Rehab alcohol

The UK is home to an awful lot of alcohol rehab clinics. This is good in the sense that there are plenty of clinics for patients and their families to choose from. It is bad in the sense that the demand is so high. Nonetheless, choosing the right rehab clinic can be a bit of a challenge.

How do you do it? What should you look for? Are some clinics actually not worth paying for? All these questions, and more, are normal among UK residents searching for a rehab clinic. And while there are no easy answers, this post offers a selection of tips for choosing an alcohol detox and rehab program. They will hopefully get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Check Accreditation Status

All alcohol rehab clinics in the UK are subject to minimum regulations. That is your baseline. Learn what those regulations are and then check to ensure clinics abide by them. As you narrow down your short list, also take a look at accreditation.

A number of accrediting bodies give UK rehab clinics their seals of approval. Perhaps the most common is the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC ensures programs meet the highest standards for safety, healthcare, and professionalism before offering accreditation.

2. Consider Treatment Approaches

Not all alcohol detox and rehab programs are identical. Clinics do things in different ways. On average, the best rehab programs offer a range of therapies designed to offer patients the best possible chance of success.

Perhaps a good place to start is detox. Most clinics in the UK offer a medicated detox program. A combination of prescription medications and medical care is provided. A small number still recommend cold-turkey detox. Patients prefer different things, so it is important to ask.

Also be sure to ask about things like:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
  • Individual and group counselling
  • Mindfulness and similar therapies

If you are really looking for a holistic approach, you’ll be happy to know that it’s fairly common among UK alcohol rehab programs. Holistic treatment is preferred because it addresses the whole person rather than just a patient’s alcohol problem.

3. Consider Expertise and Qualifications

It is important to take a good look at staff qualifications and expertise. This is especially so if looking at a residential program that relies on a medically supervised approach. All medical, psychiatric, and counselling staff should have the proper credentials. They should also have experience in addiction treatment. Do not be afraid to ask for credentials.

4. Consider Additional Treatments

You or your family member might be dealing with more than just alcohol misuse. Maybe you have a secondary diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Perhaps PTSD is in play. If there are other things to be concerned about, above and beyond alcohol misuse, look for a clinic with dual diagnosis resources.

This sort of clinic can treat co-occurring conditions. Doing so is critically important because not treating both conditions at the same time opens a patient up to relapse following alcohol detox and rehab. Co-occurring conditions really need to be treated together.

5. Look Closely at Program Type

Next, it is a good idea to look at the different program types. The most prominent type in the UK is the residential/inpatient program in which a patient actually lives at the facility during treatment. This is the most immersive form of alcohol detox and rehab. Residential programs provide an environment where each patient can focus on recovery without distraction.

There are two other types to consider:

  • Outpatient/Day – The outpatient rehab model is more or less a day patient model. Patients travel to the rehab clinic on a daily basis to receive medication, healthcare checks, and therapy. They return home each night. Day treatment is less expensive, but it does not eliminate the distractions that prove difficult for so many patients.
  • Home Detox – Home detox is a program in which a patient undergoes medicated detox at home under the supervision of a nurse. Once detox is complete, the patient is expected to seek additional support through therapy or a support group.

You might prefer residential rehab but know you can’t afford it. Fortunately, these other types of programs exist. If you can afford residential rehab, it is usually the best bet thanks to its immersive nature.

6. Evaluate Aftercare

The service provided after a patient leaves a residential facility is known as aftercare. These services are critical in avoiding relapse. They are services you should definitely look into.

The strongest alcohol detox and rehab programs offer follow-up care along with support group access, therapy, and relapse prevention and planning. As long as you are going to invest in rehab, it makes sense to choose a program that offers proper aftercare.

7. Consider Location and Setting

Many residential programs are conducted in settings designed to eliminate distractions. If this is important to you, avoiding an urban clinic may be a good idea. On the other hand, you may prefer a clinic closer to home to make visits easier. Setting and location are good things to talk over with clinic staff before choosing a program.

8. Consider Your Budget

Finally, consider your budget. Residential alcohol detox and rehab programs are the most expensive type. They range in price from the very affordable all the way up to luxury rehab. Residential clinics also tend to charge by the week. So if your budget won’t support it, you might have to consider a day program or home detox.

The negative side of all this is that alcohol detox and rehab are in such high demand throughout the UK. But the good news is that there are plenty of clinics to choose from. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol and needs help, clinics are standing by to assist. Good luck in your search. Finding the right clinic and program can make all the difference in the world.