Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Birkenhead

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Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Birkenhead

A data summary comparing the prevalence of specific issues within the Liverpool City Region found that ‘Wirral has very high drug-related hospital missions, high drug misuse deaths, and high opiate and crack use prevalence rates.’

From 2019 to 2021, there were 11.8 adults per 1000 in treatment in Wirral for specialist drug misuse services. This is much higher than the figure for the North West, which was 8.2 per 1000, and England, which was 6.1 per 1000.

This has been the case for the past 5 consecutive years.

In Wirral, 40.6% of opiate and/or crack cocaine users were not in treatment between 2018 and 2019, which is lower than the figures for the North West (47.9%) and England (52.1%).

There was an increase in successful completions of drug treatment for non-opiate users, from 38.6% between 2015 and 2016 to 47.3% between 2019 and 2020. [1]

Between April 2019 and March 2020, there were 1,354 new presentations to addiction treatment in Wirral. [2]

Wirral has a higher percentage of binge drinkers (23.8%) compared to national averages, with 1.9% of the adult population estimated to be dependent drinkers.

Between 2011 and 2012, alcohol misuse was estimated to cost Wirral £131 million. [3]

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

How Do I Know if I’m Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

For most people in Birkenhead, drug and alcohol addiction starts as a psychological issue.

For example, they may constantly be thinking about consuming alcohol or drugs and frequently experience mood swings when they cannot drink.

This is because those who are mildly dependent on substances don’t tend to consume a large amount at once. Instead, the problem involves the frequency of their consumption, particularly for those who use drugs or alcohol every day.

As their addiction develops, it could lead to a physical dependency, where the body gets used to a high blood alcohol concentration.

This means that the individual will need to consume more to experience the same pleasurable effects as before.

As time goes by, this may result in severe health complications, such as:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Liver Disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety and Depression

Therefore, the earlier addiction is treated, the more likely an individual is to have a successful long-term recovery and minimise the risk of illness.

Signs of Substance Abuse

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, there are some signs of substance abuse that you should look out for to determine whether treatment in Birkenhead is required.

However, before deciding, it is important to understand the difference between substance abuse and addiction.

An individual with substance abuse issues frequently uses drugs or alcohol but is not yet reliant on them to live. Their consumption may bring some physical side effects but at this point, it is unlikely that they are coming to much harm psychologically.

Some of the behavioural signs of substance abuse to look out for are:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Failing to turn up for work or school
• Isolation and missing out on social events

Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

If substance abuse is left untreated, it can materialise into addiction.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic disease which causes chemical changes in the brain that make the body dependent on these substances.

For instance, these substances can alter the workings of the brain’s frontal lobes, which alters its ability to make sensible decisions. Individuals are therefore more likely to put themselves into dangerous situations.

Recognising when an individual has an addiction that needs to be treated is, therefore, crucial to prevent these changes in cognitive functioning and the development of severe health complications.

If you are worried that a loved one is suffering from addiction, you should look out for symptoms such as:

• Being unable to maintain relationships
• Worsening self-care and hygiene
• Severe irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Tolerance to drugs and alcohol increasing
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Hiding things, such as empty bottles

How Will I Benefit from Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Birkenhead?

When entering rehab in Birkenhead, detox is medically supervised, and individuals will be prescribed medication to help control dangerous and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

They will then have the opportunity to undergo a wide range of therapies to undo harmful behavioural patterns that may have led to an individual’s substance dependency in the first place.

Rehab also offers a break away from the daily routine, to allow individuals to focus solely on their recovery in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Instead, it enables individuals to create a new routine that focuses on maintaining sobriety and stopping destructive behaviours. They are less likely to give in to cravings, which therefore helps to end the cycle of addiction.

When individuals return home, they will be equipped with all of the tools necessary to build a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. For example, in rehab, they will be taught how to cook meals that are balanced with macro and micronutrients to aid recovery.

They will also be encouraged to develop a new hobby that takes the focus away from drugs and alcohol, such as sports or art.

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

Why Should I Choose Professional Addiction Support?

When it comes to recovery, many of those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction struggle to reach out for the help that they need.

This is due to the unfortunate stigma surrounding addiction, which often results in individuals attempting to recover on their own.

For example, they may decide to perform a drug or alcohol detox at home.

However, it can be dangerous for individuals to attempt detoxification at home, as severe withdrawal symptoms can arise due to sudden abstinence from drugs or alcohol. This includes:

• Delirium Tremens
• Seizures
• Severe disorientation
• Breathing problems
• Hallucinations

Those undergoing home detox are also at a higher risk of relapse.

This was demonstrated in a 2006 study on rates and predictors of relapse, which showed that individuals who did not take part in an addiction treatment programme were less likely to remain sober within 3 years. [4]

Considering these factors, gaining professional addiction support is crucial to ensure that individuals can withdraw safely, before learning how to build healthy relationships, create positive habits, and maintain their sobriety in the long term.

How to Prepare for Rehab in Birkenhead

Before an individual enters a treatment centre in Birkenhead, it is recommended that they conduct some research into rehabilitation.

If you are reading this page, you are already on the right track!

This is so that they are aware of what to expect from their stay, including detox, therapy, and what happens once their treatment has ended. The rehab process will therefore feel much less daunting.

It is also important for an individual to research the wide variety of available treatment options so that they are able to choose the treatment that is most suitable for their needs.

For instance, one of the first factors to consider when choosing rehab treatment in Birkenhead is whether you or your loved one would benefit more from outpatient or inpatient services.

If you decide that inpatient rehab is more suitable for your needs, you should then conduct research into several rehab centres before choosing one.

This is because each clinic has different facilities, and therapy options, and is based in a different location, so the clinic that suits one individual may not suit another.

Finally, if you are struggling with addiction alone, we would recommend opening up to a loved one before entering rehab if possible.

This ensures that you have a support network that can hold you accountable and stand by you throughout every stage of your recovery journey.

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

How Does Rehab Work in Birkenhead?

There are two main treatment options in terms of rehab in Birkenhead: inpatient and outpatient rehab.

As previously mentioned, inpatient rehab provides a safe space away from home for individuals to focus on their recovery, supervised by a team of medical professionals, addiction specialists, and therapists.

This is an ideal and effective form of rehab for all individuals, whether they have a mild or severe drug or alcohol addiction.

In contrast, service users who choose outpatient rehab to aid their recovery typically have a mild to moderate substance dependency which requires a less intensive form of treatment.

They may also have commitments in their home environment, such as children or work, that they want to continue to uphold throughout their recovery.

Those attending outpatient treatment services will visit a rehab clinic that is based in their local community during the day, several times a week, but will return home at night.

The clinic will provide them with group, individual, and family therapy sessions, as well as prescription medication to help control cravings and withdrawal symptoms at home.

Depending on how often an individual attends outpatient services, a treatment programme can last several months to a year or more.

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

What Happens During Rehab in Birkenhead?

Once an individual has made the decision to enter a rehab clinic in Birkenhead, they will first undergo an assessment.

This can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video link, and allows addiction specialists to begin preparing a treatment programme that is tailored to the individual.

As part of the assessment process, you or your loved one will be asked about:

• The substances that you frequently consume
• How often and how much of each substance you consume
• Your medical history
• Any medications that you currently take

Upon admission, you or your loved one will be greeted by the clinic’s friendly staff, who will show you the facilities on offer, your own private en suite room, and explain your treatment programme thoroughly.

Medical Drug and Alcohol Detox

Once admission to a rehab clinic in Birkenhead is complete, the first stage of rehab that you or your loved one will undergo is detox.

Detox, or detoxification, is a medically supervised treatment which breaks an individual’s physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.

This treatment is therefore only necessary for those who are addicted to substances that are physically addictive, including:

• Opiates
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Alcohol

It is highly recommended that individuals complete detox during a stay at an inpatient rehab in Birkenhead so that the process can be supervised by medical professionals.

They will monitor withdrawal symptoms and use medication to minimise the risk of health complications that can arise during detox.

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

Therapy Options for Alcohol & Drug Addiction

After detox is complete, individuals can turn their focus to rehabilitation through therapy.

There is a wide range of therapy treatments used by rehabs in Birkenhead, although the therapies used by each clinic may vary depending on the expertise of the staff.

The aim of each of these therapeutic models is to help individuals find new, healthier approaches to life, which includes finding pleasurable and rewarding experiences that don’t involve alcohol or drugs.

Below are some of the therapies that you might come across at a drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead.

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

As a type of talking therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps individuals to unlearn harmful and destructive behaviours.

By rewiring the brain’s neural pathways that have caused an individual to become dependent on drugs or alcohol, CBT generates new ways of thinking that lead to more positive behaviours.

2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is similar to CBT as it is also a talking therapy.

However, DBT is a relatively new type of therapy and focuses on encouraging individuals to accept who they are. This is in contrast to CBT, which helps individuals to change negative behaviours and thoughts.

Whereas CBT is solely a technique used for individual therapy, DBT also involves some group work.

3. Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a therapy technique used during rehab treatment in Birkenhead which helps individuals to find alternative sources of reward and pleasure.

Individuals will be asked a set of questions which are designed to remind them of their reasons for recovery.

This may include to:

• Heal broken relationships
• Improve their financial situation
• Live a healthier life

The answers to these questions aim to give the individual a source of motivation that they can look to when they begin to crave drugs and alcohol. This, therefore, helps to reduce the risk of relapse.

4. Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy

Twelve-Step recovery was originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and is considered to be a spiritual programme.

However, it is now used by rehabs in Birkenhead as a form of therapy to help individuals overcome their drug or alcohol addiction and lead a more fulfilling life.

The therapy provides a structured recovery based on the principle of acceptance and asks individuals to turn to a higher power for help.

For this type of therapy, patients meet in groups to share their experiences and ensure that they remain sober.

5. Co-Dependency Treatment

Individuals who are reliant on another person due to their drug or alcohol addiction will benefit from co-dependency treatment upon arrival to rehab in Birkenhead.

This treatment addresses harmful and destructive behavioural patterns that may have led to an individual’s dependency.

In resolving these issues, not only will the individual be able to stand on their own two feet and tackle their recovery head-on, but it also helps to improve relationships with loved ones.

6. Holistic Therapies

Whether an individual is interested in yoga and meditation, or art and music, holistic therapies offer an activity for every rehab patient.

The aim of holistic therapy is to provide individuals with a source of pleasure outside of drugs and alcohol and remind them that life can be fulfilling.

By performing the activities offered by holistic therapy, individuals will also learn how to build a healthier lifestyle outside of rehab and may even discover a new passion.

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

Treatment for Mental Health in Rehab

Along with offering help for drug and alcohol addiction, rehab programmes in Birkenhead also provide treatment for those with mental health conditions, such as:

• Bipolar
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This is known as dual diagnosis treatment, which helps those with one or more co-existing mental health issues and addictions.

There are several reasons why an individual entering rehab may have a dual diagnosis, including:

• The mental health condition existed before their addiction and influenced their consumption of alcohol or drugs
• The presence of the mental health condition is a side effect of the withdrawal process, which may have been attempted several times
• The mental health condition developed as a result of frequent and long-term substance misuse

To ensure that the individual benefits from a comprehensive rehab programme that allows for a full recovery, it is therefore important for individuals to gain a dual diagnosis as soon as they enter drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead.

Rehab Aftercare Services in Birkenhead

Although an individual’s stay at a drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead may come to an end, this does not mean that their recovery journey is over.

This is because recovery from drug and alcohol addiction requires a long-term commitment.

So, to ensure that they are able to successfully transition back into their home environment, individuals will therefore be provided with aftercare.

These services are free, are typically offered for one year after treatment ends, and often consist of:

• Weekly individual therapy sessions
• Group therapy sessions at the rehab clinic
• Referral to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous

Without access to aftercare services, rehab patients put themselves at risk of relapse, so professional support is valuable at this crucial stage of recovery.

Relapse Prevention Planning

A key part of aftercare is relapse prevention, to help patients lead a substance-free life once they leave the safety of rehab in Birkenhead.

Many rehab centres, therefore, offer relapse prevention planning sessions, which take place during a residential rehab stay.

These sessions provide individuals with the tools to maintain their sobriety in the long run, by educating them on:

• Addiction
• Leading a healthy lifestyle
• Coping strategies

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

FAQs

Below, we provide some answers to commonly asked questions about the addiction rehab process:

How Long is Rehab in Birkenhead?

The length of a rehab treatment programme in Birkenhead can vary from 14 to 90 days.

The time that an individual remains in rehab depends on a range of factors, including:

• The severity of their addiction
• How long they have been dependent on drugs and alcohol
• Whether they have a dual diagnosis
• Personal preferences
• Their home circumstances

Although the detox process lasts only 7 to 10 days, it is not recommended for individuals to leave rehab after this process has been completed.

This is because individuals who have not addressed the underlying causes of their addiction are likely to relapse in future.

Longer treatment programmes also give individuals the chance to build healthier habits and adjust to life outside of rehab.

How Quickly Can a Person Overcome Their Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

Some individuals are able to overcome their alcohol or drug addiction much more quickly than others.

This is because breaking an individual’s substance dependency requires more work than the detox process, which lasts only 7 to 10 days.

Once detox has been completed, individuals should then begin a programme of therapy that helps to rewire neural pathways within the brain and undo the chemical damage done by drugs and alcohol.

The length of time that recovery takes is therefore dependent on a number of factors, including:

• The severity of an individual’s addiction
• The length of time they have suffered from an addiction
• Their level of commitment to recovery.

Choosing a residential rehab programme is certainly one way for individuals in Birkenhead to increase the efficiency of the recovery process.

However, this should never be rushed to ensure that they can maintain their sobriety for the rest of their lives.

What is the Cost of Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Birkenhead?

The cost of rehab in Birkenhead varies, depending on:

• The clinic’s facilities
• Location
• Medication provided
• Length of stay

This means that it is difficult to provide an exact figure for an individual who is planning on entering residential rehab.

However, for a typical 30-day treatment, most rehabs charge £5000 to £10,000.

Are There Any Free Addiction Treatment Services in Birkenhead?

If you are worried about the cost of inpatient rehab treatment, it is first important to consider it as an investment in your health.

Also, you are likely to be spending much more on maintaining your addiction, so although this may seem like an expensive up-front cost, in the long term you will be paying much less.

However, if you feel that private treatment is currently out of your budget, the NHS does provide some free treatment services in Birkenhead.

Although treatment is free, the waiting list for NHS treatment is long, meaning that recovery is often delayed.

Alternatively, you or your loved one may choose to attend a mutual support group in Birkenhead.

These are groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which meet regularly and provide individuals in recovery with the chance to share their struggles and achievements with other like-minded service users.

How Long is the Wait for NHS Rehab?

From 2020 to 2021, 0 people waited more than 3 weeks for drug treatment in the Wirral, compared to 0.4 per 1000 in the North West and 1.4 per 1000 in England as a whole. [5]

This is in contrast to NHS addiction treatment services in Birkenhead, where individuals can expect to wait up to 8 weeks to gain a referral.

Their addiction is likely to worsen during this time, which can make their attempt at recovery much harder.

These long waiting times are because government funding for addiction treatment is limited and the demand for medical support in Birkenhead makes it difficult for these NHS programmes to offer comprehensive support to all.

Is It Ever Too Late to Enter Rehab in Birkenhead?

No matter your age, or the length of time that you have been excessively consuming drugs or alcohol, it is never too late to enter rehab in Birkenhead.

In fact, the longer that you have been drinking or taking drugs, the harder it will become to recover by yourself.

This is because both your body and brain will be more dependent on the substances, and you are likely to suffer more severe withdrawal symptoms as a result.

You will therefore need the help of medical professionals and addiction specialists to overcome your addiction safely.

Get Help Today

For more information about drug and alcohol rehab in Birkenhead, please contact us today at 0800 088 66 86.

References

[1] Briefing: Data and Insight Related to Local ADDER Submission 2021, Wirral Intelligence Service, December 2021 https://www.wirralintelligenceservice.org/media/3542/wirral-intelligence-service-briefing-report-adder-v3-final-accchkd.pdf

[2] Parents with Problem Alcohol and Drug Use: Data for England and Wirral, 2019 to 2020, Public Health England https://www.ndtms.net/resources/public/Parental%20substance%20misuse/North%20West/NW_Wirral_2019-20_Parental_substance_misuse_data_pack.html

[3] JSNA: Alcohol, Wirral Intelligence Service, February 2018 https://www.wirralintelligenceservice.org/media/2890/alcohol-jsna-21-3-2018.pdf

[4] Rudolf H. Moos and Bernice S. Moos, Rates and Predictors of Relapse After Natural and Treated Remission from Alcohol Use Disorders, Addiction, February 2006 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976118/

[5] Briefing: Data and Insight Related to Local ADDER Submission 2021