Drug addiction is a growing problem across the UK. 

The NHS reports that in England alone there were more than 25,000 hospitalisations in the year 2018/19 due to drug related mental and behavioural disorders and poisoning through drug use (overdose).

Alcohol addiction is even more widespread due to its legality, ease of availability and the fact that drinking is generally seen as more socially acceptable. 

If you are in the grip of an addiction you will know how destructive it can be. Addiction can wreck relationships, careers, your health and impact every aspect of your life – as well as your loved ones and other people around you. 

If you are struggling with addiction, it is imperative that you get help as soon as possible. Addiction is classified as a disease or disorder and can be hugely difficult to battle without expert help. 

As the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains: “[Addiction] is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, and those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.”  

The fact that addiction essentially rewires the brain is one of the reasons that addiction is so tough to beat but the good news is, like other diseases, alcohol and drug addiction can be successfully treated.

There are many different types of addiction treatment available, primarily at addiction treatment centres, and it’s important to find the right one for you. 

 

Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Centres near me

Once you have accepted that you need help and are determined to break the destructive cycle of addiction, one of the first decisions is whether you will seek treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis. 

Outpatient or community treatment programmes may be based in clinics, hospitals or specialist addiction treatment centres. In one of these programmes you will attend scheduled treatment sessions, which may include a partially supervised detox supported with medication (where appropriate) and health checks.

Outpatient treatment offers flexibility and can be worked around other aspects of your life. This option might be suitable if you are unable to spend time away due to work or because you have responsibilities such as childcare or if your addiction is not as severe. This type of treatment programme is also the one most frequently offered by the NHS. 

Inpatient or residential rehab centres offer a more intensive experience as the addict ‘lives in’. This allows for 24-hour support, which can be particularly important when dealing with the detox process.

Inpatient treatment centres also offer a wide range of follow-up treatments designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to remain free of drugs or alcohol once you leave.

Because you are staying at the centre you will be able to really focus on recovery in a structured programme, away from the stresses of everyday life and the people, places and triggers that might be associated with your substance abuse. 

 

What to expect from Detox

Detox is the process of metabolising toxic elements such as drugs or alcohol that are present in your system. This is a key part of any attempt to beat addiction and it tends to be one of the most difficult.

Whatever you are addicted to, you will experience cravings as you process it from your body and there may be severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms as well.

These can vary depending on the substance used and factors including the length and heaviness of addiction, as well as the individual involved.

It is safer to go through detox as part of a treatment programme, whether this is on an inpatient or outpatient basis.  

During an outpatient detox, the patient will have to visit a hospital or suitable treatment centre for physical and mental check-ups. You may be prescribed medication to help deal with symptoms like anxiety and increased heart rate but will still largely have to manage your detox yourself.

At an inpatient centre you will receive round the clock care and support to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Other Treatments Available at Addiction Treatment Facilities near me

Whether you are attending an outpatient programme or staying at a residential rehab unit you will also be able to take advantage of different addiction treatments.

Undergoing addiction treatment gives you the best chance to not only rid your system of drugs and alcohol through detox but also to stay clean and sober moving forward. 

This generally involves getting to the root cause of your addiction and may involve treatments such as counselling and group therapy. Talking to a trained therapist or addiction counsellor can be a massive help in making lasting change.

Getting the toxic substances out of your system is important of course, but you also need to change the way you think about your substance issues and the way you behave.  

Educational workshops can also help you to learn about your addiction, including how it affects you physically and psychologically and how to identify and avoid triggers associated with your drinking or drug use.

Other workshops might help you to achieve a healthier lifestyle or deal with stress in a constructive manner. The road to recovery is never an easy one but a suitable addiction treatment programme can give you the best chance to beat your addiction for good. 

 

How to find Addiction Treatment services near me

If you’re looking for an addiction treatment centre that’s right for you Addiction Advocates can help by putting you in touch with a rehab clinic or other facility that can meet your needs.

We know that people struggling with drug or alcohol addictions are individuals with their own individual needs.

We can match you with the perfect place to help you take the first step towards a life free from drug and alcohol addiction.

References

  • [1] NHS reports - https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-drug-misuse/2019