Alcohol Rehabs in County Durham

UK addiction rates are increasing, and sadly Durham is no exception.

Easy access to drugs and alcohol has made this possible, as well as widespread pressures such as employment stress and economic uncertainty.

With a higher rate of drug use and binge drinking also comes a higher risk of hospitalisation.

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

Addiction remains one of the most prominent concerns of health services in the UK, and so rehabilitation practises have evolved to keep up.

Addiction Statistics In Durham

According to statistics published by the Office for National Statistics the North East of England has had the highest rate of drug misuse of any UK region in the past 8 years.

This publication also showed that during the year 2020, there were 88 deaths related to drug poisoning across Durham, increasing from 62 deaths compared to the previous year.

Substance abuse destroys the lives of individuals and their communities.

These shocking statistics show the need for high-quality addiction treatment in Durham.

If you are searching for drug and alcohol rehab in Durham, contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism today by calling us on 0800 111 4108 or by chatting to a helpline adviser via the LiveChat function on our website.

The Disease Model Of Addiction

The disease model of addiction suggests that the origin of an individual’s addiction lies within themselves.

It adopts the view that addiction is a chronic disease caused by biological, genetic, environmental and neurological factors.

It further suggests that addiction does not exist on a continuum: it is either present or it is not.

This model follows the belief that addicted people cannot control their intake of substances and would thus fail to consume in moderation.

Under this mindset addiction cannot be “cured”, only treated by lifelong abstinence and suitable treatment.

Alcoholics Anonymous is based upon this model and accepts any individual as long as they are committed to total abstinence.

The disease model of addiction helps substance use become a health issue and removes stigma by showing it is not a moral failure.

It allows those with substance use disorders to begin to understand their addiction without shame, knowing that there are many contributing factors beyond their control.

There are, however, disadvantages of this model and it is criticised by other addiction experts for removing responsibility from individuals.

The model also refers to those facing addiction as addicts, a label which can inadvertently cause feelings of shame.

What Is A Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder.

These are often, though not limited to:

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

A dual diagnosis can be beneficial to many individuals, giving them a way to acknowledge the unique sets of symptoms each disorder presents that stops them from living their life.

Co-occurring disorders often directly affect each other, making it very hard to seek help for your mental health or your addiction.

Substance abuse and mental health disorders don’t get better if left untreated. In fact, they often get worse very quickly.

Fortunately, many rehab clinics in the UK offer specialist dual diagnosis treatment provided by experts to help you get back on your feet.

Specially designed treatments can help you begin to overcome your addiction and treat your mental health disorder at the same time.

You would also need to consider any physical conditions that have occurred as a result of addiction, such as liver failure or alcoholic hepatitis, as these conditions could also impact recovery.

If you believe you are facing co-occurring disorders, or have previously received a dual diagnosis, contact our team today to begin your pre-admission assessment.

The Abstinence Approach To Rehabilitation

Total abstinence refers to a complete cessation from drug or alcohol consumption.

It is an approach used widely throughout addiction treatment to help people end their dependence on substances.

For people with severe addictions, abstinence is considered the most effective approach when in treatment.

However, addiction is unique to each individual and therefore the approach to recovery should also be varied.

Whilst abstinence is used for the benefits it provides, some addiction experts point to the moderation or “harm reduction” approach.

The moderation approach refers to reducing or moderating substances such as alcohol down to an acceptable level.

For legal reasons, this is not encouraged for illicit substances.

The moderation approach can help those with mild addictions learn how to enjoy a drink with friends or family without becoming extremely intoxicated.

Moderation mostly works for those who are not physically addicted to a substance, such as those in the early stages of alcohol abuse.

For someone who is physically and psychologically addicted to a substance such as heroin or other opioids, an abstinence approach is encouraged as it can help individuals to break all dependencies and move on to the next chapter in their life.

Private vs Free Addiction Treatment?

Whilst the benefits of residential rehab are many, you may be wondering what free addiction treatment, like that offered by the NHS can provide.

NHS services in Durham can help individuals to access services such as:

• One-to-one support
• Supervised detoxification
• Group therapy
• Family support

Whilst these services seem ideal for a free cost, the downside to NHS treatment is that there are usually long waiting lists due to government cuts to funding.

This means that those with severe substance use disorders are left waiting for urgently needed treatment.

With private treatment, there are no waitlists meaning you can access immediate care within days.

Another downside to NHS treatment is that referrals to residential facilities are very rarely given.

Staff encourage patients to attempt home detoxes and outpatient programmes first before residential programmes are even considered.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we believe that treatment should be accessible to all.

This means that if we believe you require residential treatment, we will help you to secure admission to a clinic in Durham.

The downside to private treatment is usually the overall cost.

Month-long stays at inpatient facilities can be prohibitively expensive to those on a budget.

However, many clinics are now offering payment plans and promise to work with potential clients to make treatment as affordable as possible.

Organisations worth considering

Below is a list of organisations that offer free support for drug and alcohol addiction in and around County Durham:

1. Turning Point

Address: Bridge House, Bridge St, Sunderland SR1 1TE

Telephone: 01915 108 252

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

2. Addaction

Address: 88 Whinney Hill, Durham DH1 3BQ

Telephone: 0300 026 4784

Website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/

3. C G L | Change Grow Live

Address: 4-6 Mary St, Sunderland SR1 3NH

Telephone: 08002 346 798

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/sunderland

You can also call a variety of different helplines for support, such as Rethink Mental Illness, Samaritans, Mind UK, Young Minds, Papyrus, 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).

The NHS can also give you advice and may be able to provide help accessing a sober living house.

Who Is Inpatient Treatment Suitable For?

If this is the first time you have considered rehab you may feel confused about whether residential rehab is for you.

It is important to remember that rehab isn’t for everyone and we will discuss the alternatives in more detail later.

Take a look at the list below, do you identify with any of the situations?

• Do you suffer/have you suffered from Delirium Tremens or alcohol-related seizures?
• Have you been diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
• Do you commit acts of violence against friends or family when intoxicated?
• Do you drink more than 30 units of alcohol in one day? (30 units of alcohol is equivalent to the consumption of one bottle of vodka, 12 pints of beer, or 3 bottles of wine)
• Do you believe that home detoxes and outpatient treatment would be very difficult to complete?
• Have you been diagnosed as a high-risk client according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)?

If so, it would seem that a personalised programme at a residential facility would be beneficial for you to complete.

For more information, contact our team today.

What Is The DSM-5?

The DSM-5 is a manual used for the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders, including substance use disorder.

It is the result of over 10 years of work by mental health professionals and is continuously updated as our collective knowledge of mental health increases.

Determining an accurate diagnosis is the first step in appropriately sourcing suitable treatment.

The DSM-5 refers to 11 criteria that patients must partially or fully identify with to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

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 of the criteria are said to show signs of a moderate SUD, and those who identify with 6 or more of the criteria are said to exhibit signs of a severe SUD and addiction.

The DSM-5 further defines clients according to three levels of severity.

Those that are at very high risk will require immediate and intense treatment.

The criteria for the DSM-5 are as follows:

1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
2. Want to cut down or stop using the substance but not manage to.
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the use of the substance.
4. Cravings and urges to use the substance.
5. Neglecting your responsibilities 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. Need 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.

What Are The Alternatives To An Inpatient Programme In Durham?

As mentioned above, residential rehab isn’t for everyone.

Though this doesn’t have to mean that recovery is out of your reach.

There are lots of programmes and therapy sessions available within the Durham community, such as:

• SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery is a therapeutic self-help programme that assists clients in identifying their problems and providing support into recovery. Sessions take place through weekly meetings which can help keep motivations high.
• Al-Anon Family Meetings: These are meetings to support the families of those affected by individuals with alcoholism. Sessions are for families only and help to provide a safe space to explore difficulties found at home. They can also help families understand more about alcoholism and the triggers that present with it.
• Home detoxes and outpatient treatment: These forms of rehab can be a much cheaper solution compared to a residential programme, though clients are not shielded from triggers and temptations. Depending on the severity of your dependency, you may be expected to visit a clinic daily or bi-weekly for therapy sessions.
• 12-Step Groups: Organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and others are community-based services that can be found within Durham and can help you to share experiences and advice. Providing both peer support and the chance to lean on a higher power when addiction seems overwhelming, many people have found their way to sobriety through these organisations. They have been existed across the world for many years and have helped shape the recovery of countless people for whom residential rehab hasn’t been an option.
• 12-Step Adjacent Groups: Specialised organisations exist to provide a more specific form of support alongside traditional 12-Step support, including Al-Anon Family Group Meetings to support your loved ones and Alateen for adolescents suffering from addiction.

How Do I Secure A Place Within A Drug And Alcohol Rehab In Durham?

If you are invested in overcoming your addiction, we urge you to call our team today.

From here, we can begin to conduct your pre-admission assessment.

The pre-admission assessment allows us to find out more about your addiction, your goals for treatment, and any diagnoses you may have received in the past.

Once we have helped you to select a suitable facility and treatment programme, an admission date will be secured.

Upon this date, you will be assessed by staff at your chosen clinic to determine the severity of your addiction and what kinds of treatment will be required.

The most commonly used criteria to diagnose patients are the DSM-5 (as previously explained), the ASAM and the AUDIT.

The ASAM Criteria

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria are used across the UK and help medical practitioners to effectively place, transfer, and discharge patients in treatment.

The criteria are a complete set of guidelines that help clinicians plan and recommend suitable treatment programmes.

The ASAM criteria consist of 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.

AUDIT

The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) is a 10-question test originally developed by the World Health Organisation.

The AUDIT focuses mainly on 3 aspects of alcoholism: intake, dependency and consequences.

Each question of the test is scored from 0 to 4 with a total possible score of 40.

If a patient scores higher than 13, it is recommended that they begin to seek professional help to overcome their alcohol-related issues.

The questions of the test 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, friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

These are just a few of the many different psychiatric assessments that can be used to diagnose and measure addiction, with the CAGE Questionnaire being another popular choice.

The information produced by these assessments allow psychiatrists and recovery specialists to produce person-centred care plans filled with physical and psychiatric treatments designed to help you overcome drug or alcohol addiction once and for all.

When Is Intervention Required?

According to statistics, around 90% of professional interventions are effective in facilitating change and causing individuals to accept that treatment is required.

While these numbers are very promising, there are still risks with interventions.

If they are not facilitated correctly, they could cause individuals to spiral further.

An intervention is an attempt to help a loved one address their problem with drugs or alcohol where the only viable solution is to stage an event in which witnesses can testify the severity of the issue at hand.

If you are worried about a family member and require help from a professional interventionist, our team can help.

We have the necessary resources and services available to recommend intervention specialists within the UK.

Before an intervention is staged, an interventionist will ask you and your family about the approaches you have tried in the past.

One of the most highly recommended and effective approaches is the Community Reinforcement and Family Training method also referred to as CRAFT.

The CRAFT approach focuses mainly on encouraging your loved one to abstain from substance consumption.

When they choose to do this, they are positively rewarded by the family unit.

CRAFT has proven very beneficial in promoting change in those who were once resistant to treatment.

CRAFT helps families to learn several strategies such as:

• Positive and effective communication
• The use of positive reinforcement
• The importance of taking care of yourself and making the family a priority

CRAFT ultimately works by changing interactions with your loved ones so that sober behaviour becomes the most rewarding.

If you are interested in finding out more about useful intervention approaches, get in touch today.

How Much Does Drug And Alcohol Rehab In Durham Cost?

Whilst addiction can be costly, rehab is not cheap either.

The price of your rehab programme will vary depending on a variety of factors, primarily the total amount of time you spend in your chosen clinic and whether you choose to sleep in single occupancy or dual occupancy room.

If you choose a 10-day detox with a single occupancy room, prices begin from around £3,000 and increase to around £6,000.

If you choose a dual or multi-occupancy room, prices range from £2,000 to £4,000.

If you are looking for a 28-day stay at a residential rehab facility, prices range from £8,000 to £12,000 for a single occupancy room and begin at around £6,000 for a multi or dual occupancy room.

Home detoxes are also another option and are significantly cheaper than committing to a 28-day stay.

Whilst you may save money by opting for this option, home detoxes do not shield clients from triggers and temptations.

Prices for home detoxes begin at around £1,500.

Tips For Choosing The Right Rehab

If this is the first time that you are seeking treatment for your addiction, you may not know where to begin with your rehab search.

Before you call our team, you may want to understand what to look for when searching for the right facility.

Below, we have compiled a checklist of things to look for when selecting the most suitable rehab clinic.

• Find out how long the clinic has been running for, does it have a good track record?
• Does the facility have positive reviews from previous employees and patients?
• Does the facility have success rates and help numerous people in recovery?
• Do you feel comfortable visiting the facility to take a tour or speak to staff?
• Are the staff experienced and well-qualified?

With our help, we can help clients find the most suitable clinic and programme to help them successfully overcome their addiction.

What Is A Medical Detox Programme?

A medically-assisted detox is a programme designed to help individuals who are physically dependent on drugs or alcohol withdraw safely until the body is free from all dependencies.

Over time, regular substance abuse causes physical dependencies to form.

This makes the sudden cessation of drugs and alcohol very dangerous.

Stopping your regular, heavy consumption can cause physical and psychological withdrawals to present which can cause severe strains on your health for a long time.

Common drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
• Delirium Tremens
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• High fever
• Extreme anxiety
• Confusion

In a rehab facility, these withdrawals can be effectively managed by specialist staff.

A medically-assisted detox is considered the safest and most effective way of stopping your consumption, as staff can supervise your well-being at all times and prescribe medication if it is needed.

In the case of alcohol detox, a benzodiazepine course consisting of the substance Librium – also known as Chlordiazepoxide – is often used to tackle the worst effects of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

The specific substance you are addicted to and the severity of your addiction will determine if a detox is required.

Substance addictions to cocaine and cannabis, for example, do not require a detox as they do not cause physical dependence, and therefore more comprehensive therapy will be advised instead.

This is because these substances are psychologically addictive, not physically addictive.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

Residential rehab typically lasts for around 28 to 30 days, though some clients choose to stay longer if they require further assistance.

Many rehab clinics offer individual detox programmes which can be beneficial for those who perhaps don’t have to time or money to commit to residential treatment.

Individual detoxes last around 7 to 10 days and are sometimes offered to those who need to enter rehab again due to a relapse.

Outpatient programmes tend to span 3 to 6 months but, again, can continue depending on the needs of the client.

A more accurate estimation of your programme length will be provided once you have completed your pre-admission assessment.

Rehab For Cocaine Addiction In Durham

Cocaine, often referred to as ‘coke’, is a powerful stimulant that it most commonly snorted as a white powder.

When consumed, cocaine gives the user a burst of energy and confidence.

These effects can be very addictive to some individuals causing them to want to use cocaine over and over again.

If left ignored, cocaine addiction can cause major health complications.

By entering a residential facility, you can gain access to bespoke treatment helping to improve the quality of your life and overcome all substance dependencies.

Rehab For Heroin Addiction In Durham

Heroin is a very powerful substance that is derived from the opium poppy.

Every year, heroin addiction claims many lives.

Consuming this substance is extremely dangerous as overdoses are common.

Once dependence and tolerance are formed it can be very difficult to overcome a heroin addiction.

Fortunately, Rehab 4 Alcoholism can help by referring you to the most suitable clinics in the Durham area.

Treatment for heroin addiction can help individuals stop using heroin entirely so that they can live happy, healthy lives.

Combined with therapy, heroin addiction treatment can allow you to begin long-term recovery.

Rehab For Cannabis Addiction In Durham

More and more people in the UK are attending rehab for cannabis addiction.

This is mainly due to a general acceptance and wide availability of cannabis.

The strength of certain cannabis strains can cause dangerous effects on the cognitive function of some individuals, causing them to feel  nauseous and agitated.

It can also cause some people to have a loss of bladder control.

If you, or someone you know, finds it incredibly difficult to go a day without taking cannabis it may be time to consider professional treatment via a residential facility.

Many people with cannabis addiction feel angry and anxious if they can’t gain access to their typical coping mechanisms.

Rehab can help by allowing you to discover the underlying issues relating to your consumption and assisting you in developing healthy coping mechanisms for life.

What Therapies Are Available At Rehab In Durham?

Therapy is an integral part of any rehab programme and helps clients discover the root of their addiction.

It can also be very beneficial in helping those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

The type of therapies prescribed to you will depend on the treatment and support staff believe you need.

Below is a list of typical physical and talking therapies on offer at rehab:

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

Creating Relapse Prevention Plans

Before your programme is complete, you will be given time to create a relapse prevention plan.

A relapse prevention plan is a document used to help clients avoid relapses once they return home.

Once created, they are shared with your support network and outpatient treatment team, forming a core part of your aftercare strategy.

Your relapse prevention plan will contain certain identifiable triggers and cravings, as well as the coping mechanisms which can help keep addictive behaviour at bay.

During your planning sessions, staff will also introduce you to helpful strategies such as HALT.

HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired.

It is a way to remember to check in with your basic needs before engaging in addictive tendencies.

HALT can remind you to take a step back and assess your situation before a relapse occurs.

Staff will also remain in contact with you for around 12 months to monitor your progress in sobriety.

Now Is the Perfect Time to Take Action

We understand the stress and hardship that your addiction is causing you and we want you to know that we are here to help. All drug and alcohol rehabs that we work with must be registered and audited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) so you are in safe hands. 

Today is the perfect time to take action that will change your life for the better.

Reach out to our team today to find out more about how we can help you get on the road to recovery by taking part in the first-rate alcohol and drug rehabs in Durham.

Rehab 4 Alcoholism also offers addiction support across the North East, including in Hartlepool, Sunderland, Darlington, Newcastle, Middlesborough, Stockton, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Beamish, Seaham, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Newton Aycliffe, Chester-le-Street, Peterlee, Stanhope, Sacriston, Sedgefield, Egglesburn, Ferryhill, Chilton, Shildon, Wolsingham, and many more other locations.