Alcohol Rehab Program

The following alcohol rehab program 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 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.

What is an alcohol rehab program?

An alcohol rehab program is designed to help an individual overcome both the physical and psychological dependencies that exist within alcohol addiction. Alcohol rehabilitation programs can take place either on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The most intensive alcohol rehabilitation programs take place in residential treatment facilities.

The advantage of a residential alcohol rehab program is that it takes place in an extremely supportive environment. Each day is highly structured in order to get the most out of the program, and highly qualified staff members are available to provide support every step of the way. This is particularly valuable during the physical detox. To detox from alcohol can be extremely dangerous if it is not managed medically, and so staff in a residential alcohol rehab programme will make the detox as safe and comfortable as possible.

Whilst in a residential alcohol rehab programme, intensive psychological support is also provided. This is a vital part of the recovery process as it is important for the individual to understand the reasons behind their addiction before they can learn to take control of it. Greater knowledge about the psychological aspects of addiction will also enable the individual to work on relapse prevention techniques in the future in order to keep their recovery on track.

The psychological support offered in residential alcohol rehabilitation programs takes many forms. Group meetings are designed to provide the individual with the confidence to speak openly about how their addiction makes them feel, and also to receive support from peers that have been through similar situations. This lays the groundwork for the continuation of fellowship meetings such as AA once the person has completed the alcohol rehab programme.

One-to-one support is also valuable to anyone starting along the route to recovery. Addiction is a very personal problem, and so it is important that the individual is given the opportunity to explore their own issues and triggers on a one-to-one basis. Reflective therapies such as diary keeping can also be extremely useful in encouraging the person to experience and explore feelings that may have been bottled up as a result of the addiction. Alcohol rehabilitation programs support the individual in coming to terms with the large changes made as a result of the decision to become sober. 

When should someone seek an alcohol rehab program?

It is important to remember that an alcohol dependency can be psychological as well as physical. Many people think that in order to require an alcohol rehab programme, the person needs to be drinking first thing in the morning every morning. This is not the case. Some individuals are able to go for weeks or even months without drinking, but when they do drink it will always spiral out of control. These individuals will benefit from the support offered in an alcohol rehab program.

Alcohol rehabilitation programs also deal with those individuals who have a physical dependency on alcohol. This means that their body has become used to having a certain level of alcohol present, and when this is absent, the body goes into withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include sweating, shaking, vomiting, cramping, and in some circumstances can lead to seizures, which have the potential to be fatal. This is why it is vital that anyone who is physically dependent on alcohol seeks the medical support offered during an alcohol rehab program before engaging fully in the therapeutic programme.

Types of alcohol rehab program

The advantage of a private alcohol rehab programme is that it can be accessed immediately. Within addiction, there is often a narrow window of opportunity when the person is willing to accept help. Therefore, it can be extremely helpful to be able to get someone into an alcohol rehab program the day they ask for help.

Some people may also wish to consider a private overseas alcohol rehab programme. This enables the person to have some time away to really focus on getting themselves better whilst being removed from the environment where the addiction currently exists. This option can also be particularly attractive to those individuals who have already attempted to complete an alcohol rehab programme in the UK with limited success.

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

In some circumstances, individuals may wish to consider outpatient options, rather than residential alcohol rehabilitation programs. In the case of physical dependence, this would mean a home detox. Whilst it is important that a medicated detox is completed, residential options should always be considered first and foremost due to the fact they are safer and present a higher chance of success. A home detox would not provide the person with the time away that residential treatment offers. However, if this is the only option that is able to be considered, then a full medical assessment will be carried out in order to ensure that the person is well enough to complete a home detox. Triage Healthcare home detoxification is supervised by our Medical Director, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych. The detox is delivered by qualified and professional staff members who are registered with their appropriate professional bodies.

How long could detox treatment for alcohol addiction take?

The time required for a person to safely detox from alcohol is typically between 7-10 days; however, it is important to remember that other physical issues such a liver damage or nutritional issues will take longer to address.

The psychological side of the addiction takes longer to deal with. The minimum duration of treatment recommended is 28 days, but for long-standing and severe addictions, longer may be required. Residential clinics will offer treatment programmes of 12 weeks or longer.

How much does a Residential Alcohol Rehab Clinic cost?

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK. High quality free advice and information is provided to all, as well as best-value private treatment to individuals with a limited budget. If you arrange treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less for residential treatment than by booking direct with a treatment centre.

Where to find an Alcohol Rehab Program 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.

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.