Recovering From Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is pervasive, and destroys the life not only of the individual in addiction, but the lives of their family and loved ones around them too.
Abbeycare understand the fingerprint of addiction and have helped hundreds (if not thousands) to recover. This means:
- Detoxing physically and chemically
- Addressing the underlying psychological issues driving the addiction, and
- Setting up strong aftercare supports to ensure future sobriety.
Abstinence-Based Alcohol Rehab
Abbeycare operate an abstinence based alcohol rehab recovery programme. We know from experience, that the only way an alcoholic will have a realistic chance of maintaining sobriety, is if (s)he makes a life-long commitment, never to consume alcohol again.
Accordingly, this is what we expect from our clients. Abstinence from alcohol is a big decision…a lifestyle choice – it is a commitment to change, and to re-organise much of life around this.
From the outset, most alcoholics are not yet ready to make this commitment, which is why our programme is structured in a specific sequence and order, for best results.
Rather than simply taking the coping mechanism of alcohol away, with no means to cope with the issues that surface, our alcohol addiction treatment programme helps alcoholics detox safely and comfortably, and get help and support to identify and address the underlying, causal issues.
We can then help set up supports for future, that can be turned to, instead of using alcohol as the only coping mechanism in life.
With this greater understanding of addiction, and an array of supports to turn to, re-structuring life, and recovering from alcoholism becomes not only easier, but more realistic.
Why Alcohol Rehab?
Why choose alcohol rehabilitation in a clinic, as opposed to other methods?
Alcohol rehab treatment in a clinic offers the most comprehensive, structured support, available. It is delivered by professionals in the field – many of them recovering from addiction personally – who know addiction inside out, and can provide the greatest personal insight possible, on your condition.
The specialist medical and care staff in an alcohol rehab clinic know the path, symptoms, and signs extremely well – they have the specialist knowledge that sadly public health care is often unable to deliver in a joined up approach.
Specialist addiction treatment therapists can recognise the alcoholic’s denial, excuses, and rationalisations almost immediately, for what they really are, and assist the person, in breaking them down.
One-to-one interventions and care in a supervised environment offer the kind of insights into your individual pattern of addiction, that simply are not possible, in wider community settings. One insight here, as to *why* you’re addicted to alcohol – or what it’s doing for you (the benefits) – can be worth the cost of treatment alone.
An alcohol rehabilitation programme in a dedicated clinic takes you away from the triggers, and associations, you normally encounter in daily life, and can give you the ’emotional breathing space’ to make therapeutic gains, and hold on to them, without being quickly triggered by something else in daily life.
The truth is, local Mental Health teams struggle to deal with the specialist nature of alcohol addiction.
Of course, in our opinion, the positive intention of public health services is to be applauded – sadly it is simply an issue of resources, as opposed to expertise or positive intention.
While practical plans to cut down alcohol intake, or taper in a managed way, sound positive in theory, it’s rarely this easy in practice.
Is Residential Rehab The Right Choice?
If you recognise the pain and negative consequences alcohol addiction is inflicting on you and those around you, and you want a better life but don’t know how – then alcohol rehab may be an appropriate choice.
If you feel you need more specialist help than is available locally, or you need help from professionals who assist others like you every day – then rehab may be an appropriate treatment choice.
Many who choose to admit to rehab programmes, have already tried other avenues of help, with no success, or perhaps were missing one vital insight in to their own personal pattern of alcohol addiction, that simply couldn’t be uncovered in mutual aid settings, or by a sponsor.
In this case, rehab is an appropriate option to consider.
Choose rehab if you’re ready. Most importantly, alcohol rehab is an appropriate option for those who are truly ready for help.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol rehab usually means staying residentially in a clinic, to overcome alcohol addiction via physical detox, therapeutic help, and planning support for the future.
You’d normally have your own room in the clinic, and participate in a daily agenda of recovery activities that help change thinking and behaviour around alcohol.
Rehab programmes usually offer a well-rounded suite of treatment options, to treat the whole person, and not just one modality.
Detox .v. Rehab Treatment Options
All our residential treatment programmes at Abbeycare include alcohol detox, if necessary. However, detoxing is not rehabilitation. A full physical and chemical withdrawal and detox from alcohol is essential, however, detoxing alone does not address the mind, and the underlying issues behind the addiction in your life. Only rehab can achieve this.
Residential Rehab .v. Rehab At Home
Detoxing in an alcohol rehab centre offers a controlled, supervised approach that minimises risk and tailors treatment to your needs.
Residential rehab programmes in a clinic, will also offer therapeutic intervention, and appropriate aftercare planning as part of a standard programme.
Whereas, undertaking home detox, addresses only the physical and chemical withdrawal and symptoms from this, without resolving underlying psychological drivers behind the addiction, or avoiding day-to-day emotional triggers, whilst doing so.
Fully Residential .v. Quasi-Residential For Alcohol Addiction
Quasi residential addiction treatment means a semi-supervised environment, where clients will occupy a sober living accommodation during daytime hours, then return home in the evening.
This approach often means costs are substantially lower. However, the standard of care, and long term outcomes, achieved by this approach are usually lower than a fully residential rehab centre setting.
Inpatient .v. Outpatient
Inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is usually undertaken in a specialist rehab facility, where all elements of the programme are delivered under one roof, and all professional disciplines required are available. Inpatient care is usually residential – you live full-time in the clinic, with your own room and personal space.
Inpatient programmes generally provide greater stability, and treatment continuity, at a time of crisis. Side effects and symptoms during detox can be closely monitored, and quickly adapted, as required.
All the stages of primary care rehabilitation can be provided sequentially, and a care manager can assist in helping transition smoothly from one stage to the next. It’s normal to form connections in this environment, making it more comfortable, and easier, to obtain insights on your own reasons behind addictive patterns and behaviours.
Outpatient treatment programmes are usually on a day-appointment basis.
Reasons for outpatient care are varied and could include (e.g.)
– An appointment with a keyworker from a local addictions team to discuss current alcohol consumption, or cutting down.
– Meeting with specialist healthcare providers to help deal with secondary issues existing alongside addiction (co-occurring issues).
– Attending local counselling or mental health awareness sessions.
Due to high demand levels, in-depth mental health appointments with addiction specialists, and a continuous care path, are often not available.
Detox is usually not available on an out-patient basis, due to the level of continuous care and monitoring required to complete detoxification safely.
There can be significant time lapses between sessions, leaving individuals more vulnerable to experience triggers associated with addiction.
Whilst outpatient care for addiction can be convenient, and easy to fit into a busy schedule, in some cases, positive progress made during (e.g.) a therapy session can be eliminated on the journey home, if a negative trigger is experienced in the external world.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment At Abbeycare
Rehab Programme Overview
- Complimentary initial telephone assessment, advising on stay duration, detox options, costs, and next steps
- Custom care plan mapping out your personalised treatment strategy, and goals
- Detox – Medically supervised detox medication, administered over a period of days or weeks, that helps resolve cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making treatment comfortable
- Structured group therapy using a combined approach of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the 12 step model.
- One-to-one addiction keywork sessions, with your individually assigned case manager, providing goal setting, motivation, and 12 step work support throughout your stay.
- Holistic and alternative therapy programme such as reiki, reflexology, and massage
- Personalised aftercare planning support, including access to ongoing support groups.
- Dedicated family support groups, run weekly
- Optional CBT aftercare outpatient therapy
Programme Duration
How long does alcohol addiction treatment in Abbeycare last?
Your time in the alcohol rehab programme can vary, for anything from 7-28 days or longer.
This will depend on a number of elements, such as your previous relationship with alcohol, current intake level, physical health issues, mental health issues, and other specifics.
We can assess these with you individually, when you call, to arrive at a duration of stay, and associated cost.
How Rehab Works
Detox
Medication
All Abbeycare residential treatment options include detox, if you require it.
You’ll meet with our medical team, shortly after admission to the clinic, and our consultant will decide upon the duration and nature of your detox.
The detoxification process is usually simple prescribed medication, taken orally, at specific intervals. You’ll get help to take medication, as required, from our clinic team.
Therapeutic Help
Care Plan
You’ll receive a personally assigned case manager – a member of our addiction team assigned to look after you, throughout your stay. Together you’ll agree upon the details of your treatment plan, and the goals you want to achieve from treatment, and beyond.
This is based in your needs. We use your treatment plan as an ongoing benchmark, throughout your stay, to help measure progress, and adjust it, as new insights and progress occur.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
From all the addiction treatments available, Abbeycare adopt an evidence-based approach.
Our specialist rehabilitation therapists are Masters Qualified in Addiction and know it’s fingerprint.
Small group therapy sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy around 2-3 times per week will help you identify core beliefs, values, and underlying drivers associated with alcohol addiction in your life, and help you begin to address them.
Previous clients, who have attended other clinics, tell us our therapy is “at another level”.
In Abbeycare rehab centres, we deliver addiction therapy in a small group setting. Do not underestimate the power of the group.
Often, it is only with the contrast of others’ experience, that you’re able to place your own in context, and truly understand it.
You’re unlikely to get this kind of perspective in any outpatient setting, or attending meetings.
Who better to give you the context and perspective on life that you need, than your peers in the clinic, who have shared similar experiences themselves.
Additionally, the shared experience of your peers in treatment, who are further along the treatment programme, is powerful. It acts as a mirror, to help you understand yourself better, where you hope to be soon, and what that will be like – this can be a huge motivator.
More than anything in addiction therapy, we want to help you:
- Understand the impact alcohol addiction has had on your life
- Make sense of events that led to your addiction, and escalating alcohol consumption
- Identify reasons and supports that kept your addiction in place
- Get clear on the root cause of alcohol addiction in your life
- Recognise and address trigger scenarios that led to alcoholism episodes, and how to prevent them in future
12 Step Programme
At Abbeycare, the alcohol addiction treatment programme utilises CBT in combination with the 12 step model of treatment. We’ve found this a particularly effective approach to cover thoughts, behaviours, feelings, and the spirituality, of recovery, together.
No need to be concerned if you’re not religious, or haven’t found it useful before, as we take the best, most practical elements of the 12 step process, and apply in a practical way, to your recovery.
Fellowship Groups
Multiple fellowship groups exist in the recovery community, with the intention of each individual both receiving support, and helping others too.
As part of your alcohol rehab care programme within Abbeycare, we’ll usually help you integrate into local mutual aid group meetings, with our support.
Our intention here is not to insist upon any one group or ethos, but instead to assist you in acclimatising to the benefits community support can offer, and build a positive habit that will last long into your future recovery.
Meditation and Holistic Therapies
Once a week you’ll have your choice of complementary therapy like massage, reiki, or reflexology, to augment your emotional recovery and give you a taste of supports that could contribute to lasting recovery in future.
Aftercare
Post treatment follow up and support (aftercare plan)
Around 75% of the way through your stay, for those staying with us 10 days or longer, we’ll begin planning aftercare with you.
This means:
- A practical plan for relapse prevention, taking account of your needs, and progress so far, in treatment
- A very down-to-earth daily plan for abstinence – what will my first day/week/month in recovery look like? What will I be doing? seeing? feeling?
- A look ahead to support the psychological elements of ongoing sobriety such as coaching from a sponsor, or attending specialist local recovery groups
- In some cases, signposting to secondary agencies for more specialist help, for those with complex mental health conditions, alongside other supports to turn to, if stressors arise in daily life.
Importantly, all of this is personalised to the individual, their location, their needs, and their insights in treatment, to provide the maximum security of long term progress.
Support For Families Affected By Alcohol Addiction
Families can be affected by alcohol addiction, in some cases even more than the individual in active addiction themselves. In addition to the real world consequences and fallout of maintaining addiction, the trauma of watching a loved one spiralling out of control, can be overwhelming.
As well as providing aftercare meetings for clients, our treatment programmes also provide aftercare meetings specifically for family of those who have graduated a treatment programme with Abbeycare.
This is an opportunity to receive support and encouragement both from facilitators, and other families on the same journey.
These meetings are a forum to receive guidance on issues like:
– How to work positively and co-operatively with your loved one after treatment
– Handling new behaviours and situations smoothly and easily
– Building your own support network externally; and of course,
– Celebrating progress made
Currently, both these meetings are being held online, due to Covid-19 restrictions. More details are available on our dedicated page for Aftercare.
Combined Alcohol & Drug Addiction/Multi-Substance Abuse
Many in active addiction use the differing effects of alcohol compared to substances, to offset each other, e.g. one as a stimulant, and one as a depressive.
Or, some use alcohol in combination with other substances, when alcohol tolerance has already reached significant levels.
In practice, we do observe common combinations of drug addiction combined with alcohol, e.g. alcohol & cocaine addiction, or alcohol with diazepines.
Multi-substance abuse issues do not usually require separate alcohol and drug treatment.
In Abbeycare, our team are experienced with multi-substance issues, and will arrive at a custom detox regimen and care plan specific to your needs, and combined usage pattern.
Dual Diagnosis In Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab
Where a co-existing mental health issue exists, in addition to alcohol addiction, this is known as Dual Diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, serious depression, PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and other complex psychological conditions, can co-exist alongside an active alcohol addiction.
It can then become impossible to say which mental health issue drives the existence of the other.
The origins and significance of each, do not normally become clear, until treatment begins.
Treatment regimens are necessarily customised, in each case, to an individual’s history, and desired outcomes.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Abbeycare
With such complexity in these cases, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Abbeycare consider each client, on an individual basis.
This means, if you believe you are suffering simultaneously with alcohol addiction and a complex mental health issue, we’ll take you through some initial questions over the phone, and our consultant psychiatrist will evaluate the best approach for your specific needs, and desired outcomes.
To enquire about treatment for alcoholism, while you also suffer from other mental health symptoms, ring direct, on 01603 513 091.
What You Should Know
It should be made clear – that rehab is NOT a hospital setting, and is NOT a substitute for appropriate medical care.
Should you have concerns or questions re your health or the decision to admit to rehab, always consult your GP or qualified medical professional in the first instance.
Choosing The Best Rehab For You
How do I choose the right treatment centre for me?
When reviewing treatment centres, there are specific questions to ask, to establish if the clinic you’re thinking of can safely provide for your needs, in a suitable location, and inside budget.
We put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to rehab, with a printable list of the right questions to ask, that allows you to easily compare providers. You can find it here: https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/finding-rehab-a-buyers-guide/
Ways to Help a Loved One To Rehab?
Family members have often borne the worst negative outcomes attached to active addiction, and understandably are often keen for their loved one to admit to treatment.
Dealing with a family member struggling with alcohol addiction can be more traumatising for the family in some cases, than the addicted individual themselves.
Much depends on the individual circumstances you find yourself in, there are no black and white rules for assisting a loved one in this situation.
In many cases, through a willingness to lend money, turn a blind eye, or give the benefit of doubt, family members can in fact end up enabling their loved one’s addiction, although not consciously.
This is done usually through a desire to help someone avoid short term pain….although this often results in the longer term pain resulting from alcohol addiction.
With each action, consider…is my behaviour enabling or discouraging the continuation of addiction? What is my loved one learning, from my actions?
In some cases, an addicted individual can become willing to attend rehab where they are made aware of the very real negative consequences unfolding in their own, and others’ lives, as a result of the alcoholism.
Where boundaries have slipped beyond repair, and family are unable to help, professional intervention may become necessary.
Sadly, in other cases, the alcoholic may not be willing to listen to any attempt to help, as it can be perceived only as the potential removal of their coping mechanism, and they believe they cannot live without it.
Unfortunately, from our experience, this scenario can often end in an accident, hospital admission, or other significant negative consequence, before the individual will finally admit they need help.
If you’re worried about a loved one’s alcohol intake, contact us direct, for advice.
How To Help A Loved One In Denial – Checklist
We compiled a free printable checklist with 5 practical how-tos on helping a loved one in addiction denial – click here to download it.
Or, for advice on your unique situation, ring us direct on 01603 513 091.
Can Someone Be Admitted Into Rehab Involuntarily? Can I Force My Loved One To Get Rehab Help?
No. Private alcohol addiction treatment is an elective process, meaning that it must be with consent.
Rehab centres in the UK do not have any jurisdiction under the mental health act. Indeed, someone who does not consent to rehab, is unlikely to engage in the rehab process and therapeutic intervention, required to gain enough benefits from being there.
For significant results, and progress on the underlying issues behind addiction, an admission to a rehabilitation centre must be voluntary, and entirely with consent.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near Home .v. Different City or County
One of the main benefits of residential treatment is the chance for “emotional breathing space.” What we mean here, is that by staying full-time in a clinic, you remove yourself from triggers, anchors, and associations connected with addiction, that you would normally experience in day-to-day life.
This can mean that gains made in therapy, are kept and maintained over time, instead of outpatient treatment, where you could experience a negative trigger for addiction, on the way home from a therapy session.
Getting this distance from old peers in addiction, people who are enabling addictive behaviours, and old patterns and locations in life, can make a huge difference in helping you draw a line under those old ways of being, and move on, beyond addiction.
And while many seek alcohol addiction treatment close to home, for emotional comfort, it’s also possible to engage in treatment that is *too* close to home.
Nowadays, most treatment centres will be able to help you set up aftercare supports, that are local to you, wherever you are in the country, regardless of the location of the clinic.
To take full advantage of your time in treatment, consider a clinic in a different city or county, especially where strong pre-existing ties to alcohol addiction, exist locally around you.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long will treatment take?
Each individual’s recovery process is different. The length of stay needed for you personally will vary, depending on a number of factors, including your history with alcohol addiction, history of treatment, alcohol dependency level, and other health issues. We can advise on the duration of stay you need when you call us direct. Typically, a stay for alcohol help will be around 7-28 days or longer.
What will a clinic stay cost?
The costs of addiction treatment depend on the duration of stay, what you’re seeking help with, and your needs. Abbeybot can give you guideline personalised pricing, below. This will be subject to agreement from our admissions and medical teams, and is dependent on individual factors we account for during your initial call with us.
What’s the difference between alcohol rehabs, and AA?
Addiction treatment in an alcohol clinic is structured, personalised help, by medical and care professionals, in a supervised setting, away from triggers. AA and mutual aid meetings are no-cost support in the local community to help maintain abstinence through a fellowship, but without the structured elements of rehab care. Both are appropriate for different individuals, and at different points during alcohol treatment.
Do you provide outpatient therapy for alcohol addiction?
As a residential clinic, we do not recommend undertaking outpatient therapy for active alcohol addiction, as the chemical intoxication itself can make the cognitive shifts required from therapy, more difficult to achieve.
Indeed, many therapists will refuse to work with patients who have not already undergone supervised detox.
Instead, we do provide therapeutic packages as an optional aftercare element (extra cost does apply) after residential treatment, and detox, have completed.
Alcohol Rehab Programme Or Just Detox?
Whilst shorter term detox programmes are available at many clinics, they do not include therapeutic intervention or continuing care (relapse prevention planning), and it is these elements of recovery that often provide greatest insight and lasting sobriety.
In our experience, detox-only programmes should only be considered for non-complex cases, where a range of emotional and practical supports are already in place, for the period following discharge.
What’s the success rate of alcohol treatment?
Success rates of rehab vary, like many things in life, upon the effort and follow through you put in. A rehab clinic can provide the best therapeutic input and aftercare support imaginable, but if the individual doesn’t follow through, results may be lacking. To remedy this, make sure to take full advantage of therapeutic time in the clinic, and play an active role in aftercare planning.
How quickly can my alcohol addiction treatment begin? When can I start?
For those with no complications, we can usually arrange admission for addiction treatment in 24hrs or less, if desired. For this, please contact us .
Where are your treatment centres?
We have residential rehab centres in Wishaw, Lanarkshire (Abbeycare Scotland), Gloucester (Abbeycare The Hygrove) and Newmarket (Abbeycare Newmarket).
I have anxiety and depression, is rehab suitable for me?
The vast majority of our clients are struggling with anxiety and/or depression, in conjunction with alcoholism, it’s unusual not to see this! Rehab can normally help.
I have concerns about therapy in treatment – will I be asked personal questions?
Rehab and therapy mean being prepared for significant self-insight and a willingness to use this toward lasting personal change. If you are not prepared to do this, rehab treatment may not be for you.
I’ve tried 12 steps treatment before and it didn’t work
Many of our clients have come from a background of life-long mutual aid attendance, but were missing an element of their recovery, that was unique to them, and their pattern of alcohol addiction. Our hope is that you can experience both unique personal insights, and how this works together with the 12 steps, in treatment.
I have concerns about confidentiality, can I still get help?
In most cases, yes. Please ring us to discuss your concerns, and how we can work together to help you access treatment in confidence.
Can insurance coverage pay for alcohol treatment?
In some cases, an appropriate private health insurance policy provider may choose to pay for your treatment, if applicable. A list of the providers we work with, is shown in the footer of the site. The first step is to call the insurer directly and ask if your personal policy covers alcohol addiction treatment. After completing some initial paperwork with the insurer, they can then contact Abbeycare with the required information. From there, we complete a normal brief assessment with you over the phone. Treatment can usually begin within 48hrs of authorisation from your insurer.
How many clients are in the clinic at any one time?
The maximum occupancies are as follows, however these are maximums and may not represent current occupancy levels – Abbeycare Scotland (21), Abbeycare Gloucester (31).
I have a family member or loved one who needs rehab but is in denial, how do I get help for them?
Sadly the denial that comes with alcohol addiction can be overwhelming, despite the obvious negative consequences in an alcoholics’ life being very obvious. We can’t force a loved one to get help against their will, however there are some ways to work with someone in denial. (Opens in a new window.)
Can I get rehab treatment through the NHS?
In most cases, local authority health care bodies are overrun with alcohol addiction cases requesting treatment, and demand outstrips resources, unfortunately.
Abbeycare work with only a few very select local authorities, who select clients based on their own criteria. Sadly, the vast majority will not be eligible for NHS funding unless in the most extreme position, either physically or emotionally, and have exhausted all other avenues of treatment.
Should you wish to pursue NHS funding the first step would be to approach your GP, requesting a referral to your local addiction team. From there, you would normally be assigned a keyworker with them, and attend their sessions as required.
Can I go back to drinking socially after rehab?
No. At Abbeycare we advocate a full abstinence-based approach to maximise the chances of long term sobriety.
More Alcohol Rehab FAQs
Get answers to more frequently asked questions about alcohol rehab.
How To Book
How do I start treatment?
Starting the admissions process is easy, and straight forward. To book an admission to alcohol rehab, or to find out more about our treatment centres, contact us, 24 hours a day, on 01603 513 091.
Pricing
