Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Southend-on-Sea

Commonly known as Southend, Southend-on-Sea is a coastal city in South Essex.

In 2022, Southend had a higher rate of homelessness than the average of the UK, specifically as a consequence of substance use. 

The past 10 years have seen an increase in drug-related deaths in Southend, and they are now at an all-time high. [1]

Contact us today on 0800 111 4108 or submit an enquiry via our online contact form.

Addiction Background

Substance abuse is:

“The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.” [2]

Substance abuse is a form of substance-related disorder, often leading to:  [3] [4]

• Criminal and anti-social behaviour
• Personality and behavioural changes
• Interference with relationships
• Academic issues
• Job-related performance problems
• Physical and mental conditions
• Financial worries

Addiction is the harmful pattern of significant substance use, to a point where:

• The user cannot cut down on the substance
• The user experiences cravings and withdrawals
• The user ignores the negative side effects of addiction.

What necessarily constitutes addiction differs according to culture and society. However, the DSM-5 published a criterion for substance use disorders, based on years of research and medical practice: [5] [6]

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 (tolerance)
11. Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance

Alcohol is the substance most commonly associated with substance use disorders, but most (if not all) drugs have been treated at addiction rehab.

The causes of substance use disorders have long been heavily researched. There is no single factor that is confirmed to cause addiction, but there are multiple reasons behind developing SUDs:

• Genetic vulnerability: having family that suffer from addiction
• Environmental factors and early exposure
• Social and peer pressure
• Personality traits and certain characteristics
• PTSD, trauma, and stress
• Mental health conditions

There are many factors that cause or contribute towards the development of a SUD. Whatever stage of addiction you or a loved one is experiencing, you are entitled to help in Southend. 

Starting Recovery: Questionnaires & Addiction Intervention

To begin recovery from addiction, all that is needed to start is the motivation to make a positive change. A shift in mental attitude is crucial for recovery – those that don’t want to change are more likely to relapse during their recovery attempts. 

The best way to get ahead of the game is to understand more about addiction and your own conditions. This can be done through intense research with an open mind.

You can also gain clarity about your own addiction by answering and submitting your answers to addiction questionnaires. These require honest answers, as the answers submitted will help medical professionals understand what type and how much help is needed. 

Addiction questionnaires such as the CAGE questionnaire often ask questions relating to similar topics, such as: [7] [8]

• Whether the substance is used daily (and in the morning on a hangover)
• Whether the user is using more than one substance
• Whether the user is abusing prescribed medication
• Whether the user feels ashamed or guilty about consumption
• Whether the user has the ability to control their substance intake
• Whether the substance use has ruined relationships
• How other people feel about substance use
• Whether the user has experienced co-occurring health conditions (mental and physical)

Answering these questions with honesty really matters, as a clearer picture regarding your addiction will help professionals tailor treatment in Southend for you.

There is an overarching problem with stages of denial. Denial actively prevents users from seeking help, even completing addiction questionnaires such as CAGE. If denial is preventing the user from starting recovery, intervention is required.

Intervention is a form of motivational change enforced by concerned loved ones and professionals. The aim of addiction intervention is to motivate the user to change their habits and receive treatment at a rehab centre in Southend.

There are different types of addiction intervention, all designed for different types of addiction. Mild addiction (2-3 symptoms of the DSM criteria above) may only require a simple intervention, such as a conversation with a loved one.

A moderate and severe addiction (4+ symptoms of the DSM criteria) will often require intricate planning as the user will have more needs than those with a mild addiction. [9]

A successful intervention will leave the substance users motivated to start treatment in Southend-on-Sea. Before treatment, patients will attend a clinic to go through the admissions process.

This ensures that the patient is attending the right clinic and that the rehab has the right resources for them. [10]

Admissions processes examine the patient for information regarding:

• Withdrawals and severity of symptoms
• Mental and physical health conditions
• Emotional and mental stability
• Behavioural issues
• Risk of relapse and motivation for treatment
• Social support and home environment
• Additional requirements and needs

Professionals will then assess this information and recommend either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation in Southend-on-Sea. Attending a form of rehab that meets your needs gives you a better chance of success in recovery.

Contact us today on 0800 111 4108 or submit an enquiry via our online contact form.

Rehabilitation in Southend-on-Sea

Rehabilitation in Southend-on-Sea comes in two main forms, inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. The needs, requirements, and goals of each individual will dictate what type of rehab will work best.

This is why it is crucial that you are honest with professionals from the beginning, as entering a rehab that doesn’t suit you may hinder your recovery progress. [11]

Inpatient treatment is a residential rehab that offers patients intensive care. The patients most likely to be successful at inpatient treatment are:

• Patients suffering from severe addiction
• Patients that have been unsuccessful at intervention and rehab before
• Patients that have regularly dropped out of outpatient treatment
• Patients suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms
• Patients suffering from severe co-occurring health complications

Patients will move into the rehab centre in Southend-on-Sea, and they will be offered an array of treatments to help them recover from addiction. This is classed as ‘private’ rehabilitation, as it is not usually offered by the NHS. The cost will cover everything, from rent to any required medication.

Outpatient rehabilitation is not private and can be offered through the NHS if needed. Patients best suited for outpatient rehabilitation are:

• Patients suffering from mild/moderate addiction in its early stages 
• Patients who are still attending responsibilities like work/academics
• Patients who have completed inpatient rehab already
• Patients who have not attempted rehabilitation before

Both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation will have similar success rates, providing the patients that are suitable attend them. Inpatient treatment is more intense and offers 24/7 medical care, and outpatient treatment is extremely flexible and offers recovery independence.

What is ‘Drug & Alcohol Rehab’?

Addiction rehab is a programme that helps drug and alcohol abusers get back on track and improve their quality of life. Rehab programmes come in different forms, and they all offer the chance to improve mental and physical health, whilst leaving active addiction in the past.

Rehab is the process of helping someone become ‘healthy’ again. The overall aim is to provide people with the tools and mechanisms to work on themselves, so they can live their life to the full. All types of addiction have a place in rehabilitation.

The start of rehabilitation for addiction will include assessment and detoxification. Detoxing is necessary if you are both mentally and physically addicted to a substance, as you cannot start psychologically healing if you still have the substance in your system.

This helps patients stabilise themselves mentally and physically, ensuring they are prepared to start treatment in Southend-on-Sea.

The minimum time spent in rehab will be around 7-10 days, allowing for detoxification. However, the longer the time spent in treatment, the lower the chance of a substance relapse.

Rehab clinics often state that patients should receive treatment for at least a month, referring to their 28-day programmes.

This not only allows patients to complete detox and therapy, but it allows them to work on relapse prevention and attain long-term goals. Rehab clinics also work on:

• Educating patients and loved ones on addiction
• Mending relationships broken by addiction
• Planning for possible relapse and aftercare programmes
• Treating co-occurring health conditions

There is no ‘timeline’ for treatment, each patient has different needs and requirements so will require different treatments. The more time spent in rehab, treatment, and recovery, the easier it will be to reach your goals and stay sober.

Shorter periods of treatment put patients at a higher risk of relapse.

Contact us today on 0800 111 4108 or submit an enquiry via our online contact form.

Addiction Therapy in Southend-on-Sea

Therapy offered in rehab will be tailored towards the needs of the patient, so some programmes and treatments are likely to be more effective than others. Don’t be disheartened if you do not find the perfect treatment that works for you right away, as professionals will quickly work with you to find a treatment that suits you.

Rehab 4 Alcoholism can find you different types of therapy in Southend-on-Sea, and below are just a few of the types of therapy and counselling that you can try in rehab:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy [12]

Behavioural therapy is one of the most common types of therapy that treats addiction and underlying mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) follows the premise that addiction is driven by negative and self-destructive thoughts and emotions.

CBT then helps patients recognise their negative thought patterns, re-evaluate them, and change how they respond to them.

This helps them gain a better understanding of themselves and their addiction, along with improved self-efficiency. DBT is a form of CBT but designed for people that are completely overwhelmed by their emotions and who struggle to regulate them.

2. REBT and EMDR [13]

Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) also uses the premises of CBT. REBT helps patients to examine negative thought patterns and emotions that are causing addictive behaviour.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), along with REBT, helps patients that are suffering from PSTD and extreme trauma. Trauma is often a cause for concern when it comes to substances, as people self-medicate their side effects and symptoms using drugs and alcohol.

Both REBT and EMDR help clients focus on associating memories with more positive belief systems, changing how they respond physically and mentally to past experiences.

3. Motivational Interviewing and Contingency Management [14]

Some patients seriously struggle with the motivation to start and stay in rehab treatment. This is no fault of their own, as addiction takes over mentally as well as physically.

Motivational interviewing will be run by a medical professional, examining the patient in order to find the causes of treatment anxiety.

Contingency management then usually follows motivational interviewing. Contingency management uses positive reinforcement as incentives for treatment. These rewards are given out when positive change is obvious, such as clean tests and an improvement in relationships.

4. Group and Family Therapy [15] [16]

Along with individual therapy, rehab clinics offer loved ones the chance to receive help too. Addiction affects the person and those around them, and broken relationships can often exacerbate mental illness.

Family, group, and couples therapy all work towards mending and building relationships that have been affected by substance abuse.

Social support is necessary when recovering. Patients that have a socially supportive environment and healthy environment to recover in, will stand a higher chance of a successful recovery.

Group therapy is common in outpatient treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most famous 12-step facilitation therapy, offering patients an anonymous space to discuss different aspects of addiction.

The following are the 12 steps that were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: [17]

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most popular group choices for alcohol addiction and alcohol misuse.

Treatment centres in Southend-on-Sea offer clients the opportunity to work on themselves in both short-term and long-term recovery. Not only does rehab cover alcohol addiction and drug addiction, but also psychological issues and a wide range of addictions. 

Residential treatment is a recovery programme that offers intensive treatment and 24/7 monitoring. This usually consists of a 30-day treatment, but patients should bear in mind how much treatment they require to meet their needs. 

Outpatient treatment plans are not residential, but they still offer specialised psychological treatment. 

Both forms of rehab offer detoxification, including detox medication and a wide variety of treatments to help you. There is a high level of care offered by addiction rehab, helping patients experience a happier life with more meaning. 

The recovery process is not easy, nor is it short. However, addiction is a treatable disease. The earlier you seek help for your addiction, the better chance you have of a successful recovery journey in Southend. 

People suffering from addiction come from all walks of life. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help – the longer you leave it, the more likely you are to slip into a severe addiction. 

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for treatment and try to educate yourself as much as you can on rehab, treatment, and different aspects of addiction. 

Contact us today on 0800 111 4108 or submit an enquiry via our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we list a number of other resources that you may find useful in your search for quality and suitable rehab treatment in the UK:

• How much does rehab cost?
• Can I bring my mobile, tablet or laptop into rehab?
• Can improperly detoxing from alcohol kill?
• Will going to rehab help my legal case?
• Is 28 days in rehab long enough?
• Should I go to a local rehab or one that’s far away?
• What are the biggest misconceptions about going to rehab?
• What should I pack for rehab?
• What questions to ask when choosing rehab?
• What to ask if you’re dealing with trauma?

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to conquer your addiction to alcohol, just call us. We’re friendly and approachable and provide a non-judgemental service to help you find a suitable alcohol addiction rehab in Southend-on-Sea.

Contact us today on 0800 111 4108 or submit an enquiry via our online contact form.

References

[1] https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19984787.southend-drug-related-deaths-hit-ten-year-high/

[2] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/substance-abuse

[3] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency

[4] https://www.samhsa.gov/adult-drug-use

[5] American Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

[6] McLellan AT. Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare?. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2017;128:112-130.

[7] https://adai.uw.edu/instruments/pdf/drug_abuse_screening_test_105.pdf

[8] https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/1729/cage-questions-alcohol-use

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10689661/#article-details

[10] https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria

[11] https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/inpatient-versus-outpatient/

[12] https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

[13] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083448/

[15] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-5

[16] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-4

[17] https://www.aacle.org/twelve-spiritual-principles/