NHS Alcohol Rehab

The following NHS alcohol rehab information has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate alcohol rehab NHS programme information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

Do the NHS offer alcohol rehab?      

Whilst it would obviously be preferable to access alcohol treatment without having to pay for it, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between the number of people requiring NHS alcohol rehab, and the funding available. Therefore, there are often long waiting lists involved when trying to access NHS alcohol rehab. However, these services are certainly better than seeking no help at all and so should still be considered.

What types of alcohol rehab services do the NHS offer

The treatment typically offered by the NHS will be on an outpatient basis. This is a less intensive option than residential treatment, but stems from the fact there are few NHS alcohol rehab facilities available. The outpatient options will typically consist of a home detox (where the GP or alcohol services prescribe medication for a week and it is up to the individual to administer it), and counselling sessions. Due to the waiting list involved with counselling sessions, attendance of fellowship meetings such as AA is encouraged as well during this time.

In some circumstances, it may be possible to access a residential NHS alcohol rehab. This will typically take place on a hospital ward alongside individuals suffering from other kinds of addiction. The duration of this treatment will typically be a week, followed by outpatient support. Occasionally, funding will be provided for an NHS alcohol rehab that also deals with the psychological side of the addiction. These facilities are hard to come by and so are normally accessed after a long time spent on a waiting list.

What alternatives are there to NHS alcohol rehab?

If funding is available, then private treatment can be a more immediate alternative to NHS alcohol rehab. Other than the fact that it can be set up within 24 hours, the other advantage to private treatment is that both the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction can be worked on whilst in the supportive environment of the residential facility. Private residential treatment often provides more one-to-one support than NHS programmes.

Not everyone will be in a position to access residential treatment privately or be offered it on the NHS. For those in that position it can be easy to lose motivation and become frustrated with the situation. We know the challenges faced when trying to access NHS treatment. We can offer advice on alternative treatment options as well as offer support and encouragement during this time.

Where to find Alcohol Rehab help in the UK

There are a number of different treatments available. It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual - addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.

Triage Healthcare offers an immediate response service. Our helpline is open 7 days a week, and has a 24 hour messaging service which will be responded to by one of our trained advisors as soon as possible should you call out of hours.

We are staffed by highly experienced and expert professionals in addiction medicine and counselling, who are ethically bound to give you advice according to the latest evidence of what works, and who are not allowed to advise you according to a profit motive. Rather we will find you the best value treatment given your particular circumstances and wishes.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. We can advise you on centres running individually tailored programmes. We can help all concerned decide on a comprehensive program that is affordable to your budget. You can telephone to speak with us straight away in confidence or email us with the guarantee of a timely response.

We have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of treatment services and programme options throughout the UK and abroad, and will advise you independently of any particular centre.