UK addiction rates are increasing and unfortunately Dorset is included.

This is partly due to easy access to drugs and alcohol, as well as other factors like uncertainty, stress and economic pressures.

With a high rate of use also comes a high risk of hospitalisation.

It is far too easy for casual use to slip into addiction, which can then quickly become dependency.

Addiction remains a central concern of modern health, and rehabilitation practises have evolved to match this.

Addiction Statistics In Dorset

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that in the year 2020, there were 28-drug related deaths recorded in Dorset.

This figure had risen by 16 from the previous year and was the highest recorded figure since 1993.

These deaths are related to poisoning not only from illicit substances such as heroin and cocaine, but also legal substances such as over-the-counter medication and alcohol.

Unfortunately, deaths related to alcohol use also increased in 2020 within Dorset which was a 16.4% increase compared to 2019.

Figures from the ONS showed that there were 5,460 deaths related to alcohol causes between January and September of 2020.

These statistics clearly show the devastatingly high need for quality addiction treatment in Dorset.

If you have been debating seeking professional treatment for your substance abuse, contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism today.

The Disease Model Of Addiction

The disease model of addiction refers to addiction as a disease that has 4 sources of origin:

• Biological
• Genetic
• Neurological
• Environmental

Whilst the traditional model of addiction requires only one condition to be present, the contemporary model largely attributes addiction to changes in the mesolimbic pathway found in the brain.

This model recognises that genetic factors have a huge role to play in a person’s predisposition to developing an addiction, accounting for around 50% likelihood.

It also suggests that mental health disorders can contribute to the overall severity of a person’s addiction.

Events in childhood such as early exposure to drugs and lack of parental presence are also linked to the increase of a substance use disorder.

Whilst this model helps in labelling addiction as a chronic illness, it is criticised by some who subscribe to the life-process model of addiction.

This is because it labels those who abuse substances as addicts.

Harm-reduction specialists believe that this label feeds into the stigma of addiction and keeps individuals from developing self-control.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Dorset

If you are experiencing a substance use disorder and mental health disorder simultaneously, you may be wondering how professional treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab in Dorset can help you.

Co-occurring disorders are often diagnosed through something called a dual diagnosis.

This means that both problems are diagnosed, and subsequent treatment is offered to help you with your addiction and mental health problems.

Living with a dual diagnosis can be difficult.

If you decide to pursue treatment through the NHS, they will often require you to become sober before commencing with mental health treatment.

This can be very challenging for some individuals as they are not given the tools or knowledge to help them into recovery.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we believe that those with a dual diagnosis should be able to access treatment to help them with every aspect of their condition.

We work closely with clinics that hire dual diagnosis specialists.

This means that by choosing private rehab you will be able to access high-quality care 24 hours a day.

The Importance Of Abstinence In Recovery

Abstinence approaches are used in addiction treatment and refer to the complete avoidance of alcohol or drug consumption.

Total abstinence is a common goal for many people.

The abstinence approach originated in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and has since been used by addiction treatment providers across the world.

The biggest risk to any person in recovery is relapse.

This refers to engaging in addictive behaviour after a time of sobriety.

Within addiction treatment, there are two main approaches to relapse prevention: abstinence (as mentioned above) and moderation management, otherwise known as the harm-reduction approach.

Those who believe in the benefits of the harm-reduction approach believe that some individuals with substance use disorders can still consume their chosen substance, though in moderation.

The moderation approach is mostly discouraged by rehab clinics as it can quickly lead to relapse and a downwards spiral.

Many clients are unhappy with their moderation dosage and therefore crave more of the substance they are addicted to.

Complete cessation of consumption eliminates this and allows clients to detox their bodies, completing rehab free from any physical dependencies.

As addiction treatment is tailored to each individual, certain addictions require clients to substitute one substance for another, helping them to recover whilst minimising withdrawal symptoms.

The Benefits Of Residential Rehab In Dorset

Acknowledging that you need help for your addictive behaviour can feel terrifying.

It is a huge step that sometimes takes a long time to achieve.

The next step is finding the best type of treatment to help you overcome your addiction.

Residential rehabilitation is the most effective form of treatment and can help individuals to examine the causes of their behaviour as well as to come to terms with their condition.

Residential rehab offers many great benefits such as:

• Constant support: Staff are on hand 24 hours a day to help you whatever your problem. Medical teams are always on hand too should they be required.
• Total removal of temptations and triggers: By opting to enter a residential facility you are removed from the temptations of your usual lifestyle. Residential rehab is extremely beneficial for those who struggle with home-related triggers.
• Luxury amenities: Most private rehab facilities are places of luxury and offer clients only the best facilities. Many include saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, gyms, and private bedrooms with en-suites.
• A positive environment: Residential rehab can bring you into contact with addiction specialists who care about making a change. These staff are the best in their field and are dedicated to helping individuals overcome their addictions for good.
• Aftercare: Your chosen clinic will remain in contact with you for around 12 months to monitor your progress and wellbeing.

Private Rehab vs Council-Funded Rehab?

In recent years, many council-funded addiction treatment centres have lost funding from the government.

This means that free NHS services have become very overwhelmed.

Due to this overwhelm of patients, many people in need of immediate support have been placed on waiting lists that last over 12 months.

For those with severe substance use disorders, this is far too long to wait.

It also means that due to the number of patients and the shortage of staff, many people fall off waitlists and are left to suffer alone.

Whilst NHS treatment does have its benefits such as no-cost and support for families, it is very hard to gain a residential referral with staff mostly using resources to refer individuals to home detoxes or outpatient treatment.

With private rehab, you can receive a personalised programme tailored to your every need.

There are also no waitlists and once your pre-admission assessment is complete, we can begin to arrange your admission.

The most commonly associated downside to private treatment is the cost involved.

In the past, this has stopped many people from reaching out for the help they need.

However, many rehab clinics are now offering payment plans and accepting medical insurance to help make treatment inclusive for all.

Is Rehab Suitable For Me?

If this is the first time you have sought professional treatment, you may be unaware of the rehab process and what residential programmes can provide for you.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we believe that residential rehab is most suitable for:

• Those who are facing mental health problems and who would struggle to complete a home detox or an outpatient programme.
• Those who drink more than 30 units of alcohol a day, which is equivalent to 1 bottle of vodka, 12 pints of beer, or 3 bottles of wine.
• Those who have been previously diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
• Those who have attempted to overcome their alcohol addiction and failed
• Those who have been identified as a high-risk patient under the DSM-5 criteria.

If you identify with any of the above categories, residential rehabilitation will most likely be recommended by our team.

If you are ready to overcome your addiction, contact our team today through our support line or the LiveChat function on our website.

What Is The DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the standard text used by mental health practitioners.

It helps to effectively diagnose patients with mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

The DSM-5 requires those facing a substance use disorder to identify with several criteria before they can be professionally diagnosed.

The criteria 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 a high tolerance.
11. Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

If a patient identifies with 2 to 3 of the criteria, they are said to display signs of a mild substance use disorder.

Those who identify with 4 to 5 are said to show signs of a moderate SUD, whilst those who resonate with 6 or more are most likely facing a severe substance use disorder.

The more severe a patient’s SUD, the more intense treatment will be needed through rehabilitation.

What Are The Alternatives To Residential Rehab?

Residential drug and alcohol rehabs in Dorset aren’t for everyone.

Whilst inpatient rehabilitation is the most effective route, there are still many options for you to try.

Below, we have compiled a list of alternatives to rehab that can help you to establish and maintain your recovery.

• Attend a community-based group such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Many of these groups allow you to bring a friend to sessions to support you. It can also be very beneficial to open up within a group of peers who understand what you are going through.
• Attend SMART Recovery sessions within the Dorset area. SMART Recovery is a self-help programme based on therapeutic techniques. It helps individuals to build up the motivation to facilitate effective change in their lives. It also helps to support clients whilst they are in recovery.
• Home detoxes are an alternative to residential detoxification and are a lot cheaper. They can be beneficial for those who have prior commitments or who cannot invest a lot of money into residential treatment.
• Ask your family if they would be interested in attending Al-Anon Family Meetings. These are meetings for the families of those affected by alcoholism and can help to support their mental wellbeing.

How Do I Begin The Admissions Process In Dorset?

Firstly, we ask all clients to call us on 0800 111 4108.

From here we can begin our pre-admission assessment to determine the level of care and treatment you require.

It is at this point that we can plan assessments for your diagnosis if you do not already have one.

Before you can begin your treatment programme you will be assessed according to multiple criteria such as the DSM-5 (as broken down above), the ASAM, and the AUDIT.

The ASAM Criteria

The ASAM criteria are used widely across the UK by practitioners to place, transfer, and discharge patients.

The criteria are broken down according to 6 different dimensions.

The 6 dimensions are:

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 the emotions they are feeling.

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, support networks, etc.

The ASAM criteria is a comprehensive set of guidelines that help clinicians plan effective treatment and place patients safely within treatment services.

AUDIT

The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) is a 10-question screening tool used to determine alcohol use and the consequences of alcohol use.

The test is scored out of a total of 40 with each question scored individually from 0 to 4.

Questions 1 to 3 are about alcohol intake, questions 4 to 6 are about dependency on alcohol and questions 7 to 10 are about the consequences of alcohol use.

If a patient scores more than a total of 13 this indicates an alcohol dependency were seeking professional help is advised.

The 10 questions of the AUDIT 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 has somebody else been injured as a result of your drinking?
10. Has a relative, friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

When Is A Professional Intervention Required?

Knowing when to stage an intervention for a friend or family member with substance use issues can be challenging.

Many people hold the belief that talking to their loved one will help to see them into treatment.

Sadly, it very rarely works out this way.

Because of this, at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we can help families source local professional interventionists.

When addiction is affecting every aspect of a person’s life, an intervention is required.

A professional interventionist helps to guide and facilitate a conversation, though it is important to remember that only the individual themselves can decide if they want to enter treatment.

Hiring an interventionist can help take the intervention from failure to success.

They can help to keep effective communication and know how to handle a situation should it begin to get out of hand.

Before the intervention is staged, the professional interventionist will ask to meet you and your family beforehand to talk through some of the approaches, techniques or methods you may have already tried with your loved one.

It is during this time that they will recommend their own approaches that can significantly help your loved one to see the benefit professional treatment can provide.

One of the most recognised approaches is the Community Reinforcement and Family Training method, otherwise known as CRAFT.

This method is built mainly on the significance of the family unit as one and the benefits of positive reinforcement.

When your loved one chooses to abstain from consuming substances, they are rewarded greatly.

If they choose to engage in addictive behaviour, they are not rewarded.

The CRAFT approach has been very beneficial to families in the past as it allows them to take care of their own well-being at the same time.

It has proved very effective in seeing loved ones access the treatment they need as they begin to understand the effects their substance use has had on their families.

For more information on hiring a professional interventionist, contact our team today.

How Do I Choose The Right Drug And Alcohol Rehab In Dorset?

Searching for rehab can be very overwhelming.

You may feel confused about your options in the Dorset area and not know how to choose the best clinic.

By contacting our team today, we can begin to help you with your search.

It can also be useful to refer to the checklist below, so you know what to look for.

• How long has this rehab facility been operating?
• Do they have visible positive reviews from previous staff and patients?
• Do you feel comfortable going to visit this clinic?
• Are the staff employed well-qualified and experienced?
• Does this clinic cater to your budget?

What Is A Detox Programme?

A detox programme is a process by which all toxins left from substance abuse are removed from the body.

At rehab, this process is managed and overseen at all times by trained medical professionals to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all clients.

These programmes can be very challenging to those with severe addictions, but help is on hand and medication can be prescribed if deemed necessary by your team.

We never advise severely addicted clients to complete a self-detox, the process of detoxing at home without support.

This is also referred to as going ‘cold turkey’ and can have serious effects on your health.

Whilst most clients are required to complete a detox, it will depend on your unique set of circumstances whether or not staff deem it necessary.

More information can be provided to you about a detox once you have completed the pre-admission assessment.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

The length of rehab depends on many factors, such as the programme you choose and the severity of your addiction.

Most clients tend to opt for a 28-day stay, as this is deemed an appropriate amount of time for the cause of your addiction to be explored and healthy coping mechanisms put into place.

During your programme, you will be able to undergo a detox and continued therapy.

Some clients believe that a month is not long enough and choose to stay in rehab for over 3 months.

This is also a possibility if you believe you require greater assistance.

Others choose to complete a detox programme only which usually lasts around 7 to 10 days.

A single detox programme can be useful to those who have been in rehab before or for those who may not be able to commit to rehab for a month or longer.

If you are unsure about what type of treatment programme you should choose, our team will be more than happy to assist you.

Cocaine Rehab In Dorset

Though seeking rehab for cocaine addiction may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be a scary prospect.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we work closely with expert treatment providers who have years of experience in helping clients overcome their addictions to cocaine.

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that causes powerful cravings.

Psychological dependence is often more of an issue than physical dependence.

Therefore, a detox programme is not usually recommended for this substance.

Those who stop using cocaine often experience very low moods which cause them to want to take more.

If you are ready to end this cycle and explore the root of your problem, contact our team today.

Heroin Rehab In Dorset

Heroin has very powerful effects on the brain, causing tolerance to be built up quickly.

If this level of tolerance isn’t met, it can cause both physical and psychological withdrawals.

At rehab, heroin is usually substituted for methadone or buprenorphine.

These substances are usually taken for a short period before slowly becoming limited to allow clients to be completely drug-free.

Rehabs in Dorset can help you by offering therapeutic programmes tailored to your needs.

This bespoke approach to treatment is what we pride ourselves on at Rehab 4 Alcoholism.

It is never too late, if you are wanting to seek help for your heroin addiction, do it today.

Cannabis Rehab In Dorset

Cannabis is available widely throughout the UK in many different forms.

The psychoactive chemical in cannabis –THC– binds to receptors in the brain to alter the way users feel, see and hear.

This can be very jarring and overwhelming for cannabis users and it can even cause hallucinations.

There have also been studies conducted into the link between cannabis abuse and psychosis.

Cannabis rehab can help you by offering counselling sessions and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Like cocaine, a detox isn’t usually required for this drug as the dependence is built up psychologically.

What Types Of Therapy Are Offered At Rehab In Dorset?

Therapy is offered in rehab to help clients begin to tackle the underlying causes of addiction.

Exploring and locating the root of addiction can prevent any further substance abuse in the future.

At rehab in Dorset, a wide range of traditional and holistic therapies are offered to clients to allow complete healing of the body and mind to take place.

Some of the therapies offered include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• 12-step facilitation
• Equine therapy
• Yoga, mindfulness, and reiki
• Music therapy
• Arts and crafts therapy

Upon your admission, staff will determine which forms of therapy they believe will be beneficial in aiding your recovery.

Will Rehab Help Me To Avoid Relapsing?

Relapsing is often a major risk to anyone in recovery.

Leaving rehab can feel daunting as you have become comfortable being away from triggers and negative associations.

However, your clinic will provide aftercare and a relapse prevention plan to help you during your first 12 months of sobriety.

Before your treatment programme concludes, staff will work with you to put plans into place to avoid relapses.

A relapse prevention plan is a written document that details your triggers, cravings, and coping mechanisms that effectively help you from engaging in addictive behaviour.

The relapse prevention plan is then used to help you and is passed on to your outpatient treatment team and support system upon your return home.

Relapses aren’t a sudden occurrence but rather a build-up of three different responses: emotional, mental, and physical.

Having written plans in place can help you to avoid relapsing once home.

Staff will also recommend strategies to help you should you feel like a relapse is likely to occur.

HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is taught to clients to help them remember to notice their needs.

The HALT acronym serves as a reminder to take a moment and check-in with yourself before a relapse occurs.

If your basic needs are not being met, it might explain why you feel like consuming substances again.

During the first year of your sobriety, your chosen clinic will offer you sessions and meetings to help monitor your progress and well-being.

It is encouraged you attend all sessions to avoid relapses.

Requesting Our Help Today

For more information on going to rehab in Dorset, contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism today on0800 111 4108.

This call will only last a few minutes, but it may change the rest of your life for the better.

Ensure your rehabilitation is as effective as possible by contacting us today.

Every caller will be fully assessed to ensure any recommendation we make is tailored to your unique rehab needs.