Short-term residential treatment programmes are the chance to press the re-set button and access a therapeutic programme designed to create recovery from the use of alcohol and drugs.
Abbeycare’s short term rehab programme delivered over 10 to 21 Days provides an expert led service to halt the problematic use of alcohol and drugs, complete detox and begin on a new path.
Feeling stuck in a rut. Want to stop but can’t seem to achieve sobriety?
Short term rehab will provide that intervention, the chance to slam on the breaks and stop substance use in a safe and structured therapeutic environment.
There is a solution!
Application to a short-term programme followed by integration into community-based resources specifically designed to stop relapse can and will lay the foundations of recovery.
Recovery at Abbeycare – informative and transformative.
Short-Term Rehabilitation Programmes – Explained
Short-term rehab programmes are just that ‘short-term.’ They are delivered over a period of 10-21 days within Abbeycare.
They are comprised of a: Comprehensive Substance Use Assessment, Detox, Short-term Rehab Programme and Exit Strategy.
Comprehensive Substance Use Assessment
Recovery begins when a decision is made. The decision to stop using substances, take back control and alter the life course.
The first step has been taken.
Now a comprehensive substance use assessment will be conducted. The aim of this assessment is to gather as much relevant information as possible.
This information will be reviewed by a specialist medical doctor within Abbeycare in order to create an appropriate detox.
The rest of the information will be considered by the recovery team when producing the Recovery Care Plan. This Care Plan is completed by resident and Case Manager and will help in the achievement of short-term recovery specific goals.
Possible Goals:
- Complete the detox
- Attend all Cognitive Behavioural Session (CBT) Sessions
- Attend all Motivational Enhancement Sessions (MET)
- Complete an aftercare programme to follow from day 1 of leaving
Detox Programme
After initial assessment a Doctor’s assessment will be carried out on arrival at Abbeycare. This assessment will consider:
- Alcohol detox medication
- Drug detox medication
- Prescription drug detox medication
- Amount of substance used
- Duration of use
- Any underlying health conditions (mental and physical)
Detox will normally begin as soon as possible and generally lasts 10-21 days. The detox will use a taper off process as the alcohol and drugs leave the body and the incidence of withdrawal decreases.
Short-term rehab programme
The short-term component of rehab includes attendance in all the therapeutic group work and one to ones on offer with Abbeycare.
Introduction to CBT, MET and the 12 Steps will begin during this period. A short, effective, poignant programme of care will be delivered. The aim is to dramatically change the relationship with drugs from one of dependence to independence.
Every area of the programme is designed to motivate and challenge the resident. Known as a Therapeutic Community, everybody in the rehab will work together to create a feeling of safety. All these factors will allow for confidential sharing. As talking ‘it out’ empties ‘it out.’
Exit Strategy
Arguably one of the most important components of rehab. The detox is finished, the client has been introduced to a therapeutic community, group work and 121’s. Now it’s time to leave.
In some respects, the safety of rehab however challenging is now gone!
Residents can now start to run their own lives!
To some leaving rehab may seem like a scary prospect. However, the rehab programme at Abbeycare includes production of an exit strategy to be implemented on day 1 of demission. Creating a soft-landing back into ‘normal living.’
‘Normal Living’ an environment without the use of alcohol and drugs.
There are thousands of people in the UK in recovery. After rehab or detox, attendance at mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous AA, Narcotics Anonymous NA and Cocaine Anonymous CA help people in recovery stay in recovery.
The exit strategy will consider the best resources in the community and the best fit on an individual basis.
Best Fit – Short-term Rehab or Long-Term Rehab
Short-term Pro’s
- Provides a detox
- Enables a speedy return to commitments
- Less time spent away from family and loved ones
- Re-sets the body to a place prior to dependence
- Alignment on a new path – a recovery path
- Caters for those without complicated or deep-rooted substance use
Short-term rehab programmes provide the disruption to the negative cycle of dependence on alcohol and drugs. A short, sharp, intense programme can derail the tracks allow for new ones to be laid.
Long-Term Pro’s
- Provides a detox
- Allows a solid and constructive break from the pressures of life
- Creates time for reflection and evaluation of relationships
- More time for the body to recover from the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs
- Alignment on a new path supported by a mutual peer group
- More time spend addressing the underlying issues
If presenting with additional medical conditions long-term rehab can support a longer return to strength and vitality that may be required.
As identified both short-term rehab programmes and long-term have their own asset base. Potential residents are asked to reflect and make a decision based on their own life circumstances.
Short-term– Factors to consider before deciding
When choosing a short-term rehab programme there are various factors to consider.
How successful are programme participants?
Potential clients should consider success rates of rehab programmes before attending. On Abbeycare’s website testimonials from programme participants can be found and read. These articles give tangible evidence of ‘real’ recovery and guarantees that the therapeutic programme works.
Abbeycare holds an annual ‘Open Day’ for ex-residents to return some after many years abstinent from alcohol or drugs to take part in a celebration of recovery.
The Staff Team and their expertise
An area to consider before entering a residential treatment programme is the staff team and their expertise. All rehabs have a Care Commission Report. This report will identify the strength on an organisations team.
On Abbeycare’s website there are Biopics of the Psychotherapists delivering the CBT, MET and 12 Step elements of the therapeutic programme. Reading as much as possible on an organisation’s website will help the reader make an informed choice.
Abbeycare hosts an array of specially qualified therapists. With a mixture of backgrounds, some members of staff have past personal experience of addiction. The blended model of staffing creates a well-rounded and supportive staff team.
The team as well as holding many addiction/recovery qualifications undertake a full training programme within Abbeycare which ensures members of staff are kept abreast with current and relevant practice.
Treatment modalities
Treatment modalities are the chosen methods of implementing the changes required to combat the cycle of addiction and break dependence.
Current and up to date treatment modalities should involve:
- Changes in negative thinking patterns
- Changes in negative behaviour patterns
- Motivational Techniques
- Holistic Therapies
- Peer led Groups
Abbeycare delivers all these interventions through CBT, MET, 12 Steps, Meditation, Yoga, Light Exercise such as walking and Peer Led Groups.
Aftercare Programme
Even though treatment is of a short-term nature participant on the programme should always consider – post rehab.
A solid and comprehensive aftercare programme could be the most important factor to consider. Aftercare and attendance of recovery groups in the community could prevent relapse from occurring – post rehab.
Blockages to accessing Short-Term Rehab
So, what are the blockages to treatment?
There are many blockages to accessing treatment.
- Putting off accessing treatment to a later date, a more convenient time
- Fear of friends, work colleagues and loved ones finding out.
- Using alcohol and drugs as a coping strategy for life
- Trying to find a way to control usage rather than stop altogether
- Blaming others for your alcohol and drug use
- Having previously accessed treatment
- Finances
Substance users can lose many years of their life trapped in active addiction by ‘putting off’ accessing treatment.
Work, relationships, children, caring duties may serve as blockages to treatment.
However, a short-term residential treatment programme between 10-21 days will provide the intervention required to stop the use of alcohol and drugs. Re-set the clock and return people to ‘normal living.’
The stigma attached to drug and alcohol consumption is currently being challenged in UK based Drug & Alcohol Policy. Stigma is seen as unhelpful and a barrier to accessing support.
Stigma is a real blockage to accessing treatment. Attendance on a short-term residential treatment programme is discreet - as Abbeycares units are both in rural areas of the UK.
Residents can address their addiction issues in privacy and confidentiality. Due to the short length of the programme, they can return home without explaining long absences from society.
Fear is at the heart of all decisions made in relation to halting the use of substances. This may appear contradictory. As alcohol and drugs can harm, injure or cause death.
Potential residents are asked to consider this. And face their fears and do it anyway. Having an element of faith in the programme on offer. Dig deep and identify that fear is an unhelpful blockage and recovery is possible for anyone.
Blaming others is a common component keeping substance users trapped in the negative cycle of using alcohol and drugs.
It is easier to blame ‘the use’ on something rather than take responsibility for life. Relationship break ups, job losses, ill health, missed opportunities and troubles within families can all serve as the ‘quiet storm’ brewing within.
This simmering anger and resentment works as the ‘reason’ for getting drunk or high again. Accessing short-term rehab is the regaining of power and the acceptance of life circumstances.
As well as the realisation that nobody can fix the problem apart from the person with the problem.
Also, some may have tried treatment previously and relapsed. This may create a feeling of defeat and impossibility. Those considering short-term residential rehab must not be discouraged by this.
Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition. The previous experience may serve as a teacher. This may be the right time.
Finally, finances. There is no price to be placed on quality of life and happiness. The cost of using alcohol and drugs can be overwhelming. Job losses may have occurred due to addiction added untold financial stress on life.
Recovery is positive. Being free from the bondage of daily use has many benefits. Recovery brings energy and vitality. These feelings will create new job opportunities or a renewed work effort.
Recovery is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Abbeycare the team are fully aware of the pressures placed on ‘time.’ There are never enough hours in the day if working and/or looking after loved ones.
However, residents are requested to be selfish with their ‘time’ in this instance. Understanding the ‘time’ spent in rehab will be worthwhile.
The ‘time’ spent retrieving and consuming alcohol or drugs will be removed. Flourishing the resident with lots more ‘time.’ ‘Time’ which is productive and spent with more energy, focus and happiness.
Before Covid-19, family members and loved ones were able to visit the residents once per week during family time. However, times have changed and Abbeycare is currently adopting a No Visitors Policy.
This is in-line with current government legislation to stop the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others.
Due to this, residents can call their loved ones virtually by means of their own Smartphone or Tablet.
This will depend on a variety of different factors. The medical team within Abbeycare will discuss this on a one to one basis with their client.
The team will consider factors such as: how long ago was the last detox and how much of a particular substance is currently being used.
Short-term residential rehab is a good choice for those wishing to stop problematic alcohol and/or drug use and turn their life around.
Accessed over a period of 10-21 days this form of treatment can work as the catalyst to change. The change required to ditch the shackles of addiction and life a happy, productive, drug free life.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs can affect every area of life from health, finances, relationships, jobs, children and peace of mind. Addiction is all consuming.
Therefore, recovery needs to be progressive and positive in its attempt to eliminate the desire to use substances harmful to health. Recovery involves freedom.
Recovery is available for anyone regardless of background, drug they choose to use or length of time they have used substances for. The cycle can be broken.
If you visualise yourself free from alcohol and drugs living a happy and productive life?
And wish to learn more about our Short-term residential treatment programme call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.
