In the UK, at least, help for addiction is available for free; no matter who you are or what your background. Poverty should not be a barrier towards getting you the help you need for drug or alcohol addiction. We want to help you to recover – so we put together this short blog post to explain how you go about getting NHS rehab in the UK.
Can you get Rehab on the NHS in the UK?
If you live in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland then you are able to get rehab for drug or substance abuse through the NHS. This means that you can receive free treatment for a drug or alcohol abuse problem. If your addiction is a little outside of the normal parameters (like video game addiction or social addiction problems) then you may have to prove your case. That being said, a sympathetic GP is duty bound to try to help you recover.
In the UK, the only media focus on rehab from drug or alcohol abuse we see is in coverage of celebrity rehab centres. These are luxurious and opulent – able to accommodate every need. They are usually fully or part residential and have a high price tag. Normal, NHS rehab, isn’t like this. There is a high chance you will be able to arrive in the morning and leave whenever you want to.
The key difference between private treatment and NHS rehab clinics (besides costs) is the residential aspect. If you feel that seclusion away from your old habits would benefit you then private may be your best chance. If not, speaking to your GP may be a good way to get help towards the costs of residential rehab for your addiction.
What NHS Rehab Services Can I Expect?
Whether you need rehab in Knightsbridge or you are looking for drug rehab in Highgate – the NHS has a solution for you. It will start with a trip to your GP and will probably end with you being referred to a rehabilitation clinic near you.
There are rehab clinics all across the country – from rehab in west Brompton to rehab in York. You will be able to find a rehab clinic in your area that will provide you with a range of therapies and services, all aimed at getting you off alcohol or drugs. Best of all, when you go via the NHS you don’t need to worry about things like the steroid rehab costs, or the price of rehab in the UK.
Your GP will likely want to prescribe a range of medications to help you stay off the substances you are addicted to. These will probably help you treat the symptoms of withdrawal but can be addictive themselves. For example, the use of mephedrone in heroin addiction has led to many people wondering how to beat mephedrone addiction in its own right.
That being said – your doctor will not prescribe anything that they do not think is right for you. It is important that you follow your GP’s advice when considering rehab options in the UK.
How Can I Find NHS Rehab Centres Near Me?
You can find a UK rehab centre near you by visiting our website. We have all the information you need to help you make an informed decision with regards your recovery and care. We can help you come off alcohol – and stay off… or we can at least give you enough of a helping hand to get you started.
Should I Get Private Rehab Instead?
If you would prefer to be in full time residential care – and if you think you can afford it, then private rehab clinics are an option. It costs about £4,000 to complete a 21-28 day rehab centre course in the UK. The NHS will be able to help you with some of the costs but not all. You may be left out of pocket but the treatment you receive will be more thorough, more in-depth, and you will have more one-on-one time with any addiction counsellors you may need.
IF you can afford private rehab, and if you think it is the best thing for your situation, then nothing is to stop you. Be aware that the process will not be any easier, but the luxurious setting may help soothe your soul.
What Can I Expect from Private Rehab Centres?
Both private and NHS rehabilitation clinics for drug or alcohol abuse will have similar facilities. The private centres are likely to be more opulent, but the basic facilities ought to be the same.
You should have access to:
- Access to a trained counsellor and potential group therapy sessions.
- The full support of peers who have been in similar situations to you.
- Nurses and Doctors who know the ins and outs of your condition and your needs.
- Various therapy technologies, some centres favour holistic therapies, some arts and crafts. The point is that they offer a range of activities that will keep you busy.
- Various other helpful therapies which are all aimed at you making a successful recovery.