Drug and Alcohol Rehab Liverpool

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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Liverpool

Quick Links for help with addiction in Liverpool

• What Types of Addictions Are Treated At Rehab in Liverpool?
• How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Cost in Liverpool?
• What Types of Therapies are on Offer in Liverpool Rehabs?
• How Effective is Rehab in Treating Alcohol or Drug Addictions?

Rehab Recovery is a free helpline offering you advice on drug and alcohol rehabilitation and detoxification options in Liverpool and the surrounding area.

Over the last few years, we’ve helped thousands of individuals across Merseyside break free from addiction to drugs and alcohol, and we are utterly confident in our ability to help you too.

Essentially, we offer you a variety of inpatient/residential treatment options in and around Liverpool.

We believe residential treatment is by far the superior option because you are entirely removed from bad influences and ‘addiction triggers’ whilst you undergo your treatment.

If you require a detox without extended rehabilitation, you should expect to stay in a Liverpool residential rehab centre for at least 7 days.

Living with an addiction can take its toll and impact every aspect of your life, from your relationships with family and friends to your physical and mental health.

Going to drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool can give you back control of your life and help you to safely and effectively recover from addiction.

Start your recovery journey today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What is Considered an Addiction?

In research carried out by Gene-Jack Wang, imaging studies showed that during drug intoxication, or during craving, the frontal regions of the brain become activated as part of a complex pattern that includes brain circuits involved with reward.

What Are the Six Key Parts of Addictive Behaviour?

A study by Daria J. Kuss, addiction is defined in six components – ‘neglect of personal life, mental preoccupation, escapism, mood modifying experiences, tolerance, and concealing the addictive behaviour’.

Some Relevant Stats about Addiction in Liverpool

Image above: Garden outside a drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool

Below, we provide some statistics about alcohol and drug use in Liverpool:

Drug and Alcohol Statistics in Liverpool (2018)	Data
Number of those in every 100 dependent on alcohol	3
Opiate and crack users, per 1000 people (2020-21)	25
Number accessing new treatment for alcohol or drug use (2019-20)	2,366
Number accessing new treatment for alcohol or drug use who are parents living with children (2019-20)	408

In 2018, the government released statistics showing that, in every 100 people in Liverpool, almost 3 were dependent on alcohol.

Liverpool is one of the most affected areas of the UK when it comes to opiate and crack usage, with over 25 users per every 1000 people.

You can read more about the disease of addiction here.

What is the Disease Model of Addiction?

Image above: Group hug at a drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool

A common misconception about addiction is that developing a dependency on drugs or alcohol is a result of an individual’s poor judgement or bad character.

The idea that those who become addicted are morally wrong is a very negative and harmful stereotype, and those who suffer may see it as a reason to not get help.

The disease model of addiction, however, is a much more contemporary outlook that views the condition as a result of individuals losing control of their behaviour and being unable to stop their substance use without appropriate support.

Individuals who become addicted to substances are not bad people, but instead, experience changes in how their brain works.

The mesolimbic pathway – which dictates the brain’s experience of pleasure – becomes altered by substance use, and the frequent consumption of drugs and alcohol cause the brain to demand the same level of pleasure.

The disease model is also important because it takes into account a wide variety of factors that can increase an individual’s chance of developing a substance abuse problem.

Some individuals genetically inherit a higher susceptibility to addiction, and others can be socialised as children to see alcohol and drugs as normal things to consume.

Why Is Ongoing Drug and Alcohol Abuse Dangerous?

Using drugs and alcohol regularly and at high levels can take a toll on your body and brain. 

One of the biggest dangers of ongoing substance use is the risk of overdose. Every time you use drugs and alcohol you risk suffering an overdose, no matter how experienced you may believe you are.

Illicit drugs are particularly dangerous as they are produced in unregulated environments. It is very common for other substances to be added in order to add weight and bulk out the batch – these include caffeine, rat poison and even other drugs to increase the effects.

This means you never truly know what you are taking, and how much.

There were 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning across England and Wales in 2021. [1] Addiction treatment could be the difference between life and death, so don’t wait any longer to seek help.

What Are the Signs That An Alcohol Addiction is Present?

Many people who are living with addiction are not aware of it. This is because our behaviours can become normalised to us, so even heavy drinking on a regular basis can begin to seem reasonable.

Physical signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Often being intoxicated or with some level of alcohol in your system
• Feeling generally unwell – tired, run-down, shaky
• Going through withdrawal symptoms when not drinking alcohol
• Bumps, bruises and other injuries caused by alcohol
• Yellow-toned skin, a sign of liver disease

Psychological signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Being unable to control the amount of alcohol you drink
• Experiencing frequent cravings for alcohol 
• Developing a tolerance, needing to drink larger amounts more frequently
• Suffering from mood swings
• Higher levels of depression and/or anxiety – 63.8% of people with an alcohol addiction also experience depression [2]

Behavioural signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Reducing the amount of time you spend on hobbies and activities in favour of drinking alcohol
• Becoming more secretive and withdrawn from friends and family
• Drinking alcohol in secret and/or being dishonest about how much you drink
• Being unable to keep up with responsibilities at work, school or home due to alcohol

If you notice a high amount of the above signs or simply drink heavily every day or on a regular basis, you may have an alcohol addiction and should seek professional help in Liverpool.

How Do I Know When My Addiction is Something to Worry About?

A drug or alcohol addiction is serious. It can impact all aspects of your life, damage your health and potentially end your life prematurely.

As a result, you should take action as soon as possible. 

There are certain patterns of behaviour that can indicate a concerning trend. These include being unable to control your drug or alcohol use, experiencing negative consequences due to your substance use but being unable to stop and trying to stop in the past but eventually turning to drugs or alcohol again.

There are around 4,449 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Liverpool each year. [3] It’s important that you seek professional help as soon as you realise you may have an addiction, as this will improve your chances of recovery.

How Do I Know If I’m Suffering From Alcoholism?

As alcohol use is so accepted in Liverpool, many people are flying under the radar with an untreated alcohol addiction that they are not even aware of.

Some ways you can tell if you are struggling with an alcohol addiction are listed below:

• I often crave alcohol and find myself waiting and anticipating my next drink
• I find it difficult to do my job or complete my regular tasks without alcohol
• Alcohol has become one of the most important things in my life
• I often regret my actions after drinking but continue to repeat the same behaviours
• I can’t control how much I drink, even if I want to
• I experience withdrawal symptoms when I am not drinking alcohol
• I can drink a lot of alcohol without seeming intoxicated
• My friends and family members are worried about my drinking
• I have tried to stop drinking but always go back to alcohol
• I drink alcohol every day – even when I have to go to work or look after children
• My alcohol use has had negative consequences such as legal troubles or job loss
• I feel stressed or unhappy until I have had a drink

It’s also possible to use alcohol in an unhealthy way without being addicted, such as binge drinking. This is where you drink a large amount of alcohol in one sitting for the sole purpose of becoming intoxicated.

7.8 million people in the UK have reported binge drinking, and this is a harmful behaviour that can eventually lead to addiction. [4]

What Impacts Can Drug and Alcohol Addictions Have on a Person?

While you may have initially started to use drugs and alcohol as a way to relax and socialise with others, the negative effects of these substances can persist long after the party is over.

Addiction can permeate your entire life and impact everything from your physical health to your relationships with your family and friends.

Some of the impacts that drug and alcohol addiction can have on you include:

• Brain damage resulting in confusion, impaired judgement and memory loss
• Increased risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or a sexually transmitted infection
• Higher chance of developing a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression
• Liver problems leading to cirrhosis and liver failure
• Heart failure and increased chance of stroke
• Higher risk of experiencing a drug overdose

12.1% of patients who had experienced a stroke were found to have recently used drugs. [5] Seeking help for an addiction in Liverpool can save your health and even your life.

What Impact Can Drug and Alcohol Addictions Have on Families?

It’s estimated that around 91 million people around the globe are affected by a family member’s addiction. [6]

Some of the effects of drug and alcohol addiction on families include:

• High levels of stress in the home
• Increased risk of child neglect and abuse
• Family members may witness anger and violence
• Potential for codependent relationships to form
• Children and young people may be exposed to drugs and alcohol
• Unconscious enabling behaviours from some family members 

If an addiction is left untreated, it can tear an entire family apart. Eventually, the affected person may find themselves cut off from the family as the stress and chaos become unbearable. 

What Types of Addictions Are Treated At Rehab in Liverpool?

Addiction involves a repeated behaviour that stimulates the dopamine response in our brains. For many people, they are constantly chasing the ‘high’ that they first experienced when trying a substance or behaviour.

Substance addiction is often talked about, but behavioural addiction can be just as damaging.

1. Substance addiction

Using drugs or alcohol compulsively despite negative consequences is a hallmark of a substance addiction.

This can lead to various physical and mental health conditions and impact your entire life.

Substance addictions can include:

• Alcohol addiction
• Cannabis addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Prescription painkiller addiction
• Stimulant addiction

You need professional help to recover from a substance addiction – we do not recommend attempting the process alone.

2. Behavioural addiction

A behavioural addiction involves a compulsion to engage in certain behaviours despite the negative consequences that occur.

For example, gambling addiction can lead to high levels of debt and strained relationships with family and friends. It’s estimated that 0.5% of the UK population is struggling with a gambling addiction, and these people need professional help and support. [7]

Behavioural addictions can include:

• Shopping addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Smartphone addiction
• Social media addiction
• Sex and love addiction
• Exercise addiction
• Food addiction

Here in Liverpool, there is a rehab clinic to treat almost any type of addiction.

If you are struggling with something that isn’t on the above list, simply get in touch by calling 0800 088 6686 and we will find the right treatment clinic for you.

What is Dual Diagnosis at a Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

Becoming physically sober is a large part of the addiction recovery process, and detox is therefore a vital step in treatment for anyone in Liverpool looking to beat their substance abuse.

In many cases, excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol arises due to the presence of another mental health condition. Individuals turn to the pleasurable effects of these substances as a result of their anxiety, depression, or trauma, and their consistent consumption acts as a means of self-medication.

This is otherwise known as dual diagnosis, and it is of vital importance that it is recognised as soon as possible when an individual enters treatment at rehab in Liverpool.

The reason for this is that, if an individual only receives detox treatment for their addiction, the reason they take drugs and alcohol will not be acknowledged, leaving the door open for relapse.

Identifying dual diagnosis allows for therapy treatment to be administered and for the source of an individual’s reliance on substance abuse to be tackled.

Anxiety, depression, and trauma can be addressed, and the connections between these conditions and addiction can be untangled to allow for more effective coping mechanisms to be developed.

Rehabs in Liverpool focus on abstinence, rather than harm reduction or moderation management

When an individual enters an addiction rehab programme, they will enter an environment that centres around stopping their substance use and encouraging them to abstain from future usage.

This approach is not universal among all addiction treatment programmes. Certain outpatient treatments can alternatively focus on limiting substance use or practising methods of reducing the negative consequences of substance use.

Abstinence, however, is a much safer approach to treatment. Due to the lack of control over their behaviour that many addicted individuals experience, learning to reduce or manage substance use is rarely able to work.

Quitting all consumption is the only way of ensuring that the brain cannot slip into its old habits.

In addition to this, abstinence is the only approach to recovery which protects the people around the afflicted individual. By focussing on harm reduction and consumption management, responsibility is passed onto the family and friends of an individual to also monitor what they do.

Not only is this psychologically demanding, but the consequences of continuing substance use can also affect them. For example, continuing to drink, even to a lesser extent, can have financial and emotional implications for the partner and children of an individual.

Types of mental disorders that can be treated at a drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool include:

• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

How Do I Know If I Need Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

When someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s often clear to you that they need to go to rehab.

But when you are the person who is struggling, it can be difficult to make that decision.

If your alcohol or drug use is having a negative impact on your life, you will likely benefit from rehab in some way.

This could be in the form of a physical health condition, the development or exacerbation of a mental health disorder, legal troubles, financial problems or losing your job to name a few.

These are clear signs that your relationship with drugs or alcohol has become unhealthy.

Another sign is if you have actively tried to stop using substances but have been unable to. This can indicate that you have a physical or psychological addiction to drugs or alcohol.

76,740 people sought help for an alcohol addiction in 2020/21. [8] Many of them will go on to recover and live a healthy life, and you could be one of them if you attend rehab in Liverpool.

Is Rehab Free in Liverpool?

One perceived drawback of rehab in Liverpool is the high costs. While many clinics are expensive, others offer lower-priced programmes or payment plans to help patients afford their treatment.

In some cases, rehab can be free. Here in the UK we benefit from the National Health Service (NHS) which provides free health treatment to all citizens.

If you meet the criteria for NHS rehab then you can receive addiction treatment for free. You will need to be earning under a certain threshold and have already tried other community-based programmes such as detox and counselling. 

Unfortunately, even those who qualify often do not always get accepted as there are many people applying for just a handful of spaces each year.

It is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £3.5billion each year. [9] Therefore, offering free addiction treatment can benefit the NHS and the UK as a whole.

Can I Get A Family Member Into Addiction Rehab In Liverpool?

The first action you can take is to have an open and honest conversation with your family member about your concerns. Keep the tone of this discussion neutral and avoid blame or accusations, as this could cause them to become defensive.

It’s recommended that you research everything you can about rehab and addiction beforehand, so you are armed with the facts to combat any deflections that they may make.

If they agree that their relationship with drugs or alcohol is unhealthy, you can begin to reach out to rehabs in Liverpool that fit their budget and needs.

However, in many cases, the affected person will not recognise or accept that they have a problem. This makes it difficult to recover, as they need to be motivated and willing to change their behaviour. 

You may wish to hold a professional intervention involving other family members and friends. This is a way to confront your loved one about the addiction and persuade them to seek help.

An intervention is usually more effective when it is run by professional interventionist – they will have experience in keeping everyone calm and ensuring the best chances of success. 

What Causes Addiction?

There are many potential causes of addiction and we cannot point to one sole factor that can lead to this disorder.

While anyone can develop an addiction no matter their age, gender, sexuality or economic status, there are some factors that can increase the risk.

1. Trauma

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event at any point in your life, particularly during childhood, can leave you more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder.

You may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the memories of the event, or to alleviate any mental health symptoms that arose as a result of the trauma.

2. Genetics

You are much more likely to develop an addiction if you have a close family member who has a substance use disorder, such as a parent or sibling.

Your genetics and family history can make you up to 50% more likely to develop an alcohol addiction and 70% more likely to develop a drug addiction. [10]

3. Mental health conditions

People who have a mental health condition such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are more likely to develop an addiction.

This could be because they are attempting to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with the symptoms of their mental health disorder.

4. Environment

Your living environment in Liverpool can play a huge role in the likelihood of developing an addiction, particularly as you were growing up.

If you grew up around people who struggled with addiction and/or normalised substance use or in a generally unstable and chaotic home, you may be more susceptible to developing an addiction.

Can I Get A Fast Drug Detox In Liverpool?

While you may be familiar with a medically-assisted drug detox, you may not have heard of a rapid drug detox.

Known as the fastest way to recover from physical addiction, a rapid detox in Liverpool involves being placed under anaesthesia with substances being flushed from your system while you sleep.

A medication called Naloxone is commonly used for this, and a rapid drug detox can theoretically cut the withdrawal process in half with patients taking just 5 days to recover. [11]

There are not enough studies available to promote the safety of rapid drug detoxes. A medically assisted detox is thought to be the safest way to detox from drugs, and this option usually lasts no more than 10 days.

Is Detox Enough On Its Own?

While a medical drug or alcohol detox is a great way to start your recovery, it is not enough to sustain long-term sobriety.

The main goal of rehab in Liverpool is to maintain abstinence. This takes a lot of work and often requires completely changing your mindset, lifestyle and behaviours.

Counselling and relapse prevention are essential for achieving long-term recovery. This will teach you effective techniques for managing cravings and triggers while helping you to develop healthy behaviours and habits.

A detox will help you to heal from a physical addiction to drugs or alcohol, but the psychological addiction is what is most likely to cause a relapse.

Even people who have completed an entire treatment programme frequently relapse after leaving rehab – up to 80% of them! [12]

To give yourself the best chance of recovery, combine a medical detox with counselling and relapse prevention. 

How Do I Tell My Family I’m Going to a Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

You’ve secured funding, your bags are packed and you are ready to go to rehab in Liverpool. This is a huge step towards your recovery, but you may be feeling uneasy if you haven’t yet found a way to tell your family about your decision.

Firstly, you do not necessarily need to inform your family. If you believe they will be unsupportive or you otherwise have an unhealthy relationship with them, you are free to work towards recovery without their knowledge.

If you do want to tell them, choose a time and place that ensures privacy – it’s probably not the best idea to tell them at a crowded restaurant!

Being as open and honest as possible can help to ease their concerns, which can be difficult if you have become used to hiding your addiction from your loved ones. They may have many questions, which you can answer if you feel comfortable.

Keep the focus on the positives of rehab and how addiction treatment will help you to improve your life. 

There are 1.5 million adults in the UK who are significantly affected by a loved one’s addiction, so most family members will be relieved and happy to know that you are seeking professional help. [13]

Private Rehab vs. Council-funded Rehab Treatment in Liverpool, Which is Best?

There are a variety of options in the field of addiction recovery for individuals to choose from when it comes to drug addiction treatment in Liverpool. One of the most fundamental decisions that individuals need to make in terms of what they go for is whether they choose a private or public rehab programme.

While the ultimate goal of both of these options is the same – to help an individual safely recover from their addiction – they go about it in different ways, and there are clear differences in what services and resources they can offer.

Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of both private and public services in Liverpool can be very helpful.

What is publicly-funded rehab in Liverpool?

Below we’ve listed the pros and cons of using public rehabilitation services in Liverpool.

Positives of publicly-funded drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool

• Low admission price – Due to be being funded by the NHS, many rehab programmes are free for members of the public to access. Even if the programme is partially funded by a local council, the price of admission will be affordable for the average person.
• Abundance and location – Public rehab programmes are offered all over the UK, meaning that there will always be one relatively local to where you live. This means that you will not need to relocate in order to access help.

Negatives of publicly-funded drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool

• Limited facilities – The NHS is a public service, and it is unfortunately under a lot of strain. This means that medical staff and treatment facilities need to be stretched as far as possible, and those who attend public programmes will likely need to share bedrooms, bathrooms, eating areas, and medical equipment with others.
• Waiting lists – The limited resources available to public rehab programmes means that they can only treat a certain number of individuals at a time. Due to the prevalence of substance abuse problems in the UK, this means that a lot of people seeking help will not be able to immediately access it, and so will need to join a waiting list.

What is Private rehab in Liverpool?

Below we’ve listed the pros and cons of using private rehabilitation services in Liverpool.

Positives

• Facilities and activities – Private rehab facilities place a significant emphasis on luxury, and this means that they often provide a variety of services for individuals to take advantage of. Not only do they get their own bedroom and bathroom, but there are usually a variety of additional activities on offer to complement their recovery. This can include sporting clubs, spa sessions, and different kinds of support groups.
• A personal experience – Each person enrolling on luxury rehab will receive a much more personal kind of attention than otherwise available. Their particular needs and preferences will be taken into consideration, and treatment will follow a style most suitable for their situation.
• Top-quality expertise – The high wages paid by private facilities mean that these kinds of programmes can attract the very best addiction specialists in the field. This means that individuals will receive the very best advice and supervision possible, increasing their odds of an effective and safe recovery.

Negatives

• Pricey – In order to offer such an abundance of services and facilities, private rehab programmes have to charge high admission prices, and these are often unaffordable for the average person in need of treatment.
• Relocation – Luxury rehab tends to require a lot of space to accommodate so many facilities, and this means that they cannot exist in every town or county. They are also often located in quiet picturesque places, and so individuals will likely need to relocate or travel in order to access the services on offer.

What are some organisations offering publicly funded addiction treatment in Liverpool?

1. Addaction

Address: The Foundry, 36 Henry St, Liverpool L1 5AY

Telephone: 01517 067888

Website: https://www.addaction.org.uk/services/liverpool-central-addaction-recovery-centre-arc-roscoe-street

2. Change Grow Live – Bootle

Address: 2 Bridle Way, Bootle L30 4UA

Telephone: 01512 039755

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/sefton

3. Fresh CAMHS

Address: Alder Rd, Liverpool L12 2AP

Telephone: 01512 933662

Website: http://www.freshcamhs.org/

Other alternative services to a drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool

You can also reach out to a number of helplines, including Mind UK, YoungMinds, Rethink Mental Illness, Samaritans and Papyrus or SMART Recovery Liverpool or the NHS.

Additionally, you can reach out to Change Grow Live, Turning Point, We Are With You, National Association for Children of Alcoholics, Alcoholics Anonymous Liverpool, Narcotics Anonymous Liverpool, Alateen, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the NHS Foundation Trust.

Why May I Need Residential Rehab in Liverpool?

Every individual has the right to choose what kind of support they want to engage with when it comes to their substance abuse. But while choice is really important, some may not actually realise that they are in need of residential rehab rather than another kind of support.

Having the support and structure of residential treatment can be essential for some individuals, and the reasons why someone might need this kind of rehab may include some of the following.

Unmanageable withdrawal symptoms

For those who have struggled with addiction for a number of years, the process of stopping their consumption will trigger a lot of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

For those who are addicted to alcohol, for example, stopping drinking can be potentially fatal. Withdrawal can trigger seizures, mood swings, heart complications, and sometimes even Delirium Tremens, a condition that can cause sudden death.

Lack of control

Addiction is a condition that corrupts an individual’s ability to exert control over their own behaviour, and this means that outpatient styles of treatment can sometimes be ineffective at tackling the problem.

For example, if an individual is taught techniques for handling their cravings and sent home, their brain may not be able to withstand the urge to use a substance again.

Only in residential rehab – which has medical staff who can ensure that relapse does not occur – can an individual be supported in spite of their lack of restraint.

History of treatment

Relapse is very common among people who struggle with addiction. In many cases, individuals go into treatment having already received some form of care in the past.

When this is the case, it is important to look at what treatment an individual has had before. If they have previously engaged with outpatient care – having had the freedom to go home following treatment sessions – then their relapse may be a sign that their addiction is too severe for such a style to be effective.

In this situation, it would be appropriate to then put that individual in residential rehab in Liverpool to see if that provides better results.

The safety of others

Addiction can sometimes cause an individual to behave out of character, and severe cases of the condition can even prompt erratic or uncontrollable acts of frustration and anger.

When assessing appropriate treatment methods, it is important to look at how an individual behaves when under the influence of a certain substance – as well as when they are denied access to alcohol or drugs – and see if there is anyone who may be in danger in such instances.

For example, residential rehab may be required when an individual has a partner or children who they can potentially injure.

Rehab is about treating the disease of addiction. Addiction is not considered a ‘choice’ or ‘moral failing’ on behalf of the addiction sufferer.

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What are the Alternatives to Going to Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

Rehab is widely considered to be the most effective method of treating addiction. That does not mean, however, that it is the only way of tackling the condition.

What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?

AA and NA are meeting-based treatment programmes that look to help individuals by inducting them into a community of support and guidance relating to their addiction.

During these meetings, a group leader will select a line of conversation relating to addiction experiences, and encourage all attendees to share what they can.

Within such discussions, the goal is for guidance to be shared, support to be offered, and connections to be built between individuals and the rest of the group.

Each individual within the programme will have a sponsor who pays particular attention to their specific engagement with the programme.

These sponsors will ensure that individuals attend meetings, participate in discussions, and ultimately look out for them and provide support.

You can find AA Meetings, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous meetings in Liverpool.

What is SMART Recovery?

This kind of treatment involves individuals attending regular meetings which look to provide skills and techniques for tackling substance abuse.

What differentiates SMART recovery from other programmes, however, is its focus on four central goals. Those within the programme are helped to sustain motivation for recovery, handle their addictive impulses, develop skills for coping with daily challenges, and live a life independent of substance use.

However, SMART does not expect individuals to progress from one step to the other in a seamless stream of successes. Instead, this programme understands that individuals will take steps back in their recovery and struggle.

Rather than placing sobriety as the pinnacle of success, SMART recovery teaches individuals to perceive recovery as a process that never truly ends. Beating addiction is all about handling day-to-day cravings and learning to live a healthy life in spite of temptation.

SMART recovery groups meet both online and in-person, including several meetings in Liverpool.

Can I do a home detox?

Treatment does not necessarily need to take place in a medical environment or arranged meeting, and no method better shows this than home detox.

With this approach to recovery, individuals continue with their day-to-day lives while stopping their substance consumption with the help of delivered medication.

In most cases, this will be a quantity of Librium, a benzodiazepine that dampens the impact of withdrawal and prevents symptoms from seriously impacting an individual’s progress or affecting their well-being.

Thanks to its remote nature, anyone in Liverpool who qualifies for home detox will be able to receive it.

What are Al/Anon Family Group meetings?

The family of an addicted individual can often suffer just as much as the person themselves when it comes to dealing with the effects of substance abuse.

Financial troubles created by constant consumption can put strains on family life, and watching a loved one suffer can really affect mental health.

There is no rehab option available to support these family members, but AI/Anon meetings can help. In these sessions, members of individuals can meet with others experiencing similar struggles and talk about their shared experiences and challenges.

Not only can families learn techniques for handling the stresses of addiction and become better able to support their loved ones, but the bonds they create with other families can provide them with a sense of camaraderie and belonging that lessens their sense of isolation and hopelessness.

Al-Anon offers ample support for families of addiction sufferers in Liverpool.

Outpatient treatment via a local Drug & Alcohol Team in Liverpool

In this style of treatment, individuals attend regular one-on-one meetings with a medical professional to work through their substance abuse. One of the most flexible options out there, outpatient care allows individuals to have a great sense of control over their recovery journey.

Not only can individuals arrange to have these meetings at times that do not clash with their professional and familial responsibilities, but they can also work with the addiction specialist to make sure that the sessions tackle their specific challenges and are tailored to suit their personal needs.

For example, if an individual struggles most with tackling cravings, sessions can be designed to provide support in this area and teach them skills and techniques for resisting the impulse to consume a substance.

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What is the ASAM Criteria – Patient Placement Criteria?

Drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool can only be effective if the treatment is appropriate for the individual’s situation. Addiction affects everyone differently, and so the success of the recovery process depends greatly on assessing how serious addiction is before treatment commences.

A useful tool to help with this assessment is the ASAM  (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Criteria, a test that looks to develop a picture of how serious an individual’s condition is by looking at 6 dimensions of their current circumstances.

These are:

• Acute intoxication/Withdrawal potential – Probably the most obvious factor to consider is what an individual’s consumption of drugs and alcohol looks like. This includes both their current and previous consumption habits, as well as their history with withdrawal.
• Biomedical condition – Due to the demanding nature of rehab, it is important to assess how healthy an individual is and identify whether they suffer from any long-term health conditions.
• Mental health – Similar to the requirement of assessing physical health, it is essential to judge how an individual thinks and feels in general, as well as what mental health conditions may have an effect on the recovery process.
• Relapse potential – Relapse is a very common part of fighting addiction, but the odds of it happening can be reduced if an individual’s history of relapse is taken into consideration and any factors which might increase the odds of it occurring are recognised.
• Living situation – Looking at where an individual lives and who and what they come into contact with can be very helpful. There may be factors of their living arrangement which contribute to their substance abuse problems, or there may be potential relapse triggers that need acknowledging.

What is the DSM-5 Three Levels of Severity?

Few things are more important before attending rehab in Liverpool than assessing what symptoms an individual is experiencing. This can tell a lot about how serious an individual’s condition is, as well as give an indicator as to what treatment may be most suitable for them.

A test for conducting this kind of assessment is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

It works by quantifying how many of the following symptoms can be identified in an individual’s situation:

• Excessive substance use
• Inability to stop substance use
• Abandonment of responsibilities
• Lost interest in hobbies and relationships
• Poor performance or motivation at work or school
• Substance use in inappropriate situations, such as at work
• Lack of interest in the consequences of substance use
• Higher tolerance to substance use
• Withdrawal symptoms

The results of DSM-5 are determined by tallying up how many of these symptoms are present.

If two or three can be identified, then an individual’s substance use is mild. Moderate substance use is associated with four or five of these symptoms being present.

If more than six symptoms are identified, then an individual is suffering from severe substance abuse and has an addiction.

What is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDITs)?

Alcohol addiction is one of the most dangerous addictions an individual can develop. It is one of the few substances that can kill an individual when detox is mishandled, and so it is of utmost importance that appropriate treatment is found for each individual who is dependent on it.

In order to appropriately assess alcohol dependency, the World Health Organization developed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

This questionnaire looks to generate an idea of how serious an individual’s condition is by inquiring into three main areas of their situation.

What does AUDIT look for?

The first part of an AUDIT seeks to understand an individual’s alcohol consumption habits. This will include questions that ask how much they consume, how often they consume, as well how regularly they would say their consumption is.

Next, the test looks at an individual’s relationship with withdrawal. These questions will relate to their experiences of withdrawal symptoms, how severe they have been in the past, and how the individual coped with them, if at all.

Finally, the consequences of an individual’s drinking are looked into. This will include what physical effects an individual is experiencing, what impact is being had on their mental and emotional wellbeing, and what ways the habit has influenced family members and friends.

How are results generated?

For each question, an individual will answer via selecting a multiple-choice response. Each response represents a number, and once all of the questions are answered, these numbers are added up.

The results are determined by what total the AUDIT for the particular individual has produced.

If an individual scores over 8, their alcohol dependency is not severe, but they could still benefit from guidance and support to prevent the situation from getting worse. If they score over 13, however, then their dependency is in the more severe category and immediate medical help is required.

Similarly, you can use the CAGE Questionnaire to find out if you may have an addiction.

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

When is a Professional Intervention needed in Liverpool?

If an individual refuses to see the negative impact of their behaviour – which is very common among those who develop addictions – then their family and friends may want to step in and help the situation.

The most common way that they may choose to do this is via an intervention.

In an intervention, the close family members and friends of an individual will come together to encourage them to seek help for their substance abuse. Each attendee will offer support and love, but will ultimately voice a clear concern for the individual’s health.

Executing an effective intervention is not always so easy. Professional interventionists are medical experts who can lend support with carrying out these intense yet intimate events, but what can they do to help?

• Providing a schedule – Interventions are difficult to arrange and even harder to execute. Not only do a lot of people need to be brought to a single place at a certain time, but they each need to say what they need to. For this reason, a professional interventionist can be brought in if you need help organising the event or you need support in ensuring that it goes as planned.
• Maintaining the right tone – During an intervention, it can be incredibly easy to lose the supportive tone of an effective event. An addicted individual’s lack of cooperation can spark frustration, and this can push attendees to get annoyed and critical of them in order to get their point across. A professional, however, can prevent this from happening and bring the conversation back to being helpful and caring when it goes off track.
• Making a point – When an addicted individual sees their family and friends voicing concern about their substance use, it can sometimes seem too unreal to them, causing them to reject the concerns purely on the basis that they do not trust their judgement. The presence of a professional at this event, however, can hammer the point home for the individual and reveal to them that there is something seriously the matter.

What is the CRAFT Approach to Intervention?

Interventions do not need to follow the conventional format in order to be effective and trigger positive change.

Alternatively, individuals may choose to adopt the CRAFT approach, a system that looks to achieve the same result in a slightly different way than a meeting of friends and family.

In the CRAFT approach, individuals look to step in and help their addicted friend or family member by working together to draw them away from their negative behaviours.

Instead of attending a single event in Liverpool and voicing their concerns directly – although the CRAFT approach can begin this way – individuals organise ways in which they can reward healthy behaviour.

Addiction thrives because it convinces the brain to see sustained substance use as a good thing to do, hijacking the reward system and seeing drug or alcohol consumption as the immediate way of getting pleasure. CRAFT interventions, however, look to interrupt this shortcut.

Those around an addicted individual work together to reward them when they engage in healthy behaviours such as participating in treatment or refraining from substance use.

This approach is designed to make the individual see that there are benefits to being sober – such as having more freedom to go out or having control of their finances – and change the way their brain perceives addiction.

On the other side of the coin, CRAFT also involves a united front of opposition when an individual keeps using drugs or alcohol. Negative behaviour is punished, and the consistency of these different types of reinforcement works to encourage healthier choices and sobriety.

To learn more about how an intervention can help your loved one attend drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool, call our team on 0800 088 66 86

How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Cost in Liverpool?

The cost of rehab in Liverpool is one of the most important things an individual must take into account before beginning their recovery journey.

Not everyone has the available funds to afford top-quality care, so knowing what options are available and their corresponding prices can be pivotal.

In the Liverpool area, the prices of the different rehab programmes are as follows:

• 10-day detox (single room) – £3,000 to £6,000
• 10-day detox (shared room) – £2,000 to £4,000
• 28-day detox (single room) – £8,000 to £12,000
• 28-day detox (shared room) – £6,000
• Home detox – £1,500

What are Some Tips for Choosing the Right Rehab in Liverpool?

When it comes to addiction recovery, there are quite a lot of options in Liverpool for facilities and programmes. Knowing how to choose a system that will work for you can be difficult in a field abundant with variety, and this amount of choice can confuse and deter a lot of people.

Finding the right kind of drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool can be daunting, but we have a few tips that can help make the process a bit less overwhelming.

• Conducting research – The internet is a very useful tool when it comes to finding the right kind of rehab. If you are unsure of what option would be best for your addiction recovery, take a look online to see what facilities are in your local area and what different programmes specialise in. Many of these facilities will also have review pages, and these can help give you an idea of whether they will be able to help you.
• Assessing your budget – Everyone who begins looking for addiction rehab is limited by the same factor: money. Different programmes will charge different fees for the varying services and facilities they offer, so it can help to first assess how much you are able to spend on your addiction treatment, and then look at what programmes fall within your budget.
• Making contact – Websites and review pages can tell a lot about a rehab programme, but there is a huge difference between online presence and how comfortable an individual will feel within the facility’s care. One of the best ways to see if you will be comfortable in a particular facility is to reach out to them, have a discussion with one of the experts there, and see how they make you feel.

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

Detoxing in Liverpool

‘Detox’ is one of the most widely used words in relation to addiction recovery, but it can easily be misunderstood or used as a general term of rehab rather than a specific method of treatment.

The term ‘detox’ actually relates to the process of an individual being supported through their physical move away from addiction.

Whether you are in need of detox will depend on how severe your physical dependency on a substance is.

The process of detox

When an individual stops their substance use after developing an addiction, their body can respond negatively. With such routine usage being interrupted, the chemical reliance that the body has formed can be thrown out of balance, triggering a range of withdrawal symptoms.

This only occurs with certain substances, but physically addictive materials tend to be some of the most common triggers of substance abuse.

For example, many individuals struggle with alcohol dependency, and this can trigger seizures, cardiac complications, and even sudden death (Delirium Tremens).

If you have an alcohol addiction you will need to have an alcohol detox before you can begin any treatment. This means you will likely experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

For a physical dependence on a substance, such as alcohol, you will need a medically-assisted detox – this is underseen by a doctor or medical professional. You will also need one of these for heroin withdrawal for example.

In order to help individuals through this difficult withdrawal process, detox provides medical supervision to ensure that their progress and physical well-being is not compromised by these uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms.

In most cases, Librium or Chlordiazepoxide is prescribed to dampen withdrawal and provide individuals with much-needed relief.

Is detox enough on its own?

Following a 10-day detox period, most individuals will find that their physical need to consume a substance has subsided. This is not where treatment ends, however.

Following detox, the psychological reasons for an individual’s substance abuse have not yet been addressed. There is a reason why every individual chooses to begin using drugs or alcohol in the first place, and detox alone does not protect them from falling into negative habits again in the future.

For this reason, three weeks of addiction therapy at a drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool will usually follow detox. This involves individuals working with specialists to understand their desire for drugs or alcohol, identify triggers and incentives for addiction, and develop the routines and techniques needed to remain sober.

When you get to rehab you will undergo a psychiatric assessment. This is so you will receive the correct treatment to ensure you are on the route to sobriety. This will be done by a psychiatrist or other medical professional.

Long-term complications of substance abuse include:

• Delirium Tremens
• Hepatitis
• Wernicke Encephalopathy
• Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

How Long Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Last in Liverpool?

There are a lot of factors that an individual must take into consideration before beginning their rehab journey, and at the top of this list is the duration of time they will spend undergoing addiction treatment in Liverpool.

For many, creating the time to tackle addiction is not a simple process. Time off from work will need to be arranged, and that doesn’t even take into consideration the difficulty of being absent from family and home life.

As a result of these limitations, it can be incredibly helpful to know how long rehab in Liverpool tends to take.

On average, physical detox from substance abuse takes around 7 days. However, rehab as a whole tends to be completed in around 28 days as individuals will likely need to undergo several weeks of therapy in order to tackle the causes of their behaviour.

How long each individual remains in treatment can also be influenced by their personal relationship with addiction and the methods of treating it.

Those who seek medical help as soon as they develop a problem, for example, will take less time to recover, as will those who respond well to the initial methods of tackling the problem.

Another important factor to consider when it comes to the length of rehab is what kind of dependency an individual has. Physical – caused by heavier substances like alcohol and heroin – will require thorough detox, whereas psychological – like with cannabis or cocaine addiction – will not.

To find out more about how long your drug oe alcohol addiction treatment in Liverpool might take, our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

Can I Complete a Rehab for Cocaine in Liverpool?

Unlike alcohol, cocaine addiction does not involve a physical dependency developing. Individuals who become reliant on its use do so on a solely psychological level, and therefore do not experience physical issues when they attempt to become sober.

But that does not mean that cocaine addiction is less of a problem.

When this kind of dependency develops, individuals can experience extreme anxiety and depression when they do not have access to the drug, largely due to a belief that they cannot function in day-to-day life without it.

This kind of perception can devastate an individual’s life. Without cocaine, they can avoid social interactions, struggle to motivate themselves, and fall behind with their work and family-related responsibilities.

Treating cocaine addiction in Liverpool primarily involves therapy which looks to dissolve an individual’s unhealthy perception of cocaine use. Like detox does for the body, therapy attempts to relieve the mind of its need for excessive consumption.

This can be achieved in many ways. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common activity that is designed to help individuals recognise situations and the emotions that trigger cocaine use.

With this treatment, individuals can then develop techniques for altering their behaviour in these crucial moments.

Can I Complete a Rehab for Heroin in Liverpool?

Much like alcohol, heroin is a substance that takes an immense toll on an individual’s physical wellbeing. Heroin use can trigger physical dependency, meaning that withdrawal symptoms can lock people into sustained use if they try to quit.

Heroin withdrawal can be incredibly uncomfortable and even dangerous for individuals. Symptoms can include vomiting, rapid heart rate, body ache, heightened anxiety, and even cardiac complications. As a result of this, rehab for heroin is a very important process to get right.

When an individual seeks help for their heroin use in Liverpool, they will first go through a detox, a medical procedure that tackles their physical need to continue with their consumption.

In most cases, this will involve medical professionals overseeing an individual’s gradual reduction in heroin consumption until they become sober.

While simple in principle, the process of detox is often very difficult, and medical staff regularly assist with the provision of benzodiazepines which help reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms.

These improve an individual’s odds of resisting their cravings and becoming sober.

Following this, heroin recovery involves a period of therapy. These activities can be varied, but all work to tackle an individual’s motivations for heroin use and ultimately change how they perceive addiction.

Can I Complete a Rehab for Cannabis in Liverpool?

Not every drug addiction involves an individual developing a physical reliance on regular consumption. A perfect example of this is cannabis addiction, as when this occurs it has nothing to do with the body.

When an individual takes cannabis on a regular basis, their mind becomes used to the burst of THC that it provides. This chemical triggers intense pleasure in the brain, and over time the association between cannabis and feeling happy or calm begins to form and grow stronger.

The problem with this association is that it can quickly make individuals believe that they cannot function without cannabis. They can develop a psychological dependency on the substance, thinking that they cannot go to work, socialise, or relax if they do not have access to it.

As a result of this, there is no ‘detox’ process for cannabis addiction as there is no physical craving to curb.

Instead, treating cannabis addiction at rehab in Liverpool involves a range of therapeutic activities that look to make an individual see the impact of their behaviour and develop alternative ways of gaining the happiness or stability that their cannabis use currently provides.

Other types of addiction that can be treated at rehab include:

• Behavioural Addictions (Gambling Addiction)
• Binge Drinking
• Opioid Use Disorder (Buprenorphine)
• Cannabis Use Disorder
• Cocaine Dependence
• Codependency
• Crack Cocaine Addiction
• Ketamine Addiction
• Substance Use Disorder

Start your recovery journey today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What Types of Therapies are on Offer in Liverpool Rehabs?

Drug addiction treatment in Liverpool can look different for every individual who seeks help for their substance abuse. Addiction can differ in causation and symptoms from case to case, and so treating it is by no means a simple, one-dimensional process.

Due to this variation in how addiction can look, there is a range of therapies that can be administered to help individuals through their difficulties.

These can take place in various settings and involve different numbers of people, but all are designed to help bring an individual’s attitude and behaviour traits to a healthier place.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a therapy activity that targets instances that consistently prompt an individual to consume a substance or consider doing so. It works by acknowledging these occasions and working through what emotions and thoughts they trigger for an individual.

For example, a CBT session may find that an individual tends to want cocaine when they are experiencing stress at work, a situation that regularly makes them feel panicked and in need of relaxing.

Once these situations have been identified, a CBT therapist will help an individual to develop healthier ways of coping with them. In the above example, this might involve them practising breathing techniques in order to stay calm and stave off cravings.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Emotion is often at the heart of addiction. It can push individuals to consume a substance regularly, commonly in order to suppress feelings and impulses that they struggle to otherwise deal with.

To address this, DBT is an activity that focuses on these emotions and helps individuals understand them via discussions with a therapist. For example, an individual’s trauma can be worked through, identifying how it makes an individual feel and where it might have come from.

Following this, DBT supports an individual in learning to live with their difficult emotions without depending on the addiction. Sessions can encourage techniques for calming down or staying present, or tips for how to cope with guilt or anger.

Brief Interventions

While consistency and structure can be pivotal for an individual’s success in rehab, flexibility can also be helpful for some. For those who can’t dedicate the time to large rehab programmes, brief interventions can be a good alternative.

In this kind of therapy, individuals regularly meet with a counsellor to work through their addiction.

These sessions can be adapted to whatever the individual wants to work on, and the time of these meetings can be arranged to suit their schedule, allowing for treatment to be both helpful and convenient.

While brief intervention sessions can be helpful for supporting an individual’s recovery, they are most effective when paired with other treatment activities, rather than being relied on in isolation.

Motivational Interviewing

Even when an individual decides to start addiction treatment, they can still struggle to make their way through rehab. Their motivation can drop, and the reason why they initially chose to get help can be forgotten as they begin to experience withdrawal.

For this reason, motivational interviewing can be a great way of keeping an individual on the right track. In this form of treatment, a therapist works to draw out what their goals and dreams are in life in order to fuel them for recovery. These can be related to the addiction itself or involve their work and family life.

Once these dreams are identified, motivational interviewing then attempts to place them at the centre of an individual’s recovery. By doing this, an individual can begin to see that their goals and desires are only attainable by becoming sober, thus giving them a vital source of motivation for keeping with it.

Holistic Therapies (e.g. equine therapy/music therapy/art therapy/adventure therapy)

There is a growing desire -both in Liverpool and across the world- for addiction treatments that improve an individual’s overall wellbeing, rather than identifying and targeting the addiction specifically.

These kinds of activities are known as holistic therapies, and they work to help individuals get physically, mentally, and spiritually healthier.

They can include music sessions, hiking trips, and horse-riding classes, which all work to give them a greater sense of peace and happiness.

By doing this, individuals learn to see the world from a healthier standpoint and begin to understand that there are other sources of calm and joy than drugs or alcohol.

In boosting their health on so many levels, these treatments inadvertently tackle their addiction, allowing for effective, often unnoticed, progress.

Group Therapy

Within a rehab centre, individuals are surrounded by other people going through a very similar experience. As a means of treatment, interacting with these different individuals and their experiences can be immensely helpful.

In group therapy, different people participating in rehab are brought together and encouraged to talk to one another.

Guided by a professional, these conversations are intended to help attendees by utilising their abundance of experience and development.

In many cases, those who are on the verge of leaving rehab can offer advice for those just starting out, and the new arrivals can act as a reminder to those further along that recovery is something that they cannot give up with.

Individual Therapy

Working one-on-one with an addiction therapist can be a very helpful way for an individual to work through their issues, and this is exactly what individual therapy offers.

In this form of treatment, a therapist sits down with an individual and talks to them directly to work through the nature of their substance abuse.

In many cases, these sessions begin by trying to get all the information out there as to what an individual is dealing with, and then specific areas of concern are targeted.

Individuals often feel alone when it comes to addiction, so this form of treatment works to give them a real sense of support.

They can develop a rapport with the therapist, learning to trust and appreciate them, and the sessions can then build on this relationship to convince the individual to adopt healthy routines and techniques.

Family Therapy

The goal of addiction therapy is often to help an individual work through the source of their behaviour, whether it be difficult emotions or past trauma, but this is not always a simple process.

In some instances, the reason an individual consumes an excessive amount of a substance is not because of their own behaviour but instead the behaviour of their close family members.

Just like internal problems relating to thoughts and emotions, issues and conflicts within the family can have a serious impact on an individual’s wellbeing.

Long-standing and recurring problems can push them into addiction, and tackling these can be the difference between failure and success in recovery.

In family therapy, siblings, partners, and parents can be brought into the treatment environment in order to iron out the dilemmas that are triggering an individual’s addiction.

Not only this but skills and techniques can be practised which reduce the chances of such conflicts coming up again and having the same impact in future.

Co-Dependency Treatment

When an individual experiences co-dependency, their relationships with others tend to hold a lot more sway in terms of how they view themselves and the world around them.

In many cases, co-dependent individuals gain their sense of self-image and self-worth through their close relationships.

In some situations, this kind of behaviour can trigger addiction. For example, if an individual has a partner who uses drugs, they might feel the compulsion to do the same, sometimes to an even greater extent, in order to gain their approval.

Co-dependency treatments, therefore, can be used to help individuals draw better boundaries between themselves and others and tackle their perception that substance use is a means through which they can gain self-worth.

Such treatments focus on self-validation coming from inside the person themselves, as well as the importance of healthy boundaries in relationships.

Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF)

Within TSF, individuals are introduced to a range of treatment activities provided by the addiction recovery community.

Sessions help individuals work through their psychological difficulties relating to substance abuse, as well as highlight the variety of support available to them.

Rather than placing recovery as an end goal, TSF teaches individuals to view addiction as a condition that they will always deal with in some way but one which can be managed with consistent effort and optimism.

Other types of therapy at rehab include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Contingency Management
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• Group Psychotherapy
• Motivational Therapy
• Person-Centered Care
• Psychiatric Treatment
• Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
• Talking Therapies

Start your recovery journey today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What is Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Liverpool?

It’s estimated that 16.6% of adults in England are regularly drinking alcohol at levels that are considered hazardous. Additionally, 3.1% of adults in England are thought to be dependent on drugs. [14]

If your relationship with drugs or alcohol has become unhealthy, it’s time to seek professional support. But this doesn’t have to be done at a traditional residential rehab.

Many Liverpool residents are turning to outpatient addiction treatment, which involves going to rehab on a part-time basis while still living at home and attending work. 

You will still receive high-quality addiction treatment with a detox, counselling and relapse prevention. But this option allows you to continue with your life and remain in the comfort of your own home.

How Effective is Rehab in Treating Alcohol or Drug Addictions?

In 2018, 58,718 people in the UK successfully completed an addiction treatment programme. [15]

Residential rehab is the most effective way to treat a drug or alcohol addiction due to the combination of detox, counselling and relapse prevention which addresses all the underlying factors of addiction.

However, the biggest factor in whether or not you will recover from a drug or alcohol addiction is your motivation and commitment to change.

If you don’t have that, not even the best rehab clinic in the world will be able to help you.

Will Rehab in Liverpool Cure Me of My Addiction?

The first thing you should understand is that there is no cure for addiction. You will be susceptible to alcohol and drug dependency for the rest of your life, no matter how long you have been sober for.

It’s not all bad news, however. If you continue to focus on your recovery and prioritise being sober, you are highly likely to remain in recovery for the rest of your life.

Addictive substances can physically change your brain and the way it works. This makes it easier to develop an addiction in the future if you continue to use drugs or alcohol.

It’s estimated that people with a diagnosed drug addiction die on average 22.5 years before those who do not have an addiction, so remaining sober after rehab in Liverpool could quite literally save your life. [16]

What Are the Benefits of Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

Going to residential rehab is the perfect opportunity to change your environment. It gets you away from a chaotic or unstable home life as well as any negative influences that may be contributing to the addiction, and instead provides a safe and comfortable environment to recover. 

You will also be safe at rehab as staff will monitor you throughout your treatment programme. This is particularly true during the detox period, as this can be a dangerous time if not properly supervised. It’s thought that up to 33% of patients experience at least one seizure during the detox process. [17]

There are fewer opportunities to relapse and use drugs or alcohol at rehab in Liverpool, as all addictive substances are prohibited. No matter how intense your cravings become, you will not be able to relapse.

Counselling at rehab teaches you how to develop healthy habits and change behaviours that may not be working for you. You will learn to recognise triggers, manage cravings and build on the lessons you learn.

Your family can also be very involved in your addiction treatment at rehab if you wish. They can attend family therapy sessions with you, which can change your family dynamic for the better and help everyone communicate more effectively.

Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Teens Work in Liverpool?

When it comes to treating teenagers for addiction, the methods often differ from those used for treating adults. As a result, there are a number of teen-only rehab clinics across the UK.

As teenage brains are still developing, substance use can form neural pathways in the brain that make them more susceptible to drug and alcohol dependency in the future.

This is why counselling is such a crucial part of teenage recovery, as this can form new pathways towards healthier behaviours and habits. 

Teenagers should also have the option to continue their education while at rehab in Liverpool, and to learn alongside people their own age. They may also find it easier to open up and communicate to their own age group during group therapy sessions.

In 2020/21,11,013 young people got in touch with addiction treatment services and began to receive treatment. [18]

What Percentage of Alcoholics Recover?

In 2021/22, 59% of people in the UK who were in treatment for alcohol addiction successfully completed their programme and left rehab. [19]

Additionally, it’s thought that up to 75% of people with an addiction eventually recover and go on to live a full and healthy life. [20]

According to those statistics, if you are motivated to change your behaviour and complete a treatment programme at rehab in Liverpool then it is very likely that you will recover from an alcohol addiction.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Help in Liverpool?

If you continue with substance use and do not attempt to get help, your condition will likely decline and the addiction will become worse.

This can lead to a number of physical and mental health conditions including alcoholic hepatitis, severe inflammation of the liver.

Alcoholic hepatitis can eventually become cirrhosis, which is damage and scarring to the liver. Up to 20% of patients with alcoholic hepatitis will progress to the stage of cirrhosis. [21]

Other long-term impacts of addiction include kidney damage, heart disease and brain damage.

In the worst cases, people with untreated addiction can pass away prematurely. 

Why Should You Avoid Recovering on Your Own?

With the high costs of rehab and rising cost of living, the thought of attempting to recover form addiction on your own can seem tempting.

However, this can put your life at risk and potentially make your addiction worse in the long-term.

If you stop using drugs or alcohol cold turkey, your body can go into a type of shock. You may experience withdrawal symptoms as it attempts to rebalance, and these can be dangerous. 

Severe withdrawal symptoms include suicidal thoughts, confusion, seizures and unconsciousness. Your breathing can slow and in some cases even stop altogether.

Around 40% of patients who have sought treatment for addiction have experienced suicidal thoughts. [22] If you are vulnerable to these ideations, an unmedicated withdrawal could make this worse.

Can I Recover From Addiction Without Professional Help in Liverpool?

The majority of people require some form of professional help and support to safely recover from an addiction and achieve long-term sobriety.

This doesn’t have to be traditional inpatient rehab, as regular counselling sessions or support group meetings in Liverpool can all be very effective options. 24% of Narcotics Anonymous members reported that they had been sober for 1-5 years since joining. [23]

Trying to recover on your own can put you at risk and also decrease your chances of success, as there are various elements of addiction treatment that all need to be address.

There is a detox, which should never be attempted alone. Counselling addresses the underlying reasons behind the addiction and helps you to change your behaviours and relapse prevention can prepare you for the obstacles that you may encounter along the way.

How Do I Prepare for Addiction Rehab in Liverpool?

Preparation is key to successful addiction treatment, as making sure you are mentally and physically prepared for rehab can help you to better focus on your recovery.

Below are some ways that you can prepare for rehab:

• When packing for rehab, make sure to stick to the packing list provided and do not bring any prohibited items
• Complete or delegate any outstanding work, as you will not be able to take calls or emails from your job while at rehab
• Make sure all your life admin is completed at home so you can completely focus on recovery – pay your bills, leave everything tidy and organise a pet-sitter
• Do as much research as you can about your chosen rehab in Liverpool – find out about their rules, treatment processes and what you can expect
• Tell your family and friends that you are attending rehab if you feel comfortable with this – they will likely want to support you
• Get rid of any alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia from your home. Easy access to substances has been proven to increase the risk of relapse

Additionally, try to get a good sleep the night before and focus on eating a healthy diet while drinking enough water.

Do I Have to Tell My Boss About Alcohol Rehab in Liverpool?

It’s thought that 70% of people who use illicit drugs are employed, so it’s important that workplaces and employers understand their responsibilities to their employees. [24]

Addiction is a medical issue and therefore your employer has a duty of care towards you. They cannot prevent you from going to rehab – instead, they should support you in your recovery and help you reintegrate into the workplace after treatment.

Even so, it can still feel scary to speak to your employer about addiction and rehab. Being prepared can help you to feel more confident, so we recommend planning what you want to say and keeping the emphasis on how treatment will help you to be more productive at work.

It can be helpful to receive an initial diagnosis of addiction from your doctor before speaking to your employer. You may also be able to get a sick note from them which states that you must attend rehab.

Your employer is prohibited from discussing any medical details with others, so don’t worry – news and gossip about your addiction will not travel around your workplace.

Can I Lose My Job If I Leave to Go to Rehab in Liverpool?

Although your employer does not have the right to fire you for going to rehab, the laws in England are not defined enough to prevent this from happening.

This is unfortunate, as a trip to rehab can actually be beneficial to your employer.

Along with tobacco, alcohol contributes to 75% of substance-use related productivity costs. [25] Drug and alcohol costs employers millions of pounds a year in lost productivity, so going to rehab can significantly increase your value as an employee.

If you have a good relationship with your employer, it can be helpful to be honest about your trip to rehab. Keep the conversation positive and make sure to emphasise the benefits of recovery in terms of your work.

Will My Insurance Cover Rehab in Liverpool?

If you are avoiding the thought of rehab due to the high costs, there may be a solution.

Your health insurance provider may be able to partially or fully cover your stay at rehab in Liverpool. Some will only cover an outpatient programme or community-based treatment, but others may find your entire stay.

To find out what you are entitled to claim, carefully read through your insurance paperwork and call the provider with any questions.

If you don’t have private health insurance, you may be able to claim through your employee insurance. Again, contact the insurance provider with any questions.

Is Addiction Treatment Accessible Through the NHS?

There are many times of addiction treatment available through the NHS, all with the benefit of being free.

You can access both inpatient and outpatient rehab through the NHS, along with community-based services such as counselling and a medically-assisted detox.

NHS counselling services for addiction often focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is an extremely effective treatment. 60% of patients who attended CBT sessions were able to remain sober for at least one year. [26]

However, there are often long waiting lists of this type of treatment. A lot of people are unable to afford the high fees of rehab in Liverpool and turn to the NHS for help – this means there are often hundreds of people applying for just a few available spaces.

I Can’t Afford Drug and Alcohol Rehab – I Don’t Have Insurance. What Can I Do?

If you can’t afford rehab, there are still options available to you. Many people struggling with addiction are also dealing with financial issues, and the stress of trying to afford rehab can make this worse.

As stated above, it may be possible to attend rehab for free through the NHS. Your doctor will be able to connect you with a local drug and alcohol support team who will help you with your application.

You may also be able to rely on the generosity of friends and family to fund your rehab stay. Your loved ones are likely concerned for you and if they can afford it, they may be willing to contribute to your addiction treatment. 

Additionally, you can consider cheaper options such as a supervised home detox. This costs around £2,500 and can be combined with counselling to provide a well-rounded treatment plan. 

It’s possible to get counselling for free on the NHS but there are often long waiting lists. Many private counsellors offer sliding scale costs, where you only pay for what you can afford.

Even a brief intervention, which is a single counselling session aimed at people who are showing initial signs of problematic substance use, can result in a 20-30% reduction of alcohol use. [27]

Can I Force My Loved One to Go to Rehab?

While you may be able to physically force your loved one to check into a drug and alcohol rehab, this is usually not the best method to take.

The motivation and desire to recover from addiction needs to come from within. Without this, they will likely begin using substances again as soon as they return home.

Studies have found that those who are extrinsically motivated – meaning that their motivation comes from something else, such as the threat of a job loss or being forced by a family member – are less likely to fully participate in the treatment programme. [28]

Forcing someone to attend rehab against their wishes can breed resentment and further strain your relationship with them. Although it is hard to watch from the sidelines, they can only recover when they truly want to.

Instead, continue to offer support and show them that you care. It can be helpful to find support for yourself too, perhaps in the form of therapy. This can help you to cope with the situation in a healthy way and prevent you from inadvertently enabling your loved one with their addiction.

Should I Do Alcohol Rehab or AA?

If you’re looking to save money on addiction treatment, you may be wondering whether Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) will provide the same recovery outcome as traditional rehab.

AA consists of regular support group meetings in your local area, where you can find support from others and work towards completing the 12 Steps. You can continue to live at home and work while attending meetings in your own time.

AA reports that 75% of their members have been sober for at least two years, so it can be a very effective method to recover from an addiction. [29]

While AA provides ongoing support and guidance throughout addiction recovery, it does not have the resources to provide a medical detox. 

This is a crucial part of treatment and should only be performed by a medical professional, so you will need to utilise a rehab clinic in Liverpool for this aspect of treatment.

How Can I Refer Myself Into Rehab?

You don’t need to wait for a doctor’s appointment to be referred to rehab, and you don’t need to hit rock bottom either.

Instead, you can refer yourself into rehab at any time. 

Studies have found that people are more likely to seek help for addiction when they believe they can recover, with 83% of participants moving from substance use to recovery within three years. [30]

You can change your life. All you need to do is visit this link and get in touch with an addiction treatment programme in Liverpool,

If you need additional help, call the Rehab Recovery team on 0800 088 6686. We can assist with an initial over-the-phone diagnosis and a referral to a rehab clinic.

What If I Suffer From Multiple Conditions Alongside Addiction?

Many people who struggle with a substance addiction also have a mental or physical health condition.

This is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder and requires additional help and support throughout your treatment and recovery.

In the UK it is thought that 20-37% of people with a mental health disorder have a dual diagnosis, as well as up to 15% of people with an addiction. [31]

Many people do not realise that they have a dual diagnosis until they are assessed at drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool.

Mental health conditions commonly associated with a dual diagnosis include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A dual diagnosis can be difficult to treat, as both conditions must be treated simultaneously through a combination of detox, counselling and aftercare.

If only the addiction is treated, for example, the symptoms of the mental health condition will likely lead to a relapse in the future.

What Are the Alternatives to Going to Rehab? Is Rehab My Only Option?

Residential rehab is not the only place where you can receive help and support for a drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have a smaller budget, less time available or simply feel that you would benefit from a different approach, there are many alternatives to rehab in Liverpool that you can choose from.

Some of these alternatives are listed below:

• Find a good counsellor that specialises in addiction, either NHS or private
• Attend online rehab, which you can do on your own schedule and from the privacy of your home
• Sign up to an outpatient programme, which allows you to continue working and living at home while attending rehab part-time
• Get a sponsor who can support you during your recovery and help you to resist cravings
• Go to local support group meetings regularly such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

AA and NA can be very effective ways to get support and stay sober. The amount of time their members are sober correlates with their membership length, with 75% of people with 10 years of membership remaining sober for up to 10 years. [32]

However, we recommend detoxing at a professional medical facility instead of attempting to do this yourself as withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.

How can I Avoid Relapse after Rehab in Liverpool?

There are several integral pillars when it comes to effective, long-lasting drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool. There are detox and therapy, but it must also be acknowledged that there is one final step to the process: relapse prevention.

When an individual leaves addiction treatment in Liverpool, it can be very isolating for them. Without the support of the doctors and therapists that they become accustomed to speaking with, they can find that resisting the urge to relapse is much harder than expected.

For this reason, many rehab programmes conclude by having individuals create a relapse prevention plan. This can take several different forms, but the goal is always to prepare individuals for staying strong and sustaining the progress they have made throughout treatment.

HALT

The HALT technique is a very popular method of preventing relapse and involves individuals taking the time to ask themselves several questions when they feel the impulse to use a substance.

In moments of weakness, HALT teaches individuals to ask themselves:

• Am I hungry?
• Am I angry?
• Am I lonely?
• Am I tired?

By remembering this acronym, individuals learn to stop and think about whether they have another bodily craving that needs fulfilling before they turn to drug or alcohol consumption.

In many cases, getting some rest or having something to eat can ease the discomfort they are feeling and reduce their cravings.

Trigger recognition

Addiction relapse is rarely random. Instead, it tends to occur in certain situations that make an individual feel depressed, stressed, or isolated, and these instances are often the same that caused their condition in the first place.

In order to prevent relapse, therefore, it can help to identify what triggers tend to incentivise substance use and then adapt in order to limit exposure to them or distance from them together.

Mindfulness

Staying calm can be a very helpful tool when cravings strike. Due to the impulsive, irrational nature of the desire to use drugs or alcohol, thinking about the consequences of relapsing can often not be enough, so managing how one feels can be a better alternative.

Practising mindfulness in moments of weakness can assist individuals in resisting their cravings by reconnecting them with the world around them and seeing that drugs and alcohol are not the answer.

Establishing a support network

Being alone is one of the most common triggers for relapse. Feeling like no one in the world can understand their difficulties or inner emotions can lead individuals to think that drugs or alcohol are the only options for relief, so curing this social isolation can be very helpful.

For those who have just completed rehab, it can be useful to establish a network of close friends or family members who understand what they have gone through and can be called upon when things get difficult for support and guidance.

Alternatively, individuals can join support groups for newly sober individuals. Much like a support network, these groups can give individuals much-needed support to keep them on track.

Emergency procedures

When insurmountable pressure to use a drug or alcohol amounts, individuals can feel incredibly desperate. When the stakes are that high, the only option can seem to give up, but an alternative option can be created.

For when this panic strikes, individuals can prepare emergency procedures that they only utilise when they are in serious need of help.

This can include arranging for emergency support from a friend or family member or possibly having an addiction specialist who can be reached out to for guidance or intervention.

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

What are the Benefits of a 28 Days Rehab Programme in Liverpool?

Professionally supported drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool is one of the best ways to recover, for a variety of reasons.

The duration of your programme may increase to around 28 days should you prefer to opt for more thorough addiction treatment in Liverpool. Generally, the longer you remain in a residential rehab clinic, the better your chances of remaining in recovery without relapse.

This is because it takes time for the therapist to help you analyse and diffuse the psychological causes of your addiction.

A 7-day detox programme is rarely sufficient to ensure that relapse does not occur, and for this reason it’s usually necessary for you to dedicate at least two or three weeks to a residential rehab programme in Liverpool.

If you do not have this amount of time at your disposal, we shall help you integrate into a mutual support group in Liverpool such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous upon your return home following the completion of your residential rehabilitation programme.

What Happens at Residential Rehab in Liverpool?

When you arrive at a Liverpool rehab clinic, you will initially be assessed by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist may prescribe you medication designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Following this assessment, you will consume this medication whilst your body detoxes from drugs or alcohol.

During this time, you will receive 24/7 assistance from the rehab centre’s staff.

Since you are entirely removed from drugs and alcohol during this period, the risk of relapse during your rehab programme is essentially non-existent. This is vitally important and ensures your overall rehabilitation programme gets off to a winning start.

Following the completion of your detox programme, you will then be encouraged to attend daily therapy and counselling sessions. These sessions help you overcome the mental causes of drug and alcohol addiction. These causes of addiction are generally referred to as ‘relapse triggers.’

During therapy sessions, you will be taught to identify and overcome these triggers without resorting to drug or alcohol consumption.

You will receive a wide range of treatments. These techniques include holistic therapy, psychotherapy, 12-step work (focuses on religion and higher power) and cognitive behavioural therapy. Together, these therapies give you the emotional and mental strength to succeed and cope with life without drug or alcohol consumption.

Once your addiction treatment in Liverpool is complete, you will benefit from up to a year of aftercare sessions to help you avoid relapse.

What Happens After Rehab in Liverpool?

Completing a treatment programme at drug and alcohol rehab in Liverpool is the first step towards recovery, but it is not the last.

A lot of the work actually happens outside the rehab clinic and relies on your discipline and motivation. 

Aftercare is the treatment you will receive after rehab, to help you continue your recovery and build on the healthy behaviours you have learned.

Before you leave, your counsellor will make you aware of the various aftercare services available in your area. 

These may include connecting with a sponsor, attending support group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or finding a long-term addiction counsellor.

One study found that 94% of those who attended support groups regularly and had a sponsor were able to remain abstinent for at least 7 years. [33]

What is an Aftercare Programme?

Aftercare is the care and support that you receive after you complete a treatment programme at rehab.

Most aftercare services are not affiliated with specific rehabs in Liverpool, but your counsellor and medical team will be able to connect you with these organisations.

Aftercare can help you to stay sober and manage any cravings or triggers that you experience after rehab. It continues your treatment even after you are back at home.

This can include counselling, support groups, sober living homes, outpatient programmes and finding a sponsor.

How Long Does Aftercare Last?

Most people find that attending aftercare services for 3-6 months after addiction treatment can help them successfully integrate back into daily life while still remaining sober.

Others require a longer transitional period and may remain in aftercare for up to one year.

However, you can benefit from aftercare services for as long as you like. There is no time limit on AA or NA membership, for example, and many people attend meetings regularly for the rest of their lives.

There are thought to be over 4 million individual attendances per year at Alcoholics Anonymous, and a large number of these people will be long-term members. [34]

How Will I Sustain My Sobriety Once I Leave Rehab?

Up to 80% of people relapse in the days, weeks, months or years after they leave addiction treatment, particularly if they are recovering from opioid addiction. [35]

This is a normal part of recovery, but there are ways that you can reduce your risk of relapse and prolong your sobriety. 

Spend time with people who support your recovery – building a support group of family and friends can help you feel connected and cared for. Stay away from anyone who uses substances around you

It will feel like there is an empty space in your life where substance use used to be, so fill this time with new hobbies and activities that you enjoy. 

Even if you are feeling strong, stay away from pubs or other places where people will be using substances. You don’t need that temptation.

Set achievable goals that you can work towards over time, such as saving for a house or progressing in your career. This will give you something to focus on.

Continue with aftercare and find something regular to commit to, such as counselling sessions or 12-step support group meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens When I Arrive At Rehab?

Once you arrive at rehab in Liverpool, you will be thoroughly assessed to determine the type of addiction you have and the level of severity.

This is done through several assessments, most commonly the AUDIT and the DSM-5’s 11 criteria of addiction.

AUDIT

The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) is a simple tool that can be used to determine the extent of an alcohol addiction. It can identify 90% of patients with alcohol dependence. [36]

The AUDIT consists of 10 questions that you will need to answer honestly. These questions are listed below:

• How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
• How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking?
• How often have you had 6 or more units if female, or 8 or more if male, on a single occasion in the last year?
• How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
• How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of your drinking?
• How often during the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
• How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
• How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
• Have you or somebody else been injured as a result of your drinking?
• Has a relative or friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

Staff at rehab may use the AUDIT on you as part of the admissions process, so they can better understand the severity of your addiction. 

DSM-5’s 11 Criteria of Addiction

Another useful tool for identifying the severity of a drug or alcohol addiction is the DSM-5, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

It lists 11 criteria that must be present for an addiction to be diagnosed.

You can view the full list of the 11 criteria for addiction here.

Will I Be Able to See My Family During Rehab?

If you have a good relationship with your family, you may wish to have them visit you during your addiction treatment in Liverpool.

This can be beneficial in many ways, primarily in that it will allow you to participate in family therapy sessions with them.

Both adults and children can be involved in family therapy, and it can help to heal the dynamic. It’s thought that 1 in 10 children live with an adult who has an addiction, so involving them in your recovery can also help to improve communication and allow them to recover too. [37]

If you have an unhealthy relationship with your family and/or they are unsupportive of your recovery, you do not have to let them visit you. It is completely your decision, and your sobriety and wellbeing should be your top priority. 

Can I Leave Rehab At Any Time?

The thought of being trapped at an addiction treatment clinic in Liverpool can be suffocating, but don’t worry – if you are over 18 then you can leave rehab whenever you like.

However, it’s worth considering the benefits of staying and completing your treatment programme.

In general, rehab consists of three key parts – detox, counselling and relapse prevention. These parts build on each other and form the base of your recovery.

If you leave early, you will be missing one or more of these key parts and will be less likely to stay sober in the long-term. This is known as a relapse and affects up to 80% of people who receive treatment for an addiction. [38]

While relapse is normal, it can be dangerous if your tolerance has dropped as you could be at risk of an overdose.

To give yourself the best chance at recovery, try your best to complete the entire treatment programme.

Will Friends and Family Be Allowed to Visit?

In most rehabs in Liverpool, not only will friends and family be allowed to visit you but they will in fact be encouraged to.

Regular visits from supportive friends and family can be very beneficial to your recovery. It can give you the strength and motivation to continue your treatment through the tough times as well as prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation which can so often lead to a relapse.

There have been several studies showing the connection between isolation and addiction, particularly with the lockdowns during recent years. Feeling lonely has been proven to be a factor in substance use and addiction.

Of course, your friends and family members will need to follow the rules of the clinic. This means no photography, no prohibited items and no disrespectful behaviour. 

Will My Rehab Programme Be Confidential?

It’s common for people receiving help for a drug or alcohol addiction to want to keep the details of their condition private.

There is unfortunately still a stigma against addiction, with up to 87% of people surveyed in the UK believing that people with a drug addiction are dangerous. [39]

As with all other medical information, your rehab programme and addiction treatment will be completely confidential. Staff are prohibited from discussing anything that could be identifying, and no one outside the clinic can gain access to your medical information without your consent.

Many rehabs also ban cameras to further protect the privacy of their patients, and staff in our Liverpool clinics are not even able to confirm that you are registered with the clinic if anyone enquires.

Do Rehabs Centres Provide Gender-Specific Treatment?

Most rehab clinics are mixed and provide treatment to both genders, but a gender-specific rehab is specifically designed to treat solely men or women.

Some of the benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment are listed below:

It reduces distraction. Addiction recovery is complicated enough without navigating romantic feelings and new relationships, so same-sex rehab reduces the chances of this happening for heterosexual people.

Advice and techniques can be specifically targeted towards each gender and their needs. Men tend to be less likely to seek help before relapsing, so relapse prevention can focus on identifying the signs and reaching out for support.

Topics discussed can apply solely to each gender without having to worry about being biased. Many women have experienced trauma and abuse, with over 1 in 3 women having been physical abused by a partner, so group therapy sessions can focus more on this while men can fund support for navigating their own societal pressures. [40]

While gender-specific rehab is more niche, it is certainly available in Liverpool and can be very effective at treating a drug or alcohol addiction.

What is the Admissions Process For Rehab Like?

Once you arrive at rehab in Liverpool, your belongings will be searched for any prohibited items.

Many people feel uneasy about the thought of their belongings being searched, but try to remember that it is for your own safety. If you or other patients bring prohibited items such as drugs, alcohol or weapons into the clinic, you could be at risk.

Around 18% of rehab patients are asked to leave before they complete the programme, and this is often because they have been found in possession of drugs or alcohol. [41]

Although you may just want to go straight to your room by this point and fall asleep, you will need to be assessed before you can settle in.

This will help your recovery as it allows your medical team to better understand you and your condition, so they can create an effective treatment plan for you.

The assessment typically involves a blood test, various psychiatric assessments and answering questions about your addiction and medical history.

Once this has been completed, you will be assigned a member of staff to show you around the clinic and help you settle in.

What Happens After Initial Detoxification?

It can be difficult to make much progress at rehab in Liverpool until you have completed a detox programme. Your brain will be clouded with cravings, urges and the compulsion to use substances, making it difficult to focus on counselling and behaviour change.

Once the initial detoxification is complete, you can move on to counselling with a clear mind.

Most rehabs will set aside at least three weeks of the treatment programme to be dedicated to counselling, usually a mix of individual and group counselling.

As you become comfortable with your counsellor you can discuss your past experiences, emotions, thoughts and feelings. It’s a great opportunity to take a step back and think about the way you view yourself and the world and how this shapes your behaviour.

You will likely attend counselling a minimum of twice a day, and family members can often be involved in family therapy if you choose.

55% of those who sought alcohol addiction treatment in the UK reported that they needed help with their mental health, and counselling is an effective way to achieve this. [42]

What Happens in the 28-Day Rehabilitation Treatment Programme?

Detox

A medical drug or alcohol detox can flush all addictive substances out of your system. 

The process takes 7-10 days with the majority of withdrawal symptoms peaking at 72 hours. You may feel dizzy, nauseous, exhausted and anxious during this time.

Counselling

Most of rehab in Liverpool is focused on counselling. You will attend a mixture of group and individual therapy sessions which usually take place two or three times a day.

Counselling can help you to manage and identify triggers and give you useful techniques to remain sober in the future.

Relapse prevention

Before leaving rehab you will create a relapse prevention plan which can help you stay sober outside the safety of the clinic.

This may include techniques, contact details and guidance on managing your triggers.

How Can I find out More Information about Going to Rehab in Liverpool?

For instant access into a Liverpool rehab centre, contact Rehab Recovery today on 0800 088 66 86. Our free helpline is available twenty-four hours a day.

We are staffed by experienced addiction counsellors and our advice is totally unbiased. All of our drug and alcohol rehabs have to be registered and audited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We aim to assist you during this testing time, and many of our telephone advisors have themselves defeated addiction in the past.

We also offer our rehab services in a variety of locations across Leeds and the UK, including Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Stockport, Cheshire, Cumbria, Newcastle and more!

Start your recovery journey in Liverpool today by calling our expert team on 0800 088 66 86

References

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[19] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2021-to-2022/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2021-to-2022-report#treatment-outcomes 

[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871620303343

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[23] https://f2d71804-2fbe-425e-a7c4-c18138fbde83.filesusr.com/ugd/7e1398_fef449e17da845b094ae15066c5bb411.pdf 

[24] https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/health/wellbeing/the-hidden-cost-of-substance-abuse-in-the-uk-workplace 

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[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4031575/ 

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[31] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng58/documents/severe-mental-illness-and-substance-misuse-dual-diagnosis-community-health-and-social-care-services-final-scope2 

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[39] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854406/

[40] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/other-sex-gender-issues-women-related-to-substance-use 

[41] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338434/ 

[42] https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2020/11/17/alcohol-dependence-and-mental-health/