Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a population of upwards of 600,000 people, and the increasing prevalence of excessive alcohol and drug use has caused policy decision-makers in the government to initiate a course of action in response to this worrying trend.

Recent government findings revealed that 10% of the population drink alcohol every day, whilst 5% of the population consume alcohol 5-6 days every week.

According to EU statistics, Luxembourg has the 3^rd highest rate of heavy episodic drinking in the EU, with 34% of the population drinking heavily on at least one occasion a month.

There is also a concern about the rising number of people using drugs at harmful levels, over 5 per 1,000 people between 15-64 are assessed as being high-risk users of drugs.

A 2020 report revealed that there are 1,700 high-risk opioid users in Luxembourg with figures indicating a concerning upward trend for heroin use that needs to be contained before it overburdens the country’s healthcare services. (3,5,11)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a serious and chronic condition in which drinkers are unable to control their drinking behaviour, which has slowly escalated to the point where their physical and mental health has been seriously compromised.

People addicted to alcohol will become physically and psychologically reliant on alcohol.

Heavy drinkers will find that their tolerance to alcohol has increased dramatically, and they will suffer negative symptoms when they stop drinking for several days including low mood, headaches and insomnia.

As many people drink alcohol to relax and unwind they have become psychologically dependent on alcohol and will experience stress and anxiety when they stop drinking alcohol, as their body has adapted to functioning efficiently with alcohol present.

Other main characteristics of alcohol addiction include giving up on social and community activities that were once pleasurable and neglecting important daily commitments related to work and family.

Anyone who knows that they are causing harm to themselves with their alcohol consumption but is unable to stop should seek professional help as this is a strong indicator of alcohol addiction. (2,19)

What is Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg?

Rehab involves following a programme of specially prepared pharmacological and psychological interventions used to treat the physical and psychological dependence associated with an addictive disorder.

Detox treatment will help clients to lower the amount of alcohol in their system and help them regain their full physical health, particularly their liver function, and psychological therapies will enable clients to manage their thoughts and emotions both of which cause psychological distress and dysfunctional behaviour.

As well as receiving psychological therapies rehab will enable clients to gain new skills, they will learn cognitive skills to manage their thought processes, become more assertive and improve their communication skills when interacting with others.

Rehab also entails enhancing clients’ personal, social and spiritual development and helping them grow into the person they hoped that they would be before their substance use. (2,19)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

Steps before Rehab: Intervention Services

Families of people who drink and take drugs to excess can draw on the expertise of intervention services to receive emotional and practical support, and to design strategies to help them encourage their loved ones onto an addiction treatment programme.

CRAFT is a commonly used approach adopted by intervention services as it uses the family members of the substance user to implement the strategy designed by behavioural psychologists.

Relatives are trained by intervention practitioners to act in certain ways towards the targeted person during their conversations and interactions in a bid to influence their behaviour.

For the intervention to work, family members must adhere to the instructions given to them during training as the premise behind the theory is for relatives to punish any substance-taking behaviour exhibited by the substance user they live with and reward abstinent behaviour.

For example, relatives will refuse to talk to the substance user if it is clear they have been taking consuming drugs/alcohol. (13)

How Much Does Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg Cost?

Addiction treatment is expensive in Luxembourg and a significant amount of private finance is needed to meet the treatment costs which for a stay of one month in a residential setting can cost between £15,000-£20,000, or more depending on the quality and reputation of the treatment provider.

It is important for people seeking addiction rehab to investigate all financial avenues at their disposal that they can draw on to help fund their residential treatment.

Is Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg on the NHS?

UK residents are not covered for addiction treatment in Luxembourg if they possess a European Health Insurance Card or Global Health Insurance, as this arrangement does not cover planned visits.

These arrangements are for people who fall ill while visiting Luxembourg and suffer a sudden medical emergency and require urgent treatment.

There is a possible S2 (Planned treatment route) for UK citizens to consider if they are seeking addiction treatment in Luxembourg, but this depends on the nature of the arrangement between the NHS and Luxembourg healthcare services, and there are a range of criteria that need to be met before this option can proceed.

There may be some extra cost involved however and permission must be obtained by the NHS first. It would be wise to discuss this matter with your GP if you are considering this as an option. (16,17)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

State-funded Addiction Treatment in Luxembourg

Over the last 30 years, Luxembourg has adopted a community-based approach to treating mental health, so the majority of drug and alcohol-related treatments are initially carried out on an outpatient basis.

This treatment is covered by state-funded contributions along with assistance from private healthcare providers.

Luxembourg has a comprehensive healthcare system, and all its residents have compulsory state health insurance to help them receive a range of interventions for mental conditions, including addiction.

Around two-thirds of the population of Luxembourg also have their own private health insurance just in case their treatment costs need extra contributions.

State-funded healthcare pays for visits to the GP and psychiatric services on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Most patients will receive free outpatient treatment when they first start treatment, and there are first-class medical and psychological interventions available.

Anyone requiring inpatient (residential) treatment for more severe addictions that need special care will need to be referred to specialist services by a GP where their case will be reviewed. (3,5,11)

State-funded Treatment vs. Private Addiction Treatment in Luxembourg

State-funded treatment

Offers a reliable, first-class service that uses current up-to-date research and practices as the Luxembourg government heavily invests in mental health services for its citizens.

The treatment is covered by the state from its citizen’ healthcare insurance contributions.

The treatment will be on an outpatient basis initially and a referral is required for residential treatment.

Private treatment

Self-funding clients can begin inpatient treatment immediately without requiring a referral from a GP.

Private clients can dictate the terms of their treatment and have greater choices available to them, including where they stay, how long they choose to spend in rehab and which psychological therapies they will have.

Significant private finances mean clients can take advantage of extra services and resources to make their stay more comfortable and enhance their recovery such as special diets, leisure activities and a private room.

How Long Does Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg Last?

Clients usually spend 28 days in rehab for substance use disorders, it is possible to stay for longer, and research has indicated that the longer clients spend in residential rehab the greater their chances of recovery.

However, not everyone has the time or financial resources to spend more than one month in drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg.

During the 4 weeks, clients will engage in several therapies and workshops to alter their mental state and help them stop the negative, habitual psychological processes their body and mind have developed since their addiction took over.

Clients who have been diagnosed with a severe physical dependence on alcohol or opioid drugs such as heroin may be required to remain in treatment for an extra 1-2 weeks for detoxification treatment, as it will take longer for the toxic chemicals associated with alcohol and opioid dependence to be removed from their bodies.

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment in Luxembourg

Inpatient rehab takes place in a residential setting where clients will spend at least one month, possibly more receiving pharmacological and psychological treatments to help their addiction.

Spending time in residential rehab means inpatients are protected from any negative influences that may trigger their substance use, and they can put all of their efforts into engaging in intense one-to-one and group therapy sessions to aid their recovery.

There is also 24/7 care and support at hand for them should they suffer any minor psychological crisis during their time in drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg.

Inpatient rehab is more expensive and is probably an essential form of treatment for those who have been assessed as having a high relapse risk or have relapsed several times before when following outpatient treatment programmes.

Outpatient services offer similar treatments but are less intense overall, but clients can still live at home whilst on outpatient programmes, although this is probably not ideal for clients from chaotic home environments who would prefer to be kept shielded from any toxic influences. (3,12)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

Alcohol Detox & Rehab in Luxembourg

There are several clinics in Luxembourg that provide reliable alcohol detox and rehab treatment programmes.

Alcohol is a very dangerous drug to give up as the withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and life-threatening, so expert medical care is available at all times during the 7-10 day detox period to help us remove alcohol safely from patients’ bodies.

The substitute drug used by our medical team during alcohol detox treatment is Librium which has been scientifically proven to drastically reduce any threat that patients undergoing detox will have seizures after they stop consuming alcohol.

Other symptoms such as anxiety, nausea and headaches will also be controlled during this period so it does not cause too much discomfort to patients.

Our expert psychological therapists will then guide clients through their alcohol counselling programme which will contain interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, motivational interviewing, group therapy and engagement in 12-step work. (2,15)

Rehab for Cocaine Dependence in Luxembourg

Rehab institutions in Luxembourg offer clients the opportunity to receive addiction treatment in a supportive and safe environment with the health of the client as their overriding priority.

Initially, all clients will undergo a thorough health check including a psychiatric assessment and be carefully observed during the early phase of their withdrawal from the drug to ensure any physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms do not cause clients too much distress.

For the psychological element of the treatment programme, interventions such as CBT and contingency management have been efficient in helping patients give up cocaine.

CBT will help to change any irrational beliefs patients have about their cocaine use, and contingency management uses a reward-based system to offer clients incentives for being able to cease their cocaine use. (2,18)

Rehab for Heroin Dependence in Luxembourg

Rehab treatment for heroin dependence encompasses three distinct areas of treatment, all of which are equally important to help people stop taking heroin, which has a very high relapse rate.

Clients initially entering drug and alcohol rehabin Luxembourg clinics will begin with detox treatment which uses substitute drugs such as Buprenorphine or methadone to reduce clients’ physical dependence over several weeks.

After detox treatment is over clients can simultaneously work on the psychological aspect of their addiction by engaging in several therapies such as group therapy, CBT and motivational interviewing and learning relapse prevention skills to stop them from relapsing when faced with highly stressful situations. (15,19)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

Rehab for Cannabis Dependence in Luxembourg

Even though cannabis is considered a mild drug, some forms may contain high levels of THC which is a powerful psychoactive substance, therefore excessive cannabis use can cause psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia as well as depression, anxiety and anger.

Therefore, our rehab centres will carefully observe clients’ mental health during the early part of their admission to treatment to make sure they have an up-to-date mental health diagnosis and appropriate treatment if required.

There are generally no severe physical withdrawal symptoms when stopping heroin consumption after prolonged use, however, our medical teams will be on hand with symptom management guidance if any symptoms become uncomfortable.

There will also be a programme of psychological therapies to help clients tackle the emotional aspects of their lives that led to them needing to consume cannabis to become relaxed and deal with stress.

This will include individual and group sessions and the 12-step approach to addiction treatment derived from AA’s core recovery principle. (2,15)

Types of Psychological Therapies Available in Luxembourg

The alcohol rehab centres we work with in Luxembourg use many psychological interventions that have proven to be effective in working with an addictive disorder.

• These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) which helps patients identify and adjust any maladaptive thought patterns that may cause them a great deal of anxiety and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) which teaches clients to possess greater control over how they respond to circumstances that generate strong emotions. (4,9)
• Individual drug and alcohol counselling sessions can be helpful in enabling people to process and come to terms with how stressful and traumatic experiences in their lives led them to excessive substance use. (10,20)
• Co-dependency treatment is offered by our Luxembourg rehab clinics as there is a strong correlation between co-dependency and substance use, so we employ experts with significant experience in working with co-dependent behaviour in our rehab programmes. (1)
• Brief interventions are a very powerful strategy if used correctly as clients are presented with stark scientific facts about the health implications of their alcohol use and asked to express their feelings about these health implications. (7)
• Motivational Interviewing helps to keep clients motivated and focused on their treatment schedule and the therapist will help them identify and remove any psychological barriers to treatment. (14)
• All effective addiction programmes feature group therapy sessions as this has been acknowledged as playing a key role in recovery. Being able to share your feelings and experiences about your life and your substance use with your peers with who you share common ground has huge therapeutic value. (10)
• Family therapy can also be very beneficial for allowing healing to take place although it may not always be assessed as being suitable for some clients depending on the nature of their family dynamics. However, family therapy can help its members come to terms with unresolved emotions and help them move away from the dysfunctional ways they relate to each other. (21)
• Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy has been modified from the 12-step AA model into a therapeutic programme in which clients can work through several reflective challenges in groups or individually with a therapist. (10)

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies have grown in popularity in recent times and a strong body of research reinforces how effective they are for helping people with substance use disorders.

Holistic therapies offer something different from more conventional psychological therapies such as CBT and DBT. These holistic methods have been well researched and the findings obtained show a lot of encouragement, so they will likely become a regular mainstay in current and future addiction treatment programmes. (20)

Music and Art therapists go through rigorous academic training and are registered with professional mental health organisations, and equine therapy and adventure therapy have both yielded positive outcomes for many clients.

The Importance of Dual Diagnosis for Co-occurring Disorders in Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg

Specialist rehab centres in Luxembourg make special provisions for dual-diagnosis patients during their time in rehab to ensure they get the best possible treatment that addresses both their substance use disorder and their co-existing mental health condition.

Experienced practitioners who understand the nature and complications of both addiction and mental health devise a programme that treats both conditions simultaneously, as this has been proven to be more effective than treating each condition separately or focusing on one at a time.

Our rehab team also monitor all clients in case some of them are exhibiting symptoms of a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or schizophrenia that they have not been officially diagnosed with.

Anyone displaying symptoms indicating a mental health condition will be sent for an assessment without delay so that their treatment plan can be updated. (22)

How Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg Helps with Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention workshops form an integral part of all drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg These workshops are designed to pass on key psychological skills to clients to help them maintain the progress they have made during rehab.

Self-awareness is an important part of relapse prevention training as clients are asked to reflect on the situations in which they feel they are more inclined to resort to substance use.

This could be in social situations, or when they are experiencing certain physical states such as hunger, or emotions such as anger and sadness, and these are considered high-risk scenarios.

The next steps involve teaching clients important techniques they can use when these situations occur, part of this may involve teaching drug-refusal skills and helping clients to become more assertive so they are not so easily swayed.

Continuously rehearsing these strategies prepares clients to utilise them in the future when high-risk situations arise. (10,15)

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

Aftercare & Support Services once Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Luxembourg has been Completed

Support Groups

Support groups such as AA and Narcotics anonymous run weekly meetings in Luxembourg and there are also meetings for English-speaking people to attend if they so wish.

There are also online meetings in English offered by both the AA and NA to enable clients in recovery to continue their work and strengthen their connection with their peers. (6,8)

There are also groups and organisations that offer support for children and family members of individuals recovering from drug and alcohol misuse.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery offer online workshops that deliver CBT-based skills training to help clients deal with negative thoughts, difficult emotions and strong cravings.

Their courses offer regular sessions to help people practice the skills needed to maintain recovery and avoid relapsing. Their online platform enables clients to engage in these courses regardless of their location.

Specialist organisations

There are several organisations throughout Luxembourg that provide expert care and support for people recovering from substance use, the government in Luxembourg have invested a lot of money in helping people recover from addiction so there is no shortage of help available.

There are even organisations that support children who have a parent with an alcohol or drug dependence.

Get Help Today

To discuss your options for drug and alcohol rehab in Luxembourg, please contact our dedicated team today at 0800 111 4108 from the UK.

References

(1) Beattie, M. (1992) Co-dependent No More. Hazeldean. Minnesota.

(2) Coombs, R.H. (ed) (2004) Handbook of Addictive Disorders: A practical guide to diagnosis and treatment. John Wiley & sons. New Jersey.

(3) Cambridge University Press (2021) Mental Health services in Luxembourg. available@ Mental health services in Luxembourg: an overview | BJPsych International | Cambridge Core

(4) Dimeff, L., Linehan, M. (2008) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Substance Abusers. Addiction Science and Clinical Practice. June 2008.

(5) Expatica (2022) Mental Health in Luxembourg. available@Mental health in Luxembourg | Expatica

(6) Hagopian, S. et al (2014) A Digital Future: How Technology Is Changing Addiction Recovery in Herie, A. & Skinner, W. (ed) (2014) Fundamentals of Addiction: A Practical Guide for Counsellors. CAMH. Canada.

(7) Hodgson, R. (2003) Brief Interventions, Brier Interactions in Peterson, T. & McBride, A. (ed) Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice London. Routledge.

(8) Kelly, J., Humphreys, K. and Yeterian, J, (2014) Mutual Help Groups In Herie, M. & Skinner, W. (ed) Fundamentals of Addiction: A Practical Guide for Counsellors. CAMH. Canada.

(9) Kennerley, H., Kirk, J., Westbrook, D. (2015) An Introduction to CBT: Skill and Applications. SAGE Publications.

(10) Lewis, J, Dana, R., Blevins, G. (2002) Substance abuse counselling. Brooks Cole, London.

(11) Luxembourg Times (2021) Help with addiction. available@Help with addiction (luxtimes.lu)

(12) McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D.R., Dougherty, R., Daniels, A., Ghose, S., Delphin-Rittmon. M. (2014) Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programmes: Assessing the Evidence. Psychiatric Services June 1: 65(6) 718-726 available online@Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence (nih.gov)

(13) Meyers, R., Smith, J.E., Serna, B., Belon, K. (2013) Community Reinforcement Approaches CRA and CRAFT in Miller, P. (ed) Interventions of Addictions: Comprehensive Behaviours and Disorders. Vol 3 2013.

(14) Miller, W., Rose, G. (2009) Towards a theory of motivational interviewing. American Psychologist. Vol 64 No 6 p527-537.

(15) Moss, A, Dyer, K (2010) The Psychology of Addictive Behaviour. Palgrave McMillan. New York.

(16) National Health Service (2022) Going Abroad for medical treatment. available@Going abroad for medical treatment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

(17) National Health Service (2022) The S2 Funding route. available@The S2 funding route – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

(18) Petry, N. (2011) Contingency Management: What it is and why psychiatrists should want to use it The Psychiatrist. May 35 (5) p161-163.

(19) Rassool, G.H. (2011) Understanding Addictive Behaviours. Palgrave MacMillan. New York.

(20) Rothschild, B. (2000) The body remembers: The psychophysiology of trauma and trauma treatment. WW Norton & Company. London.

(21) Tavistock and Portman NHS (2022) Family Therapy. available@Family therapy (tavistockandportman.nhs.uk).

(22) Tsanos, A. (2014) Concurrent Disorders in Herie, A. & Skinner, W. (ed) Fundamentals of Addiction:   A Practical Guide for Counsellors. CAMH. Canada.