A guide to drug and alcohol rehab near Hillingdon, London

Every good rehab should also include an aftercare service that helps to maintain a meaningful life free from the use of addictive substances. Every clinic carries its own aftercare benefits, and at UKAT we offer access to our Alumni network so that you can continue to build a supportive network of like-minded people once your treatment has ended.

Is rehab free?

Some free addiction services are NHS funded and provide an alternative to treatment at a private clinic. Charities such as Turning Point offer a small number of beds for residential care, but the vast majority of free treatment takes the form of outpatient care, group counselling and, in severe cases, detox programmes. All free services are accessible through self-referral.

Some private treatment centres offer a choice of both inpatient and outpatient programmes that are available quickly and conveniently, whereas free treatment services often take a few weeks to access. There is limited funding available for addiction treatment, so residential spaces are difficult to get hold of. This leaves outpatient services as the main free treatment option.

Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes near Hillingdon

Hillingdon has access to a range of local treatment options, including both private and free programmes. Most NHS funded treatments are on an outpatient or day rehab basis, whereas private rehab centres offer a range of inpatient (residential) programmes.

Admissions

A referral from your GP is the first step toward accessing free treatment. Once your GP has assessed your situation, they will forward your case to a specialist who can offer a range of treatment options. Unfortunately, this process can be slow, and you will often be left waiting for a few weeks before an appointment is scheduled. Because the delay can put you or your loved ones at further risk from the dangers of addiction, private treatment provides a valuable alternative. Within 24 hours of contacting a private clinic, you can be set up in a specialised facility where a licensed psychiatrist will be available to explain your treatment options and answer any questions about the rehab process.

Each rehab centre operates with its own rules, but this is a list of essential items that you should bring with you for your treatment:

Medical detox

Drug and alcohol detox describe the time and safe space provided by rehabilitation centres to give your body time to rid itself of harmful substances. If you have become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, then a medical professional may suggest the need for detox medication to gradually wean you off the addictive substance. This is known as a medically-assisted detox. A sudden decrease in the volume of an addictive substance in the bloodstream can cause a shock to the body that is lethal in severe cases. For this reason, it is recommended that detox is completed in a residential setting where staff are on-hand to accurately assess withdrawal symptoms and health complications. A specialised treatment centre can safely and comfortably provide the best environment for detox.

Rehab programme

12-step programmes, one-to-one-therapy, group therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are all examples of recovery approaches offered as part of rehab. They are all treatment options with a unique range of benefits.

The benefits of residential rehab

• Removing you from any temptations and life distractions
• On-hand medical specialists and support staff
• Opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded residents
• Luxurious and comfortable grounds to stay in during your detox
• Schedule and meals set up for you, giving you time to focus on recovery
• Immersive aftercare programme

What happens after rehab?

Because the process of recovery will continue long after you have left the rehab clinic it’s important that you have access to aftercare, which will be an invaluable tool during the recovery journey.