Alcohol & Drug Rehabs in Cheltenham

There are millions of people across the world abusing drugs and alcohol.

Although addiction is very common, it is very common to feel lonely and isolated when addicted to a harmful substance.

Drug Addiction Statistics In Cheltenham

When it comes to drug addiction statistics across Gloucestershire, Cheltenham ranked seven out of thirteen when it comes to public concern surrounding drug addiction.

During this study, 44% of residents in Cheltenham said that they were actively concerned about the levels of drug abuse in their area.

Nevertheless, studies have shown that the rest of the UK see Cheltenham as a relatively drug free place, with 34% of people ranking Cheltenham as one of the least likely places to have a drug issue.

Whilst this perception might exist, the reality is that Cheltenham does have its own drug problems.

Studies have shown that Cheltenham is the third highest area in Gloucestershire for Class A drug offences, and has the second highest number of users in treatment across Gloucestershire.

The areas within Cheltenham that are said to have the highest number of drug users are Springbank, St Peters and St Marks.

Alcohol Addiction Statistics In Cheltenham

Alcohol addiction is a problem in most towns and cities across the UK.

However, studies have shown that Cheltenham has a particularly high number of alcohol abusers, with over 80,000 people drinking at a harmful level within Cheltenham.

Of these individuals drinking at harmful levels, 13,480 were actively dependent on alcohol.

The last major study carried out in Cheltenham showed that there were 207,788 people admitted to hospital with a health problem related to alcohol addiction, such as liver disease or cardiovascular issues.

Of this number, a staggering 112,267 were prescribed different forms of medication for their alcohol addiction and problem.

When it comes to mortality rates due to alcohol in Cheltenham, approximately 6,517 people died as a result of alcohol abuse, with two thirds of these individuals being male.

Young People And Addiction In Cheltenham

It’s important to note that young people in Cheltenham are drinking more than ever.

According to the latest study, approximately 30% of students admit to drinking on a regular basis.

Of these students, 25% admitted to having started drinking at the tender age of 13.

As alcohol is illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 18 in the UK, these students were asked where they were getting their alcohol from, with the majority of students admitted to getting their alcohol from home.

The Disease Model Of Addiction

When an individual consumes drugs, different parts of the brain that are responsible for a significant number of functions start to change.

When this happens, the brain starts to crave the sensations that abusing drugs gives them, and the brain and body starts to depend on these substances to function like ‘normal.

Addiction consists of three distinct stages.

The first stage is when an individual starts to engage in binge drinking or drug abuse on a regular basis; in fact they do it so frequently that their tolerance increases.

The second stage is withdrawal, when the individual stops drinking or abusing drugs for a period of time, long enough for them to start to experience withdrawal symptoms.

The final stage is when the individual starts to abuse the substance again so that they can avoid experiencing the above withdrawal symptoms.

Each different stage listed above involves and alters different parts of the brain, including neurotransmitters, the basal ganglia and the amygdala.

This process is why addiction is said to be a disease, as it alters and changes the way the brain works.

What Is A Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis is the medical term used to describe someone who simultaneously suffers from a mental health condition alongside an addiction.

For example, lots of people who suffer from an addiction issue also suffer from a psychotic disorder such as psychosis.

Likewise, lots of disorders lead to addiction in an attempt to block out the pain.

The most common mental health issues experienced alongside addiction are:

• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Codependency
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychosis
• Eating disorders
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The relationship between mental health issues and addiction are now well established, and could even be linked genetically.

It is important to get help in the comfort of a rehab centre if you are suffering from a dual diagnosis, as a dual diagnosis can quickly get a lot worse.

If you’re suffering from a dual diagnosis, then you will most likely undergo a physical detox for the physical side of your addiction, before then undergoing therapy to tackle the psychological aspect of both your addiction and your mental health issue.

However, you will also need to consider any potential physical conditions that have occurred alongside or because of addiction, as these may also impact your treatment plan.

This can include anything from liver failure and heart disease to alcoholic hepatitis or even a variety of cancers.

For mental health support at Rethink Mental Illness, Mind, Young Minds, Samaritans and Papyrus.

Why Is Abstinence Better Than Moderation?

To most people struggling from an addiction, the idea of going even a few days without drugs and alcohol can be extremely challenging.

Therefore the idea of one day achieving abstinence is completely inconceivable.

However, in order to recover you must be open minded and committed to trying to one day achieve total abstinence.

It might be tempting for some people to just aim for moderation, which is simply cutting down their consumption of the addictive substance.

Nevertheless, this will not contribute to recovery.

In order to recover from an addiction, sufferers must refrain entirely from consuming the addictive substance.

The chances of successfully recovering if you do so are much higher.

In fact, a lot of sufferers do say that it is actually easier to recover in the long term to completely stop consuming drugs and alcohol rather than fighting with yourself day in and day out to only allow yourself one or two.

The Benefits of Attending Residential Rehab in Cheltenham

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we know that there are many benefits to attending drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham

Just a few of these benefits are explained below.

Rehab Helps You to Take Control of Your Life

The biggest and best benefit to attending drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham is that by the end of it, you will be ready to start taking control of your life.

This is because at rehab, you will be held accountable for your life and develop the skills to manage it properly.

You will now be in control of your health, your day to day life, your finances and your happiness.

Therapy And Treatment

The majority of people who attend rehab – whether that’s inpatient or outpatient – cite therapy as the biggest benefit to attending rehab.

In the outside world, therapy sessions cost approximately £40 – £80 per hour, depending on who you opt to go with.

For many people, this makes therapy inaccessible and unattainable.

However, whilst at drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham, you will be given numerous therapy sessions with professionals.

They will help you to find the root causes of your addiction through techniques such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Family Therapy.

Sense of Community

Lots of people say that the sense of community and support they developed whilst at rehab was invaluable.

Not only will you meet new doctors, therapists and councillors, but you will also meet other people who are going through the same struggles as you.

This often forms a bond, and lots of people stay in touch with each other when they leave rehab.

Routine and Structure

Finally, people develop a very strong routine when they are at rehab.

This allows people to develop better, more healthy habits whilst giving them the structure to recover.

A lot of people who suffer from addiction struggle to create a healthy and positive routine, which contributes to their lifestyle.

Whilst at drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham, they will be given set times to eat, receive therapy, take part in activities and sleep.

Private Rehab VS Council Funded Rehab Treatment

There are two different ways of attending rehab within the UK.

The first is to pay for your rehab treatment privately, by paying with your own money.

The second way is to attend NHS and council funded rehab treatment, which means that you won’t have to pay for your own treatment.

The benefits of both are listed below.

The Benefits of Attending Private Rehab

• Around the clock care from trained professionals.
• A quick dual diagnosis and treatment for any mental health issues.
• A quick and easy admissions process, often being seen the same day.
• A range of therapy techniques.
• A range of motivational workshops and sessions.

However, private rehab is very expensive, costing thousands of pounds for just a few weeks.

Unfortunately, this makes it inaccessible for many people who simply can’t afford to.

The Benefits of Attending NHS Funded Rehab

• It’s just a confidential and professional as private rehab treatment.
• It’s completely free of charge.
• You will often be placed in a rehab centre close to your home.

However, NHS funded rehab does mean that you might have to wait several weeks or months before you will be admitted into a rehab centre, due to a lack of funding and long waiting lists.

Whether you’re considering private or NHS funded rehab treatment, speak to a member of the team at Rehab 4 Alcoholism for advice and support around what’s best for you and your specific addiction.

Why Residential Rehab Is Not for Everyone

Residential rehab is sometimes the best option for those with a severe addiction.

It is often a lot more thorough and detailed than attending outpatient treatment or by undergoing a home detox.

However, residential rehab is not suitable for everyone, as it requires significant motivation and commitment in order to recover.

Residential rehab is suitable for a wide range of clients such as:

• People who drink more than 30 units of alcohol a day.
• People who suffer from a mental health issue alongside their addiction (also known as a dual diagnosis).
• People who act out violently when they drink alcohol.
• People who otherwise would be unable to recover from outpatient treatment or a home detox.
• People who have failed to recover before.
• People who have experienced suicidal thoughts.
• People who have experienced Delirium Tremens and seizures.
• People who have been diagnosed with Wernicke’s Encephalopathy.

The Alternatives To Going To Residential Rehab

If residential rehab is not suitable for you, then there are many other alternatives such as the ones listed below.

Home Detox

If you do not qualify for residential drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham, then you might be suited to a home detox.

A home detox is when you undergo your detox and therapy at home, by receiving daily phone calls from doctors and therapists, and any medication in the post.

However, you must be motivated and strong enough to be able to do this, as a detox will always put a huge strain on your physical and mental health.

Self Help Groups

Throughout the UK there are many different support groups.

In most cities and towns there will be a range of different self help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous who use the 12 Steps to Recovery.

There are also SMART Meetings, which are an alternative option to the traditional self help group.

SMART stands for Self Management And Recovery Training and helps individuals and loved ones move forward in their lives after rehab.

Al-Anon Family Group Meetings

Al-Anon is a support group for the peers, loved ones and family members who have all had to support individuals going through the rehab and treatment process.

They work to help the loved ones overcome the stress and pressure that comes with aiding and supporting their loved ones.

Outpatient Rehab Treatment

Outpatient rehab treatment allows people to gain access to professional treatment and therapy by visiting rehab centres on a daily basis.

However, once individuals have received their treatment they will then be able to return back home again to resume their daily life.

This option is perfect for anyone with a mild addiction, who still have jobs and other responsibilities.

The Diagnosis Process In Cheltenham

There is one very common diagnosis criteria process used throughout most healthcare facilities across Cheltenham and the rest of the UK.

The ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Criteria is considered the most comprehensive and professional diagnostic tool to help healthcare professionals determine how severe an individual’s addiction is.

The ASAM Criteria consists of 6 dimensions surrounding an individual’s habits and consumption.

The six dimensions are listed and explained below:

• • Dimension 1: Withdrawal Potential – The first of the six dimensions consider how likely it is that the individual will be able to detox and withdraw from the addictive substance based on past experiences.
  • Dimension 2: Physical Health –The second dimension explores the individual’s physical health.
  • Dimension 3: Mental Health –The third dimension explores the individual’s mental health, thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
  • Dimension 4: Openness and Commitment to Change – The fourth dimension explores how committed and motivated the individual is to change.
  • Dimension 5: Relapse Potential – The second to last dimension explores how likely it is that the individual will relapse based on their history and past experiences.
  • Dimension 6: Recovery and Home Environment – The final dimension explores what the home environment is going to be like for the individual, looking into things like family issues, social groups or support networks.

The above 6 dimensions will help doctors and other healthcare professionals to determine what kind of treatment is needed for each individual across Cheltenham.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) consists of 10 questions and was developed by the World Health Organisation to help doctors and healthcare professionals to assess the severity of an individual’s addiction.

The 10 AUDIT questions are as follows:

• How many times do you drink alcohol?
• How often do you drink six or more drinks (for females) or eight or more drinks (for males) in one day?
• Over the past twelve months, how often do you find yourself unable to stop drinking alcohol?
• Over the past twelve months, how many times have you failed your responsibilities due to your addiction?
• Over the past twelve months, how many times have you felt like you have needed to consume alcohol to help you get out of bed?
• Over the past twelve months, how many times have you felt guilty for your drinking habits?
• Over the past twelve months, how often do you find yourself unable to remember the night before due to your drinking habits?
• Have you ever hurt someone else whilst intoxicated?
• Has anyone close to you ever told you that you need to stop drinking or that you need help for your drinking habits?
• How many drinks do you usually drink on a normal day?

The questions and answers are each scored from 0 to 4.

If you score between 0 and 7, then your addiction is said to be mild.

If you score between 8 to 15, then your addiction is considered moderate.

If you score 16 or more, then your addiction is said to be severe and you will need to attend rehab in order to recover.

These are just two of the many different psychiatric assessments that can be used to diagnose and measure addiction, with other popular choices including the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition) Criteria and the CAGE Questionnaire.

The information produced by these assessments allow psychiatrists and recovery specialists to produce person-centred care plans filled with physical and psychiatric treatments chosen specifically to help you achieve sobriety for good.

When Is An Intervention Needed?

An intervention is designed to help individuals get the treatment they need.

They are a way of helping the individual see that their addiction is doing harm to themselves and to those around them.

However, interventions are rarely an easy conversation to have.

Whether it’s difficult to simply even start the conversation, or to keep the conversation positive and calm throughout, having these difficult conversations are sometimes necessary.

It’s always best to go into an intervention with a plan and a clear idea of what you want to say.

This will help you to avoid bombarding the individual with too much information, and will also help you to put more thought behind not only what you want to say, but how you want to say it.

An intervention is needed when the individual clearly needs some form of treatment and help in order to recover, and yet is refusing to admit that they need help.

If you’re considering holding an intervention, then you could consider the CRAFT approach to interventions.

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement And Family Training) helps loved ones adapt how they communicate with their loved one in a positive way.

Studies have shown that those who utilise CRAFT are a lot more likely to get a positive outcome.

It helps family members to gain important communication skills, whilst helping them to better understand addiction, motivation and positive reinforcement.

If you’re considering holding an intervention for a loved one in Cheltenham, then speak to a member of the Rehab 4 Alcoholism team today for help and support.

How Much Does Rehab Cost In Cheltenham?

The cost of attending drug and alcohol rehab in Cheltenham depends on a number of factors, including:

• How long you need to stay for
• Whether you want a private or shared room
• Where the rehab centre is located

For example, a 10 day stay in a private room costs anywhere between £3,000 and £6,000.

However, a shared room is a bit cheaper, at £2,000 to £4,000.

However, most people stay in rehab for approximately 28 days, which can cost £8,000 to £12,000 for a single room, and £6,000 for a shared room.

Home detoxes are considerably cheaper, at approximately £1,500.

However, only those with a mild addiction will be considered for a home detox.

How To Choose The Right Rehab Centre In Cheltenham

Residential rehab is a huge part of most people’s recovery.

However, rehab takes a considerable amount of time, motivation, commitment and money, which is why it is important to pick the rehab centre that’s right for you.

Rehab 4 Alcoholism understands this, which is why we have compiled a list of useful advice and tips on how to pick the right rehab centre for you.

• Do your online research
• Visit each rehab centre
• Research into what treatment you might require
• Consider if you want to stay near home or move away for your treatment
• Speak to a member of Rehab 4 Alcoholism for advice and support

What Is Detox?

A detox is when an individual withdraws from a addictive substance that causes physical dependence.

The hope is that by doing so, their body will no longer be dependent on the substance and the individual will be able to overcome their cravings and addiction.

A detox can be crucial when it comes to recovery, and will also be one of the first things individuals do when they arrive at rehab.

However, when an individual withdraws from an addictive substance, they undergo a series of drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms that make detoxing challenging

Some of these symptoms include:

• Throwing up
• Delirium Tremens
• Fever
• Seizures
• Shaking
• Feeling tired
• Hallucinating
• Insomnia
• Passing out

This is why it’s important that a detox is done slowly and in stages, in the safety of a rehab centre

When under these conditions you can benefit from a medically-assisted detox, with doctors and other medical professionals able to prescribe specialist medication to lessen the effects of drug and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

One widely used substance is Librium, a benzodiazepine that is also known as Chlordiazepoxide, which is effective at limiting some of the worst effects of alcohol withdrawal.

If you think you need to detox from drugs or alcohol in Cheltenham, then speak to a member of the Rehab 4 Alcoholism team today.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

As discussed above, the specific length time an individual stays in a rehab centre varies.

Whilst a detox usually takes anywhere between 7 and 10 days, most people continue their rehab treatment in order to receive therapy.

This therapy extends most rehab stays to approximately 28 days.

However, those with a more severe addiction might be required to stay for as long as 90 days.

The recommended time that you will stay in rehab will be discussed very early on during the first few meetings, before you are admitted.

Rehab For Cocaine In Cheltenham

Cocaine is an incredibly addictive substance that causes significant harm to your mind and body, causing depression, anxiety, paranoia and a whole host of physical health effects.

You will receive therapy in rehab such as CBT and group therapy, however you will not require a medical detox as cocaine does not create a physical addiction.

Rehab For Heroin Rehab In Cheltenham

Heroin is another highly addictive substance, contributing to many tragic deaths throughout Cheltenham and the rest of the UK.

Heroin is physically addictive, so you will need to undergo a detox and withstand the associated withdrawal symptoms for which medication might be prescribed.

You will also require a lot of therapy in order to recover your addiction to heroin, such as CBT, motivational interviewing and family therapy.

Rehab For Cannabis In Cheltenham

Studies have now shown that cannabis can cause irreversible damage to the brain, contributing to many mental health conditions.

Cannabis is not physically addictive, so individuals will not need to undergo a detox.

However, they will require a lot of therapy to identify triggers and any other mental health issues.

Therapies On Offer in Rehab Centres Across Cheltenham

Therapy is one of the most beneficial things individuals with an addiction can do.

It not only helps you to overcome your addiction, but will also target the underlying mental health issues that may have led to your addiction in the first place.

Some of the most widely used physical and talking therapies used at rehab include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Brief Interventions
• Holistic Therapy (Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, Equine Therapy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Mindfulness, Reiki, Meditation, etc.)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing and other motivational therapies
• Group Therapy and Group Psychotherapy
• Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Codependency Treatment
• Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy
• Contingency Management
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

Relapse Prevention Plan

A relapse prevention plan is a crucial part of any recovery and often the cornerstone of an individual’s aftercare program.

Every patient will be given their very own relapse prevention plan when they leave rehab which will contain useful advice and tools to help them stay sober.

Your relapse prevention plan should include:

• Self care techniques
• Coping mechanisms
• Meditation and mindfulness techniques
• An emergency contact
• Self help groups in your area
• Helplines

Your relapse prevention plan should also contain the HALT method to recovery.

HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) helps individuals to overcome cravings.

HALT believes that if you are suffering from a craving, you should tackle these sensations first, you will often find that your craving disappears.

Alternative Services & Charities

Below are charities and organisations in Cheltenham that can offer free help with dependency and addiction:

1. The Sober Parrot

Address: 7 St James’ Square, Cheltenham GL50 3PR

Telephone: 01242 523 665

Website: https://recoveryhub.co.uk/hub-live/

2. Change Grow Live Gloucestershire

Address: 41-43, Imperial Chambers, Longsmith St, Gloucester GL1 2HT

Telephone: 01452 223 014

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-recovery-service-gloucestershire/gloucester

3. Mind Gloucestershire

Address: Bramery House, Alstone Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 8HE

Telephone: 01452 245 338

Website: https://www.sgmind.org.uk/

Going along to local 12-Step programmes like Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA)  and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can help you to stay sober by sharing your journey with other people in recovery as well as encouraging you to lean on a higher power when addiction seems inevitable.

The NHS offers trustworthy, free information on drug and alcohol dependence through local NHS Foundation Trusts, as well as help and advice accessing sober living house.

SMART Recovery  can help you to keep relapse triggers in check, and manage your thoughts and feelings.

Another helpful resource that might make dealing with addiction easier for your loved ones is Al-Anon Family Meetings, as well as Alateen for teenagers suffering from substance use disorder.

For general support you can reach out to organisations like We Are With You, Turning Point, Change Grow Live, the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

How Can Rehab4Alcoholism Help?

If you’re ready to make the move towards recovery from addiction, we are here for you.

The services Rehab4Alcoholism can offer are available across Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud, Chipping Campden, Wotton-under-Edge, Bourton-on-the-Water, Nailsworth, Berkeley, Tetbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Fairford, Batsford, Newent, Adlestrop, Alderley, Lydney, Stonehouse, Bagendon, Andoversford, Broadwell, Frampton on Severn, Alkington, Icomb, Didbrook, Painswick, Bibury, Tewkesbury, Winchcombe, Lechlade-on-Thames, Moreton-in-Marsh, Ampney Crucis, Blockley, Chalford, Northleach, Bledington, Cinderford, Bisley, Dursley, Broad Campden, Bishops Cleeve, Coleford, Ashleworth, Arlingham, Chedworth, Birdlip, Mitcheldean, Alderton, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Kemble, Minchinhampton, and even more towns in and around Gloucestershire.

Getting in touch with our team at Rehab 4 Alcoholism is easy, simply call us, or send us a message through our website.

With the right support behind you, any addiction can be overcome.

All of the rehabs we recommend are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (England and Wales) or the Care Inspectorate (Scotland).

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

For more information about rehab in Cheltenham, reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 088 66 86.