Addiction can create a circle of misery for both the person with the substance abuse problem but also for partners, children, parents and other friends, family and loved ones.

Addiction is often accompanied by negative behaviours that could include lying and dishonesty, criminal behaviour related to securing money for the substance or the substance itself, spending money that should be spent elsewhere, mood swings and violent behaviour.

This can put an intolerable strain on relationships, even if the person with the problem doesn’t mean to hurt those around them. Admitting that you have a problem can be a difficult first step and some people will be in self-denial regarding the extent of their issues.

Family and friend referral is often the first step in fact, where someone close to the person refers them to drug and alcohol services. In the long run, the person with the addiction must consent to treatment and commit to their own recovery.

It’s not the right choice for everyone but family intervention can represent a turning point for many people in facing up to their problems and choosing to seek help.

 

Why choose Rehab in Littlehampton?

Even when you have taken the important step of admitting that you need help, there is still plenty to think about. There are different kinds of drug and alcohol treatment available and not every option is suitable for every individual and their own situation.

One option is the type of outpatient or community-based drug and alcohol services that are typically available through the NHS. These certainly have value and also some benefits.

When taking part in an outpatient programme for drug and alcohol abuse you do not have to take time out from your life, which may be important if you have family or work commitments. It is also cheaper (or free if the programme is through the NHS) but there are also drawbacks with this type of addiction treatment.

Firstly, you will still be surrounded by all the people, places and situations that are associated with your drug or alcohol consumption. This can make it very hard to stay away, especially when you are trying to quit and physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms start to kick in.

You will also need to manage your own appointments and attend relevant treatment sessions, which can be difficult to do as many people struggle with organisation and reliability whether they are still using or recently clean.

At a purpose-built rehabilitation centre you will be in a safe, calm environment away from your usual triggers. You will have all the time you need to devote purely to getting clean and sober and then learn the skills, mindsets and strategies you will need to remain that way.

You will have the best round the clock support available while you do so, provided by fully trained and experienced workers who want only the best for you on your recovery journey.

Many people working in the field of addiction recovery have lived through similar problems themselves but even where they have not, you will find only professional and completely non-judgemental attitudes.

 

Attending a Detox Clinic

Another key reason to choose a rehab centre in Littlehampton rather than opting for an outpatient programme is that you will be able to undergo a fully supervised detox. Detoxification – the process during which your body metabolises the drugs and alcohol in your system – can be a very tricky and sometimes even a dangerous stage.

Habitual use of drugs or alcohol causes your body and brain to build up a tolerance. They come to rely on certain chemicals being present and when they are suddenly withdrawn you can experience a wide range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Despite the fact that it is freely and legally available, alcohol withdrawal can be one of the worst types. Physical symptoms can include headaches, nausea, sweating, tremors and, at the most extreme end, can even cause seizures.

The exact symptoms experienced will vary depending on a number of factors, including your general physical and mental health, the type of substance involved and the length and heaviness of usage.

They can all be extremely unpleasant, however, and many people fail at this hurdle, especially when trying to combat their addiction without professional help.

At a detox clinic you will have expert support and medical supervision – which may include prescription medication where appropriate – to help you complete your drug or alcohol detox in as painless a way as possible.

 

Other Addiction Treatment and Relapse Prevention

Getting the drugs successfully out of your system is obviously a huge step forward but it is only a part of your journey towards a lasting recovery. You will also need the tools and knowledge to avoid going straight back to bad habits or succumbing to a relapse further down the line.

This generally means exploring and addressing the root causes behind your addiction and substance misuse.

This can involve a wide range of treatments but talking therapies such as group therapy, one to one counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) generally play a major part. Other supplementary therapies such as art therapy, mindfulness and stress management can also be valuable.

There is a link between mental health issues and addiction and this relationship can be complex. Dual diagnosis treatment can help you to work on any mental health issues at the same time as you tackle your addiction and substance misuse.

A holistic programme will combine a number of different approaches to help you understand your behaviour in order to change it. This can help you to stay clean and sober in the long-term, as the battle does not end when you leave rehab behind.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you to beat your addiction and move forward into a new, healthier life.