Addiction rates are shooting up across the UK, and sadly Essex is no exception.

Widespread access to drugs and alcohol has made this possible, alongside the pressure of economic and employment uncertainty that many have faced in recent years.

With this high rate of use also comes a higher risk of hospitalisation, putting even more strain on the NHS.

With such popularity, it is easy for casual use to slip over into addiction, quickly turning into dependence.

However, as addiction has gradually grown worse across the county, rehabilitation practises have grown with them.

Addiction Statistics In Essex

In 2019, police reported that substance seizures and drug-related house raids were at an all-time high in Essex.

Cannabis was the most commonly seized drug involved in 87% of seizures, followed by cocaine and heroin.

The Office for National Statistics also reported that drug offences increased in 2020/2021 with around 7,261 offences recorded.

That equates to around 20 offences recorded a day, the highest number recorded since records began.

If you are currently living in Essex and are looking for help to overcome your addiction, contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism today.

We can help you to break free from the chains of addiction and begin a fresh start in recovery.

The Disease Model Of Addiction

The disease model of addiction describes addiction as a disease with its origins related to environmental, genetic, biological and neurological factors.

The disease model also focuses on the differences between those with the disease of addiction and those without it.

The model characterises addiction by altered brain structure and cognitive functioning.

It is also recognised that this disease must be managed and maintained for life, not just whilst in treatment.

It suggests that those who abuse substances can never recover alone as they do not have access to the tools needed.

It further suggests that because addiction is a relapsing brain disorder, rates of relapse stand at around 50%, similar to other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.

The disease model of addiction is also criticised by others in the field of addiction as they argue that labelling people as addicts keeps them from reaching their potential and developing control.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

A dual diagnosis is given to patients who have been diagnosed with both a substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol use disorder) and a mental health disorder (e.g., depression)

It helps them to access specific treatment programmes to ensure they make a full recovery.

The existence of two simultaneous conditions can make rehabilitation challenging, resulting in increased chances of relapse if not treated correctly.

Many people with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions often find it very hard to access treatment for their mental health as lots of programmes require complete sobriety before commencement.

Fortunately, at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we recognise how difficult a dual diagnosis can be to manage.

We understand the steps that need to be taken to ensure clients can begin efficient and suitable treatment.

By contacting our team today, we can begin your pre-admission assessment and determine the best route for you to reach recovery.

The Benefits Of Abstinence

Whilst abstinence may not be the easiest approach to addiction, it is certainly the most effective.

Abstinence refers to the practice of avoiding drugs or alcohol entirely.

It proves that you can exhibit self-control and self-restraint.

Abstinence models in addiction treatment were first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous groups in the 1930s who encouraged a total cessation of alcohol consumption.

Although this approach was originally developed for AA meetings, it is now widely used by rehabilitation clinics in the UK.

Many clients would prefer to engage in a moderation approach, which means limiting the quantity of substance you are consuming until it slowly comes to a halt.

This is also known as the harm reduction approach.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we believe that individuals who are facing substance use disorders and have a history of abusing drugs or alcohol should stop consuming altogether.

Attempting to lessen the amount consumed can cause many clients to feel frustrated and depressed, not knowing how much is too much or too little.

Stopping consumption entirely can allow clients to complete detoxification programmes followed by a variety of therapies to help them thrive in recovery.

The abstinence model focuses on avoiding further and future damage and can prove very beneficial.

Should I Consider NHS Treatment?

Whilst the benefits of private rehab are many, it is undeniably expensive.

One should always consider how it compares to NHS funded treatment.

NHS treatment is free and often the first consideration for many people facing addictions, especially those that have no prior knowledge of rehab and the benefits it can provide.

It is offered in most areas of the UK, though it is important to note that many clients are facing lengthy waitlists due to government cuts and closures.

For those with severe substance use disorders, these waitlists can cause relapses, and in some cases even be fatal.

Though treatment is free, rehab places are very rarely offered and are only assigned to clients who have failed home detoxes and outpatient treatment.

Engaging in treatments you know won’t be beneficial for your SUD can place your health in extreme danger.

With addiction, there is no time to wait which is why we urge prospective clients to contact our team.

Though private rehab is often deemed very costly and inaccessible, in recent years this has changed.

Many facilities in the UK now offer payment plans and some even accept medical insurance.

Many people also find NHS treatment unhelpful as it fails to provide support for mental health disorders.

This means that those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder may find it incredibly hard to source effective treatment.

For personalised programmes and treatment tailored to your every need, get in touch today.

Other organisations worth considering

Below is a list of organisations offering free support and advice for addiction in and around Essex:

1. Essex Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service

Address: 114 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford CM2 6LF

Telephone: 01245 493311

Website: http://www.childrenssocietyeast.org.uk/

2. Turning Point

Address: Milestone Court, 1 Wales Cl, London SE15 2SL

Telephone: 0207 639 8628

Website: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/

Who Is Residential Rehab Suitable For?

Sadly, residential rehab isn’t for everyone.

You may not be in the right place to receive help at this moment, or important commitments may be stopping you from reaching out.

Whatever your situation, we can help and provide support.

There are lots of community groups available within the Essex area that our team can signpost you to.

You may also be unfamiliar with the rehab process and unsure if a place at a residential facility will be suitable for your needs.

Take into consideration the following:

• Do you drink over 30 units a day and exhibit co-occurring mental health issues?
• Do you suffer from suicidal thoughts?
• Have you failed to complete a home detox programme or outpatient treatment?
• When intoxicated, have you found yourself committing acts of violence against those you love?
• Do you struggle with delirium tremens or Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
• Do you believe you are a high-risk client and have been diagnosed accordingly via the DSM-5?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, seeking admission to a residential rehabilitation facility will be in your best interest.

What Is The DSM-5?

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is the standard criteria and classification handbook used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health disorders, including substance use disorder.

It follows a set of criteria that are as follows:

1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
2. Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
4. Cravings and urges to use the substance.
5. Not managing to do what you should at work, home or school because of substance use.
6. Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
7. Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
8. Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
9. Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
10. Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want due to increased tolerance.
11. Development of withdrawal symptoms which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

If you identify with 2 to 3 of the above symptoms this indicates a mild substance use disorder.

Identification with 4 to 5 of the symptoms indicates a moderate SUD and association with 6 or more of the criteria above indicates a severe SUD.

What Are The Alternatives To Residential Rehab In Essex?

Attending a drug and alcohol rehab in Essex may not be suitable for you at this current moment, so you may wish to know more about the other options available to you.

As mentioned above, community groups will be recommended to you.

In the Essex area, there are many Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups that can help you open up about the problems in your life within a safe, supportive environment.

SMART Recovery group meetings are also another option.

SMART Recovery is a self-help scheme that can help you to identify if you have a problem with substances and work on entering recovery.

If you are drinking heavily and believe your family are affected by your consumption, Al-Anon group meetings can help them.

They are for families only and can help your loved ones to access the support they need during this difficult time.

If inpatient rehabilitation isn’t an option for you, why not try outpatient rehab?

This means that you can remain living at home and visit rehab for daily therapy sessions.

Outpatient treatment can be helpful for those with family or career commitments.

How Is Addiction Diagnosed?

Addiction is diagnosed according to a variety of criteria, including the DSM-5 as previously mentioned.

The DSM-5 includes 11 classifications, which fall into 3 levels of severity that determine the type of treatment provided for patients.

If a patient shows signs of a severe SUD, a more in-depth treatment programme will be needed.

The ASAM criteria are also used by practitioners to effectively place, transfer, and discharge patients.

The ASAM criteria follows 6 dimensions that help to identify treatment that best suits the patient’s needs.

The 6 dimensions are briefly listed below:

Dimension 1: Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal Potential

The first dimension explores the client’s past and their experiences with substance use. It also includes experiences with withdrawal.

Dimension 2: Biomedical Conditions and Complications

The second dimension explores the client’s health history as well as their current mental and physical condition.

Dimension 3: Emotional, Behavioural, or Cognitive Conditions and Complications

The third dimension explores the client’s thoughts, mental health and emotions.

Dimension 4: Readiness to Change

This fourth dimension determines the client’s readiness and interest in changing behaviours.

Dimension 5: Relapse, Continued Use, or Continued Problem Potential

The fifth dimension explores the client’s relationship with relapsing and continued use of substances.

Dimension 6: Recovery/Living Environment

The sixth, and final, dimension explores the client’s recovery and living situation. It also includes exploration of things such as social groups, friends, and support networks.

The ASAM criteria is widely used as it is a multidimensional assessment that takes into consideration both holistic and biopsychosocial treatment methods to help treat addiction and mental health disorders.

How Is An Alcohol Use Disorder Identified?

An alcohol use disorder is diagnosed more specifically through the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test).

The AUDIT is a 10-question screening tool that asks patients questions concerning their intake and dependency on alcohol, as well as their understanding of the consequences involved with alcohol abuse.

The test is scored out of 40, with each question worth 0 to 4 points.

The higher the score, the more severe the alcohol use disorder is.

The 10 questions are:

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
2. How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking?
3. How often have you had 6 or more units if female, or 8 or more if male, on a single occasion in the last year?
4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
5. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of your drinking?
6. How often during the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
9. Have you or somebody else been injured as a result of your drinking?
10. Has a relative or friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

A score of 13 indicates an alcohol dependency, where seeking professional help from a rehabilitation centre will be advised in the best interest of the client.

A score of 0-8 indicates no cause for concern or mild concern.

When Is An Intervention Needed?

A professional intervention is often required when an individual’s life is becoming negatively impacted by their substance use, but they are resistant to potential treatment methods.

Families can hire a professional interventionist to help facilitate a conversation surrounding the impacts of a loved one’s substance use and the potential for treatment.

Many families feel overwhelmed by the idea of an intervention, fearing that it will push their loved one further away.

Nowadays interventionists can work with families to talk through specific approaches to help loved ones access the treatment they deserve.

One of the most recommended approaches is the Community Reinforcement and Family Training approach (CRAFT).

This method helps families learn how to navigate conversations about substance use and reinforces positive behaviour.

If a loved one chooses to abstain from substance consumption, their behaviour is rewarded in ways their family see fit.

If they display negative behaviour, this is not rewarded.

The CRAFT approach aims to encourage individuals to stop using drugs by showing the effects on their loved ones.

It also prioritises the wellbeing of families and offers them support during their most difficult times.

For information on hiring a professional interventionist in Essex, call Rehab 4 Alcoholism on 0800 111 4108 today.

How Much Does Rehab In Essex Cost?

The total cost of rehab depends upon the centre you visit and the length of your programme.

It also depends on if you choose a single occupancy room or decide to share in a dual or multi-occupancy room.

If you are looking for a 10-day detox within a single occupant room, prices begin from around £3,000 and can increase up to £6,000.

Multi-occupancy room prices range from around £2,000 to £4,000.

For those looking for a full 28-day programme within a single occupancy room, expect to pay around £8,000 to £12,000.

If you are happy to share a room, prices will begin from around £6,000.

A cheaper option is to consider a home detox.

Prices for this form of treatment begin at around £1,500 but depend on other variables.

For a more accurate price of your rehab programme, contact our helpline today.

What Is A Detox?

Many clients who enter a drug and alcohol rehab in Essex are required to complete a detox programme, though this depends on the substance they are addicted to.

For substances such as heroin and alcohol, a detox will be required as the substances are physically addictive.

A detox can help you withdraw from drugs or alcohol in a safe, controlled environment.

Alcohol detoxes typically begin with Librium which is prescribed for around 10 days.

Most clients -once their physical dependencies are overcome– choose to stay in rehab for a further three weeks to reduce any further withdrawals and to begin therapy.

Therapy can help clients to overcome the emotional causes of addiction and plan relapse prevention documents for their life outside of treatment.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

Drug and alcohol rehab in Essex usually lasts around 28 to 30 days, though some clients choose to stay for 3 months or even longer if it is deemed necessary.

Most rehab clinics offer 7 to 10-day detox programmes before clients return home.

This can be a more cost-effective route for those who may not be able to commit to a month-long stay.

28 days is usually recommended so clients can focus on their recovery and begin to make lifestyle changes outside of treatment.

For substances that do not produce physical dependencies such as cannabis, a 28-day stay can be beneficial in helping clients overcome psychological dependencies and discovering the root of their addiction.

Rehab For Cocaine In Essex

Cocaine is a Class A drug and is highly addictive.

It causes users to feel excited and confident, though it can also have dangerous effects on the body such as an increased heart rate and temperature.

As cocaine is a very addictive substance and is known for causing psychological dependence.

Many people continue to abuse cocaine as they want to overcome the negative effects of usage.

This ultimately leads to a pattern of binging and can place an individual’s physical and mental health in extreme danger.

If you are searching for a cocaine rehab in Essex, contact our team today to begin the admissions process.

Rehab For Heroin In Essex

Heroin is a powerful opiate that can cause addiction very quickly.

It is also very easy to overdose from heroin and injecting the substance can be fatal.

Sharing needles can carry the risk of catching serious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Those who have been regularly consuming heroin build up a tolerance.

If they don’t take the substance regularly and develop withdrawal symptoms, their next dose could kill them as their tolerance drops.

Fortunately, heroin addictions are treatable and manageable.

Effective ways of treating heroin addiction include replacing heroin with methadone for a short period.

This can prevent the body from going into shock whilst detoxification takes place.

Rehab For Cannabis In Essex

Cannabis, though not physically addictive, can cause major effects on a person’s mental health, especially if they consume a lot.

Mixing cannabis with tobacco can increase the likelihood of developing a nicotine addiction too.

Cannabis users can become psychologically addicted to the substance and find it very hard to stop consuming it.

Many people claim that they continue to use cannabis even though they understand the consequences involved.

Rehab can help users overcome their psychological dependency and allow them to partake in group and family therapy.

Opening up to a group can help clients to share experiences and problems with those in similar positions.

What Therapies Are Available At Rehab In Essex?

A wide range of therapies is provided to clients in Essex, as each therapy isn’t always beneficial for everyone.

Upon your arrival at your chosen clinic, staff will be able to effectively determine which therapies you will benefit from.

Therapies typically offered to clients include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a therapy used to help clients challenge negative thought patterns. It helps them to address and manage their problems by changing their behaviour.

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

This is based upon CBT, but specifically adapted for people who feel intense emotions. DBT can help clients to understand and accept difficult feelings.

• Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a therapist working with a small group of people. It allows individuals to open up to peers in a safe space with conversations facilitated by a professional at all times.

• Family Therapy

This is also a form of psychotherapy that helps all members of a family improve their communication skills. It is also useful in helping to resolve conflict.

• Equine Therapy

This is a holistic form of therapy that is becoming increasingly popular. It is an animal-based therapy that sees clients caring for and working with horses. It is also used to help those with autism, dementia, anxiety, ADD, and other conditions, as well as substance use disorder.

Relapse Prevention Plans

When an individual enters recovery, the threat of a relapse is always present no matter how big or small.

Creating a relapse prevention plan is very useful in preventing clients from engaging in unhealthy behaviours.

Before you complete your stay at rehab, a support worker will work closely with you to draw up plans for relapse prevention.

These plans will also be shared with your support network and your outpatient treatment team.

A relapse prevention plan identifies your triggers, coping mechanisms and cravings within one document which can be extremely useful.

A relapse isn’t a spur of the moment decision: it happens in multiple stages before a physical relapse occurs.

By understanding more about your behaviour and relapse tendencies, you can begin to identify when a relapse may be close to happening.

Sharing this information with your support network can ensure it doesn’t take place.

Staff at your rehab facility will work with you before your treatment ends to share methods such as HALT.

HALT stands for:

• Hungry
• Angry
• Lonely
• Tired

This method helps clients to evaluate how they are feeling.

Assessing your situation before a relapse takes place can allow you to see which of your needs are not being met.

HALT is a great example of the importance of self-care.

By managing your needs and utilising your support network, you can avoid relapses altogether.

Getting In Touch Today

To learn about how we can help you succeed in your fight against drugs and alcohol, contact us today on 0800 111 4108.

Alternatively, contact us through our online channels.

When you get in touch, every effort will be made to ensure we build up a true and accurate picture of your issues as they pertain to drug or alcohol addiction. 

Following the completion of the initial telephone assessment, we will assist you in choosing the most suitable treatment facility in Essex. All drug and alcohol rehabs have to be registered and audited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Rehab 4 Alcoholism also offers drug and alcohol rehab services in a variety of locations across the UK, including London, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Reading, Luton, Slough, Berkshire, Brighton and more!