London Rehab

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Drug and alcohol rehab options in London

Looking for drug and alcohol rehab London? London offers a range of drug or alcohol addiction treatment programmes for anyone looking to overcome addiction.  Abbeycare manages high-end detox and rehab clinics for alcohol & drug abuse.

The withdrawal symptoms from drugs (whether legal or illegal drugs) and alcohol can prove unbearable, leading to relapse. 

The often high-octane, fast-paced and stressful London environment doesn't make it easy for people battling an addiction to overcome their addictions. Despite government-imposed strict regulations, illegal drugs are easily accessible and used every day. 

National statistics show that illegal drug use remains unaffected from 2019 to 2020. An estimated 1 in 11 adults had taken a drug in the past year (the year ending March 2020), which is an 8.9% increase from 2010 [1].  

Alcohol remains the most widely abused substance, followed by Cannabis, Powder cocaine, MDMA, Ketamine, and Amphetamine. 

A CQC registered rehabilitation centre  provides evidence-based addiction treatments for a variety of addictions.

Treatments are highly specialised and undertaken by a team of highly experienced and qualified medical professionals. We offer a range of outpatient and inpatient treatment options. 

If you are looking for rehab centres in London, we've got you covered. 

Drug or alcohol addiction treatment options in London 

There are comprehensive treatment options available for you in London and Greater London.

They include: 

1. Inpatient treatment 

Inpatient treatment or residential rehab is highly structured and optimised to help you address every aspect of your being. Some studies cite inpatient treatment as the most effective approach to achieving long-term addiction recovery. 

Residential rehab includes medically assisted detox followed by therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, group therapy, cognitive-mindfulness relapse prevention, and other holistic therapies. 

Inpatient provides you with 24-hour medical care and supervision, which is vital when dealing with the first recovery phase.

Treatment typically runs for 28 days, although there are more extended options, i.e., 30 days, 60 days, 90 days treatment, or longer. 

Residential rehab is available near home or outside London, away from home. You can contact our addiction rehab centre today to explore your options. 

2. Outpatient treatment 

Outpatient rehab enables you to undergo treatment during the waking hours, but you return home once the sessions end. You can access free or private options for outpatient drug or alcohol rehab in London. 

Outpatient treatment programmes do not provide you with the benefit of one-on-one counselling, group sessions, and workshops. Outpatient treatment is less intensive and highly recommended for people who have completed residential treatment.  

Outpatient rehab is also suitable for people who detect early enough that they are struggling with mild alcoholism. 

There are free and private options for an inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centre in London. The free options are accessed via the NHS through a GP referral or a local addiction rehab clinic.

However, comprehensive addiction treatment services that are person-centred are accessed mainly by private means. 

London’s private or free drug and alcohol rehab options 

London alcohol rehabs offer you a variety of free and private options. You can access free options through several charities that include Black Prince Road (Kennington), Kingsway House (Holborn), and Clapham Road (Stockwell). 

An excellent place to start with free London rehab clinics is talking to your GP. You can discuss your alcohol or drug addiction with them so that they can get you into treatment.  

Your GP may provide you with treatment at the practice, or they may refer you to a local alcohol/drug addiction treatment service. 

Aside from your GP, local charity organizations can connect you to free rehab services. You can check out the Change Grow Live website to find free drug/alcohol rehabs near you.

All you have to do is go to the "alcohol and drugs" section in their drop-down menu.  Next, insert your postcode and hit submit. You will get information about local alcohol rehabs in the London Borough [2]. 

Alternatively, you can approach a local drug and alcohol rehab service to discuss your free options. Free treatment options are suitable for those who lack the funds to pay for drug and alcohol rehab. 

However, the free options are not fast and will not provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan as you would receive in a private drug/alcohol rehab centre.  

Whereas the free outpatient services are available, it could take weeks, if not months, to access residential treatment. This long-waiting time puts your health or that of a loved one at risk. 

Most private rehabilitation centres London offer flexible payment options. Private treatment is safer with a fast admissions process, personalised services, and 24-hour support. 

How to achieve freedom from drug and alcohol addiction 

Achieving freedom from drug and alcohol addiction requires you to realise that you have an addiction problem. Most people fighting a drug and alcohol problem have trouble facing the reality of the addiction. 

But once you open your eyes to the consequences of substance misuse, you will be open to the possibility of attending an alcohol or drug rehab London. 

Substance abuse results in changes in your brain, making it hard to quit on your own. For instance, addiction alters the working of the frontal cortex, disrupting your impulse control and judgement.  

The brain's reward system is also altered so that the brain focuses on the "good feelings" you get from taking drugs or alcohol more than on the consequences [3]. 

Getting rid of the physical and psychological consequences of alcohol/drug addictions requires you to find treatment. Rehab programmes are designed to help you comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms.  

What’s more, holistic therapies plus other evidence-based therapeutic interventions help you uncover the underlying factors contributing to drug and alcohol abuse.

For some people, the addiction may have stemmed from a traumatic experience or a mental health issue. 

Our rehabilitation programme helps you get to the root of the addiction. You will get to understand aspects about yourself that you never knew.  

Moreover, you'll get to work with a certified counsellor to develop coping skills that will help you resist drug and alcohol use. The rehab programme not only deals with addiction but also co-occurring mental health disorders. 

What are the pros and cons of addiction treatment? 

People in London and across the UK have access to various public and private drug and alcohol rehab options. Each addiction treatment option has its pros and cons

For a private rehab clinic London, the pros and cons are as follows: 

Pros 

  • Access to immediate admission 
  • Medical-assisted detox with 24/7 care and support. 
  • Counselling helps you uncover the root causes of the addiction. 
  • You work with an experienced addictions team. 
  • Personalised drug/alcohol rehabilitation programme 
  • The treatment plan is designed to help you achieve health and wellness in every area of your life. 
  • Learn tools for relapse prevention. 
  • Access to a fitness and nutrition programme. 
  • One year of free aftercare support. 

Cons 

  • A residential drug and alcohol rehab will require you to reassign your commitments to someone else. You may have to take a leave from work to get treatment. 
  • You are required to follow the rules, e.g., some rehabs may have a no cell phone policy. However, the rules are designed to help you focus on treatment. 
  • Some people may be concerned with price, especially for residential drug and alcohol rehab. The good news, however, is that there are ways to cover treatment. 

The pros and cons for free drug and alcohol rehab in London. They include: 

Pros 

  • The services are free at no cost to you. 
  • Services are located within the community, close to home. 
  • The services are confidential. 

Cons 

  • Lengthy admissions process. 
  • Getting a referral to residential rehab is near impossible. 
  • You may have to attend different rehab clinics. 
  • The risk of relapse is high due to distractions. 
  • Limited access to a personal therapist. 

Addiction treatment sets you on a path to recovery. Drug and alcohol use disorder or alcoholism is a chronic illness. However, a range of drug and alcohol rehab programmes are designed to help you overcome your addiction. 

Most people are anxious about attending treatment, especially residential treatment. Most drug and alcohol rehab centres understand this anxiety and create a supportive environment that feels like a home from home.  

If you keep an open mind and enter the rehab with a motivation to change, you will benefit immensely from the detox, holistic therapies, and recovery activities. 

Related article: What are the pros and cons of rehab?

How much do rehab centres in London cost? 

The cost of rehab in London is pricier than any other place in the UK. Still, London rehabs offer one of the best addiction therapies in the UK. 

When you attend a drug & alcohol rehab in London, you will get innovative solutions to managing withdrawal (e.g., Lower-level laser light therapy to lower insomnia and stress during detox). 

You will also work with experienced staff at rehab with high-quality facilities. 

Typically, you can expect to pay around £8,000 – £15,000 or more for 28-day residential rehab programmes. The cost of a residential rehab treatment varies from one facility to another. 

The prices vary because of several factors, e.g., the intensity of treatment, the length of the treatment programme, and what experts agree would be the right treatment programme for you. 

You can get outpatient services priced at around £1,500 – £3,000 per week. Some facilities charge between £50-£150 an hour.

You can also go for a 10-day detox where prices range from £3,000-£6,000. You can expect to pay about £1,500 for a home detox. 

When you contact our drug and alcohol rehab centre, our treatment providers will help you identify a drug/alcohol rehab in London that's within your budget.

Our treatment facility offers budget-friendly prices that is the best investment into your future. 

Related article: How much does private alcohol rehab cost?

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Admission into rehabilitation centre in London – What to expect 

Admission into our London drug and alcohol rehab is fast - you could be admitted within 24-hours. Every single client who comes to our treatment centres must undergo a comprehensive assessment. 

This assessment helps determine if there's any mental health issue co-occurring with the alcohol/drug abuse.  After completing the comprehensive assessment conducted by a psychiatrist, you'll begin medically assisted drug or alcohol detox. 

Once you enter the rehab facility, the detox process begins. Detoxing means getting rid of the substances in your body. 

This process can be distressing and sometimes even life-threatening, especially if diagnosed with chronic alcoholism or drug abuse.  

In most cases, addiction treatments entail providing medications such as Diazepam to treat withdrawal symptoms.

Our nurses and clinical staff will be there as you go through your withdrawal symptoms to ensure that you safely complete the process. 

The drug or alcohol detox usually lasts about 7 days. After that, you'll enter an intensive recovery programme designed to work on your physical and mental health. 

This programme consists of various therapies, e.g., family therapy, group sessions, addiction counselling, motivational interviewing, plus so much more. Addiction treatments aim to minimize your risk of relapse. 

Treating addiction is a lifelong process. As you reach the end of your rehab programme, a certified addictions expert will work with you to craft a relapse prevention/aftercare plan.

Our private rehab facility provides you with one-year free aftercare. This service lowers the risk of relapse and helps you transition back to your life with low risks for relapse. 

Are London rehab clinics better than clinics elsewhere? 

Drug and alcohol rehab in London consists of specialist treatments administered by the most qualified, experienced addiction treatment professionals in the UK. 

Anyone seeking drug/alcohol service can benefit from various evidence-based treatment modalities, addiction support groups, expert treatment, and a broad range of treatment programmes structured for overcoming addiction. 

Whether it's a 7-day, 14-day, 28-day, 30-day, or 90-day treatment programme, our rehab process is designed to help you overcome the physical and psychological consequences of addiction.

Our rehab in London includes the well-known & successful 12 steps addiction treatment approach.  

You will also collaborate with an addiction expert to develop a personalised rehab programme that addresses your unique needs and gives you the best possible outcomes. 

London treatment centres are cost-effective in every way as you get the best treatment outcomes for every cent you pay.

Rehab programmes set you on a path to long-term recovery.  You will learn skills that will improve your health and overall wellbeing. 

Why choose alcohol detox in London? 

A London drug and alcohol detox utilises evidence-based treatment approaches to help you to safely detox. 

The rehab facilities provide you with the most effective prescription drugs that will help you safely manage the withdrawal symptoms. People respond differently to withdrawal, and there are cases where one experiences no withdrawal symptoms at all. 

Our rehab facility will ensure that you're comfortable during detoxification.

An  team of addiction experts, including a psychiatrist, doctor, nurse, psychotherapist, counsellor, dieticians, recovery coaches, and others coordinating care so that you complete detox without exacerbating any mental health problems. 

Team of staff experts will also provide you with an ideal environment for healing, relaxation & rejuvenation. 

Detoxification is not all about getting rid of the toxins but also replacing them with nutritious things. Addiction leads to vitamin deficiencies that inhibit nutrient absorption and make you feel fatigued.

A good rehab centre in London will provide you with vitamin and mineral supplements and put you on a healthy diet so that the body can bounce back fast. 

When a rehabilitation centre in London is not advised 

A rehab centre in London is not advised if your home environment consists of triggers.

If the people and places in your London environment are likely to lead you to relapse, an alcohol rehab clinic away from London would be a better option. 

Overcoming addiction is challenging. You need to change your routine or your lifestyle to achieve the drug-free life that you desire. In some cases, realizing this change will require you to avoid going to places you used to.

Multiple studies show that attending a rehab centre that's far from home increases your chance for recovery. You can work with an addiction specialist along with your friends or loved ones to decide which location would be best for you.

For some people, a rehab centre that's away from toxic relationships at home is the only way to fight the addiction and find healing. To others, being close to their family or loved ones is vital for their recovery. 

Why is a medically assisted detox in London important? 

Medically assisted detox, or detox medication, is crucial as it helps the body eliminate toxins from alcohol/drug use. It is impossible to proceed to the next phase of treatment without completing this stage.

When you stop taking drugs and/or alcohol, the body begins to experience symptoms of withdrawal within hours after your last substance use. 

The nature and severity of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance abused, the frequency of use, and detox effects on the individual.

The benefit of attending detox at a rehab centre is that you go through the process in a caring environment in the presence of trained medical professionals. 

The clinically assisted detoxification plan varies depending on the type of drug. In some cases, the medical practitioner will administer some drugs to ease the withdrawal symptoms. You will also get a recommended number of vitamins and supplements to aid you through recovery. 

When you search for alcohol detox London or detox London, you will find a variety of detox clinics in London offering an immediate detox plan (e.g., 10-day detox).

It is important to note that whereas detox helps you get rid of the physical consequences of substance misuse, it does not address the psychological consequences.

That's why it is important to go for therapy after detoxification. Detoxification on its own puts you at risk of relapse. 

For instance - you developed a drinking problem because of stress. If you go for a 10-day detoxification plan to resume your normal routine, you are at risk of drinking again should you encounter a stressful situation. 

Conversely, if you attend a rehab centre, you'll learn stress management skills to help you handle stress in a healthier way. 

There are no quick fixes with addiction treatment. The best way is to go for rehab in London or near London, where you'll get detox plus therapy. 

5 questions you should ask detox clinics in London 

Choosing the best rehab out of the numerous London rehabs can be a stressful process. Below are five questions you can ask detox clinics to simplify your search: 

What is your treatment goal?  

It is essential for you to ask yourself this question as well as the treatment facility. The answer they provide will help you determine if it's a facility that shares your values. 

Are you searching for a long-term or short-term programme?  

Some rehab clinics only provide the 28-day rehab programme. But if you need a longer-term treatment plan, you'll need a rehab clinic that gives you this option. 

What substitution medication does the facility offer its patients?  

Many rehab clinics offer substitution medications when the patient is fighting powerful drugs such as heroin. Some facilities may do this temporarily, whereas others may substitute one harmful drug for a less harmful one. It's up to you to figure out what you want and look for a rehab facility that gives you what you want. 

How does the centre handle relapse?  

Some people view rehab as a natural part of recovery, whereas others view it as an event that can be avoided. What do you think? Whatever you believe, it's important to look for a facility that matches your belief. 

Do they teach life skills or offer other complementary services?  

If you want to stay sober after rehab, you need to learn some life skills that will help you maintain a drug-free life. Ask the treatment centre whether they impart any skills to help you avoid temptations or problems with substance use. 

What does a day look like in a rehab clinic in London? 

Each rehab centre has its own routine. Overall, you can expect a structured day beginning with a specific wake time.

Mornings may begin with quick progress check-ins from nurses to ensure that everyone is awake, and people get their medications. 

Some centres have patients do chores, and there is a schedule for that. After that, patients participate in a morning session after breakfast. The morning sessions most include some form of therapy, e.g., group therapy. 

The most intensive sessions take place after lunch. These can be individual therapy sessions or group sessions.

Patients may have time to journal or participate in specialized therapies in the afternoon, e.g., skills training or education. Throughout the day, patients will have time for recreational activities or exercise.

There will also be short sessions for participating in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Some centres may permit patients to use their cell phones or laptops during their free time, whereas others may not. Overall, a typical day would involve detoxification, medication, and therapy. 

What should you expect from a drug rehab in London? 

You should expect a specialised treatment that's customised to meet your unique needs. 

Your first stage will be to undergo an initial assessment so that our addictions team can create an individualised treatment plan based on your needs. 

After that, you'll go through the detoxification process, where our medical professionals will monitor your progress to help you safely manage the withdrawal symptoms. 

Our residential rehabilitation centres provide you with a serene setting to focus on your health and recovery. We provide you with a home-like environment away from the triggers and pressures of everyday life. 

During your stay at our treatment centre, you will have 24-hour access to medical assistance. You will also have access to our top-notch amenities, holistic therapies, and continuous nutritional support. 

Usually, the detoxification process lasts for seven days. Once you complete this process, you will engage in various therapies that will help you understand the root cause of the addiction.

Therapy will also help you develop coping skills that will help you avoid relapse. 

How do I prepare for rehab? 

You prepare for rehab by inquiring from the facility what items you are required to carry. You should also ask them for a list of prohibited items. 

Each rehab centre has its rules concerning what you are required to carry. Most facilities will require you to carry: 

  • A week's worth of comfortable clothing 
  • Nightwear. 
  • Comfortable shoes for everyday wear, including flip-flops for shower and sports shoes for exercise. 
  • Toiletries. 
  • A journal 
  • Notepad and pen 
  • Some approved books. 
  • A bathing suit (one-piece for women, trunks for men). 
  • Stationery to send letters. 
  • Socks. 
  • A coat/jacket. 
  • MP3 players/iPod 

There are items that you will be advised not to carry. You need to understand that there is a good reason for this, and mainly it's for your safety and the safety of other patients in the facility. 

The drug and alcohol rehab centre will also advise you to organize your personal and professional life before entering your facility. e.g., If you have a pet, you can make arrangements for the pet to stay at a relative's place.

You should also request a leave from your employer and inform them that you're seeking help for substance abuse.

What happens after rehab? 

Returning to normal life after rehab is often the most challenging part. Once you leave the private rehab facility, you will face some of the circumstances that led you to addiction.

How you handle such challenges will determine whether you will succeed in long-term recovery. 

Our residential treatment centre will help you create an aftercare plan that will help you maintain sobriety after treatment.

We will also train you on the various tools that you can use to overcome temptations and cravings for drugs/alcohol use. 

The aftercare plan contains proactive and reactive steps. These steps include: 

  • Learning a new hobby or participating in volunteer work. 
  • Staying away from tempting places like pubs and bars. 
  • Minimizing contact with friends or loved ones with active addiction. 
  • Reassessing your social circle and friends. 

Avoiding triggers and the temptation to use drugs or alcohol will take a lot of commitment and motivation on your part. We will support you in your recovery journey by providing you with up to one year of aftercare.

Included in our plan are regular follow-up checks. You will also be required to engage in support groups such as Alcoholics anonymous. 

You are not alone after rehab. We will support you to ensure that you transition smoothly from rehab to normal life. 

Related article: Abbeycare' aftercare treatment programme

Frequently asked question about rehabilitation centres in London 

Why should I consider inpatient rehab treatment? 

Inpatient rehab is suitable for people who are struggling with chronic drug or alcohol abuse. In most cases, people with addiction problems also have mental health issues.

In such cases, inpatient is the most effective recovery plan. It gives you time to get rid of the substance abuse and enter a continuing treatment plan without any interference. 

How do I know if rehab is right for me? 

You might be asking yourself if you need rehab. The best way to answer this question is that if you struggle with addiction, you need rehab. 

Working with your GP or reaching out to a treatment provider will help you make an informed decision about entering rehab. There are two types of treatment approaches outpatient treatment and inpatient rehab.

Your treatment provider or GP can help you by assessing which rehab programme is suitable for you. 

For residential rehab, you should seek this treatment approach if you: 

  • Take more than 30+ alcohol units per day. 
  • Have a tendency of violence or other risky behaviours when drunk. 
  • Lack of a stable environment. 
  • Have tried outpatient rehab before but failed. 
  • Suffer from several mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. 

What are the benefits of receiving private treatment? 

Private treatment gives you immediate access to a comprehensive recovery plan. You will work with a professional addiction expert to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

In addition to this, you get 24/7 medical care with close supervision from the medical team as you go through the detox process. Unlike public rehab services, private rehab has no waiting lists, and the services are comprehensive. 

What happens if I relapse? 

Relapse is a normal part of the recovery journey. When you relapse, it does not mean that you've failed. What it means is that you need to be more vigilant and aware of the triggers leading to the desire to use a drug/alcohol. 

We have a comprehensive aftercare plan that we put in place to help you avoid relapse. If you stick to our plan, your chances of relapse will be slim. Contact us today to learn more. 

How can alcoholics anonymous help me? 

There are extensive studies citing the success of anonymous alcoholics. The alcoholics anonymous (aa) meetings impart hope and support to you in your recovery journey.

AA members follow the 12-steps model, which boasts of decades of success. This programme is recognised as the foundation for recovery and plays a crucial role in helping you maintain long-term recovery. 

What should I do if I have a family member suffering from alcohol addiction? 

It is heartbreaking to see a family member destroy their lives with addiction. However, there are ways you can approach this issue.

We do provide professional intervention services to help your loved one understand the harm of addiction and the need for treatment. 

Our intervention services aim to help loved ones realize that their family members and loved ones are concerned about their well-being.

We can entreat them to re-examine their ways and work towards building a better life. 

Reach out to us today to explore more about our intervention services. 

Get help today 

We have treatment centres all across London and the UK. We offer a variety of rehab options, from standard to luxury rehab services. We also offer flexible payment terms to meet your budget.

Our centres boast decades of high success rates, with experienced staff and high-class facilities. 

We have a certified addictions team that's available 24-hours a day.

You can call us or leave us your contact, and we will get back to you. 

If you are looking for a rehab option in London or away, reach out to us today, and we will get you admitted as soon as possible. The faster you begin treatment, the sooner you set yourself on the path to successful, long-term recovery. 

Abbeycare Pricing Bot

About the author

Laura Morris

Laura Morris is an experienced clinical practitioner and CQC Registered Manager with over twenty years experience, over ten of which have been as an Independent Nurse Prescriber.

She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the substance use and mental health sector in the NHS, the prison service and in leading social enterprises in the field.

Last Updated: October 31, 2023