recovery is important when it comes to maintaining sobriety. Ongoing support from a psychiatrist or recovery coach can help you navigate daily life once newly sober.
Safe Detox in Comfort
What to Expect from Addiction Counselling Near Edinburgh
CATCH Recovery provides a wide range of services from assessment to aftercare, with flexible scheduling and treatment offered both online and in-person at our clinic in Kensington, Central London. Addiction counselling is available on an individual basis or within a group setting led by our multidisciplinary team of addiction specialists.
28-Day Online Programme: Offering online therapy means that anyone based in or around Edinburgh has access to CATCH’s unique outpatient treatment programme. CATCH Recovery takes a holistic approach to addiction treatment, recognising that addiction is often connected to other areas of a person’s life, such as mental health, relationships, and lifestyle factors. We work with patients to address these underlying issues, in addition to treating the addiction itself.
Individual counselling: One-on-one counselling can be a helpful way for people to explore the underlying issues that may be contributing to their addiction, and to develop strategies for managing cravings and triggers.
Group therapy: CATCH Recovery also offers group therapy sessions, which are a great way for people to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. Group therapy can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for people to share their experiences and learn from others.
Family therapy: Addiction can have a significant impact on family members and loved ones, and CATCH Recovery recognises the importance of providing support for family members. They offer family counselling sessions to help loved ones understand addiction and develop strategies for supporting their family member’s recovery.
Your Consultation With an Addiction Psychiatrist
A consultation with an addiction psychiatrist at CATCH Recovery primarily focuses on assessing and diagnosing your addiction and any related mental health issues. One of our consultant psychiatrists will gather information about your medical history, substance use history, and any relevant family history.
Your psychiatrist may also ask about your current symptoms, such as cravings, withdrawal or other physical or psychological symptoms associated with addiction.
Based on the information gathered during the consultation, your psychiatrist will then work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. This may include medication management, behavioural therapy, and other interventions to help you overcome your addiction and address any co-occurring issues.
Support Groups in Edinburgh
The 12 steps are a set of guiding principles developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for anyone struggling with substance misuse issues or behavioural addictions. They are designed to help people achieve and maintain sobriety and recovery by allowing them to acknowledge the problem and develop self-awareness while building a support network, learning new coping skills, and maintaining sobriety.
AA Meetings in Edinburgh
Wednesday 8:00 pm
Thriving Not Surviving
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Thursday 10:30 am
St Catherine’s Convent
Thursday 1:00 pm
Holy Corner Morningside
Morningside United Church
Thursday 6:00 pm
East End Step Meeting
Christadelphian
NA Meetings in Edinburgh
THURSDAY
Topic: Thursday Portobello Literature & Meditation Meeting
Time: 6:15pm – 7:45pm
SUNDAY
Women’s We Do Recover
Time: 10.30AM – 11,30AM
Topic: Sunday Service Main Share
Time: 9:00pm
FAQs
Can I Go to Rehab in Edinburgh if I Have Other Mental Health Issues?
Yes, it is possible to go to a rehab facility in Edinburgh if you have other mental health issues. Many rehab centres in Edinburgh are equipped to provide comprehensive treatment for individuals who are struggling with substance misuse or addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Rehab in Edinburgh?
The cost of rehab in Edinburgh can vary widely depending on various factors, such as the type of treatment program, the duration of the program, the amenities and services provided, and the location of the facility. It’s important to keep in mind that many rehab facilities may be covered by insurance, and there may also be financial assistance options available to help cover the cost of treatment. It’s a good idea to contact individual rehab facilities directly to inquire about their specific pricing and financing options.
How Do I Access Porn Addiction Counselling?
Accessing porn addiction counselling can vary depending on your location and personal circumstances. First, you should look for addiction counsellors or therapists in your area who specialise in porn addiction. You can search online directories, ask for referrals from your doctor or a trusted friend, or contact local mental health clinics or organisations for recommendations.
Check if they offer online counselling as this may be more convenient for you. Once you have identified potential counsellors, reach out to them to inquire about their services and availability. You can typically do this via phone or email.
How Do I Find a Suitable Therapist?
Therapists who specialise in addiction are in very high demand, so depending on the severity of your addiction, finding someone on short notice may prove difficult. You can visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website.
The site has a “Find a Therapist” tool that allows you to search for registered therapists by location and specialism, including addiction.
Once you have accessed the “Find a Therapist” tool, you can use the search filters to narrow down your search results. For example, you can specify your location, the type of therapy you’re looking for, and any other preferences you may have.
Which Therapy Can Be Used to Treat Addiction?
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a widely used therapy for addiction. It focuses on identifying and changing unhealthy thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours associated with drug and alcohol misuse. CBT aims to help patients develop coping strategies, enhance problem-solving skills, and prevent relapse. It is usually delivered one-on-one, either in person or online.
12 Step Facilitation is an approach based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It involves attending meetings, working through the 12 Steps as a new way of life, and receiving ongoing support from a sponsor. 12 Step Facilitation is typically delivered in group or individual settings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques. It helps people develop emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and mindfulness techniques to cope with the triggers and cravings of addiction.
Alternatively, you can contact the team at CATCH Recovery, and we can put you in touch with one of our recommended therapists.
References
- https://www.gov.scot/publications/suspected-drug-deaths-scotland-january-march-2022/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20there%20were%201%2C339,been%20steeper%20(Figure%202).
- https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-volume-1-main-report/pages/7/