Residential Rehab for Addiction

Are you thinking about attending residential rehab for addiction?

You likely have many questions and concerns about what to expect, as well as practical questions regarding the cost and length of the treatment programme.

We’ve put together a guide covering everything you need to know about residential rehab for addiction, and we are always at the other end of the phone if you have any additional questions.

Facts about residential rehab for addiction

If you compulsively take, use or do something even when it is having a negative effect on you or even harming you, this is known as an addiction. [1]

People who are addicted to something have little to no control over their actions regarding a particular substance or behaviour.

Almost anything can be addictive, and we have provided a list of addictive substances and behaviours further in this article.

It’s possible to be addicted to something even while appearing successful on the outside.

Many people hold down jobs, raise families and seem to be doing well for themselves, but inside they are struggling with addiction.

Long-term, it becomes more difficult to hide the signs of addiction and it will eventually be clear that there is a problem.

It’s also common for people to not recognise that they have an addiction.

Some people may know deep down and refuse to acknowledge it, while others may genuinely not realise that they are addicted to a behaviour or substance.

Unfortunately, addiction is not a rare occurrence.

Many people in our society are addicted to a substance or behaviour, and these people would benefit from residential rehab for addiction.

How is addiction diagnosed?

It’s important to remember that you do not have to be at rock bottom to be diagnosed with an addiction.

If your actions are harming you and having a negative effect on your life, then it’s worth seeking help no matter how trivial you think your problems are.

Your doctor may run blood or urine tests and other physical assessments to see how your substance use is affecting your body.

They may also ask you various questions about your family and medical history as well as any co-occurring mental or physical health disorders.

There are several assessments that your doctor may conduct in order to diagnose you with an addiction and understand the severity of your condition.

The most common are the AUDIT, the CAGE questionnaire and the DSM-5 criteria.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

1. AUDIT

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a set of ten questions that can help your doctor to understand your relationship with alcohol and whether it is unhealthy.

You can find the full list of questions here. [2]

A lower score can indicate a low risk of developing an alcohol addiction, while a higher score can indicate an increased or higher risk of addiction.

2. CAGE questionnaire

Cut, Annoy, Guilty and Eye (CAGE) is a short list of four questions that can help to identify a harmful pattern of substance use. [3]

• Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your substance use?
• Do other people annoy you when they comment on your substance use?
• Do you ever feel guilty about your substance use?
• Do you ever use substances as soon as you open your eyes in the morning?

If you answer yes to one or more of the above questions, this could indicate that you have a mild, moderate or severe addiction.

3. DSM-5 criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the official text that doctors and other medical professionals rely on to perform a diagnosis.

It contains a list of 11 criteria that should be present for a diagnosis of addiction and can help them to understand whether you have a mild, moderate or severe addiction.

You can find the full list of criteria here. [4]

It is not recommended to self-diagnose yourself with addiction – you are likely not trained and qualified to provide a diagnosis and could end up doing more harm than good.

Instead, seek a professional diagnosis from your doctor.

What is residential rehab?

A residential rehab is an immersive form of addiction treatment that involves living at your chosen rehab clinic throughout your treatment programme.

You will complete a detox, attend therapy sessions and undertake activities alongside other patients while living under the same roof.

Most residential rehab clinics have various amenities such as a gym, pool or spa, although this depends on the price of the facility.

Your food and other living costs will be included in the price of your treatment programme.

In the majority of cases, you will not be able to return home during your programme although you will likely be allowed to have visitors.

Near the end of your treatment, you may be able to visit local shops and businesses. These outings will often be supervised by a staff member.

You may have seen residential rehab portrayed through TV, films or documentaries showing patients living together while recovering from addiction.

It can be a useful way to meet other people with shared experiences and helps to combat the feelings of loneliness or isolation that are so prevalent throughout addiction.

Depending on your budget you may share a room with one or more patients, or opt for a private room if this is possible.

What types of addiction can residential rehab help with?

When you think of addiction you may imagine alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.

While these are extremely addictive substances, it is possible to become addicted to behaviours such as gambling and shopping.

Even a seemingly healthy activity such as exercise can become addictive and even dangerous.

Residential rehab for addiction is an effective way to treat almost any type of addiction and comes with the benefit of forming strong friendships and support groups with other patients.

Some types of addiction that residential rehab can help with include:

• Alcohol addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Cannabis addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Methamphetamine addiction
• Prescription painkiller addiction
• Crack cocaine addiction
• Benzodiazepine addiction
• Hallucinogen addiction
• Ecstasy addiction
• Stimulant addiction
• Nicotine addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Sex and love addiction
• Exercise addiction
• Shopping addiction
• Internet addiction
• Food addiction

As you can see, there are many addictive substances and behaviours available in our society.

Becoming addicted to a substance or behaviour does not make you weak, stupid or foolish.

Anyone can become addicted to the above, but it takes strength and bravery to accept the addiction and seek professional help at a residential rehab facility.

What are the differences between residential rehab and community rehab?

A therapeutic community is a long-term form of rehab that focuses on lifestyle changes and treating the person as a whole as opposed to merely treating their addiction.

The main difference between residential rehab and community rehab is the length of time that the treatment takes.

Residential rehab usually involves a structured treatment programme lasting for 30, 60 or 90 days, while community rehab involves supervised sober living and therapy for 12-18 months.

You may find that residential rehab is more intensive than community rehab, as treatments and processes must be completed before the end of the shorter programmes.

Community rehab is less intensive as there is more time to complete the treatment.

Both forms of treatment involve living full-time at the facility and are best suited to those with moderate to severe addictions.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

What are the benefits of residential rehab for addiction?

As residential rehab for addiction is the safest and most effective way to recover from a substance use disorder, it’s safe to say that this form of treatment comes with many benefits. [5]

Some of the benefits of residential rehab for addiction are listed below:

• You will be removed from an unhealthy living environment and/or negative influences while you recover
• It gives you time to focus entirely on yourself and your recovery without the distractions of work, chores and family life
• You will meet other people who share similar experiences to you, allowing you to form bonds and connections
• There will be fewer temptations and triggers, as residential rehab is a safe environment with no access to drugs and alcohol
• You will be monitored 24/7, particularly while you detox, ensuring your safety and comfort
• Staff can prescribe medication to help make the detox process easier
• You will be able to experience structure and a regular routine, both of which are crucial to recovering from addiction
• You will be supported by professional counsellors and medical staff throughout your addiction recovery

If you like the sound of the above benefits, look into attending residential rehab to treat your addiction today.

What are the drawbacks to residential rehab for addiction?

Although residential rehab has been found to be an extremely effective way to treat addiction, it does come with some drawbacks that should be considered.

Some of the drawbacks to residential rehab for addiction are listed below:

• This form of treatment can be more expensive than other options, putting it out of reach for many people
• You will need to commit a large amount of time to recovery at a residential rehab, taking time off from work and withdrawing from family responsibilities for the duration of your treatment programme
• Residential rehab is not a magic cure for addiction – it still involves a lot of hard work
• You will have little to no contact with family members, and support from your family can help a lot during recovery

Think carefully about your own individual needs when considering your rehab options, and make the choice that is right for you.

Is residential rehab for addiction right for me?

To many people, committing to a residential rehab for addiction seems like an extreme step.

You will be leaving your home, family and job for an extended period of time to live with strangers in a medical facility. We don’t blame you for feeling apprehensive!

The truth is, residential rehab has been found to be the safest and most effective form of addiction treatment.

The benefits listed above are proof that checking into rehab is right for you if you have an addiction.

If you struggle to form bonds with other people, residential rehab for addiction can help you meet people who share similar life experiences to you.

It’s very likely that you will make friends during your time at rehab, and this can help you to feel less alone.

If you need privacy and space to yourself, you can opt for a single room.

If you are struggling with a drug, alcohol or behavioural addiction, residential rehab is very likely right for you.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

What is it like to commit to a residential rehab programme?

Making the decision to commit to a residential rehab programme will feel different for everyone.

You may feel excited, hopeful, nervous, scared, frustrated… the list goes on.

Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from residential rehab for addiction, including what a typical day looks like and the types of therapy and treatments that you will be offered.

What can I expect from residential rehab for addiction?

1. Detox

Before you can begin counselling, you will need to complete a physical detox.

This can be a gruelling part of the rehab process, as you will likely experience various withdrawal symptoms throughout the 7-10 days that a detox takes.

These symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe depending on the severity of your addiction and the type of substance you are addicted to.

A detox is a way to flush out all traces of substances from your body.

You will be monitored 24/7 during this time and prescribed medication to help alleviate as much discomfort as possible.

2. Counselling

Therapy is a huge part of residential rehab for addiction, and once you have completed a detox you will find that the majority of your days are dedicated to counselling.

There are many different types of addiction counselling and you may need to try a few before you find one that works for you.

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you do not feel a connection with your therapist – this is an important part of the counselling process and you will be assigned a new counsellor if required.

3. Relapse prevention

The thought of leaving residential rehab after 30, 60 or 90 days can feel scary, but staff will prepare you as much as possible.

You will be encouraged to create a relapse prevention plan, which can help you to feel more confident about leaving treatment and gives you something to refer back to once you are back into the swing of daily life.

A relapse prevention plan may include worksheets, documents, techniques and reminders to help you overcome cravings and triggers and focus on your sobriety over anything else.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

What does a typical day look like at residential rehab for addiction?

One of the main focuses of residential rehab is to provide you with a structured daily routine. As a result, most days follow a similar pattern.

You will wake early in the morning and eat a healthy breakfast, with some clinics providing morning meditation and yoga classes to help you start the day.

Then you will attend therapy sessions, either group therapy or individual therapy. If you are completing a detox then you will focus primarily on rest and recovery.

After a nutritious lunch, you will likely have some free time for activities and hobbies.

You may play sports with other residents or choose to spend the time reading and writing.

Once you have eaten dinner, it is time for another short therapy session or 12-Step meeting before heading to bed at a reasonable time.

What types of therapy and treatment programmes will I be offered at residential rehab for addiction?

These days, there are many different ways to recover from an addiction.

Residential rehab offers a range of different treatment programmes and types of therapy to suit almost anyone, some of which we have listed below.

Types of therapy offered at residential rehab for addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Dialectical behaviour therapy
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Holistic and alternative therapy
• Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy
• Trauma-focused therapy

Treatment programmes offered at residential rehab for addiction include:

• 12-Step programmes
• Faith-based programmes
• Therapeutic communities
• Integrated programmes
• Personal and skills development programmes

You will be advised about each of these therapy options and treatment programmes, so keep an open mind and be prepared to try something new.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

How much does residential rehab for addiction cost?

You may be concerned about the price of residential rehab, particularly now that the cost of living in the UK has increased.

Rehab may sound like a luxury, but it’s actually an extremely sensible investment in your health and future.

Recovering from an addiction can save you from job loss, legal fees and many other financial consequences.

The cost of residential rehab varies depending on where you live in the UK, how long your treatment programme is and the type of clinic you choose for your treatment.

The average cost of residential rehab in the UK is £495 per day, although some clinics charge more or less than this amount.

This means that you will be paying just under £15,000 on average for a 30-day programme. This increases to £30,000 for a 60-day programme and £45,000 for a 90-day programme.

With the convenience of the internet, you can shop around for the best deals when looking for a rehab clinic.

Some residential rehabs also offer payment plans if you are unable to afford the cost upfront, making addiction treatment more accessible for a wider range of people.

How long does residential rehab for addiction last?

Committing to a treatment programme at residential rehab for addiction may seem daunting, and one of the first things you will want to know is how much time to put aside for your stay.

The first thing to remember is that recovery takes time. You may have been struggling with your addiction for several years, so expecting to recover in a few days is not realistic.

Even after treatment, you will still need to prioritise and focus on your recovery for the rest of your life.

Do not rush your treatment and recovery. Everyone recovers at their own pace, and the most important thing is that you take the time you need.

Most residential rehabs offer three main programme lengths – 30 days, 60 days and 90 days.

This factors in enough time to detox, attend at least three weeks of counselling and create an effective relapse prevention plan.

If your addiction is mild, 30 days may be sufficient. If your addiction is moderate to severe, 60 or 90 days will likely be more beneficial.

Your medical team at rehab should be able to advise you on the optimal programme length for your condition, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

How can I access residential rehab for addiction?

There are several ways to access residential rehab for addiction with the most common being through a doctor’s referral, the NHS or privately.

If you wish to access rehab privately, the process is usually fairly simple.

You will need to research the various rehab clinics in your area, ensuring that the clinic you choose is highly rated and has been running successfully for at least twenty years if possible.

We also recommend making sure that your chosen clinic specialises in treating your form of addiction.

You can then contact the rehab clinic to secure your treatment programme and book your stay – this can be done over the phone, through email or at a face-to-face appointment.

If you wish to be referred by a doctor, you will need to book an appointment with your GP and describe your addiction issues to them.

They may run some initial tests to get an idea of the type and severity of your addiction before referring you to a drug and alcohol support team or a local rehab.

You may also be referred for NHS-funded rehab, which will mean that your treatment will be free and covered by the NHS.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we have the ability to refer you to some of the best residential rehab clinics in the UK.

Call us on 0800 111 4108 and we will help you access residential rehab for addiction.

How can I support a friend who is in residential rehab for addiction?

It can be difficult to watch a friend struggle with addiction, and you will likely be relieved and hopeful when they choose to check into residential rehab for addiction.

They have taken a brave step, but they still have a difficult road ahead of them and will need your support now more than ever.

Below are a few ways that you can support a friend who is in residential rehab for addiction:

• Visit them if possible – this will let them know that they have a supportive friend waiting for them once they leave rehab
• Send appropriate care packages or letters
• Ensure they know that they have your support and care and that they are not alone on their journey to recovery
• Do not use substances around them or talk about recreational substance use, as this could potentially trigger a relapse
• Take care of their pets or home if required, so they can completely focus on recovery
• Set appropriate boundaries with them and allow them to make their own mistakes
• Make sure that you are not their only source of support – ask them if they have a therapist or other professional that they can talk to

Additionally, it’s important to take care of yourself during this time.

It’s natural that you may feel stressed or overwhelmed, but ensuring that you get enough sleep, healthy food and exercise will give you the energy to be there for your friend.

What happens after residential rehab for addiction?

Congratulations! You have completed a treatment programme at residential rehab for addiction. This is a huge achievement and something to be extremely proud of.

It’s important to remember that your recovery journey is not yet over. You will now need to integrate back into daily life and use the lessons that you learned in rehab to avoid relapsing.

After residential rehab for addiction, you will be encouraged to participate in one or more aftercare programmes.

These are activities, communities, groups and services that you can join to build a community and foster strong friendships with other people in recovery.

They can help you to remain sober and continue to prioritise your recovery.

Some examples of aftercare services include:

• Sober living housing
• Rehab alumni programmes
• Ongoing counselling
• Home detoxes
• Self-help groups
• 12-Step programmes including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
• Outpatient programmes

We highly recommend getting involved in at least one aftercare programme once you have completed residential rehab for addiction.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

References

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/addiction-what-is-it/

[2] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/684823/Alcohol_use_disorders_identification_test__AUDIT_.pdf\

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094111/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767415/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230395/