What Is Rehab?

About This Page

Rehab is a programme designed to assist drug and alcohol addicts on their journey to recovery. Rehab comes in different forms – there is inpatient rehab, which is residential. You will live in the clinic, and follow a programme that leads you to recovery.

Secondly, there is outpatient rehab. This is a type of rehab that is done whilst you still continue your daily life – you will have access to similar treatments and therapies. The type of rehab you will need may depend on the type of drug or alcohol addiction you have as well as the severity of it.

Whilst the term rehab may be daunting, the process is anything but that. You have access to a professional team, who supports and guides you throughout your journey. You are never alone. You are not imprisoned, and we highly encourage contact with friends and family during your treatment programme. It is a collaborative effort in order to get you sober.

What Is Rehab?

Types of Rehab

We have already briefly touched on this, however, if you are completely new to rehab, then you may want to learn a little more. There are many routes to go to drug and alcohol rehab. You may go through a GP, through a referral service such as ours at Rehab Clinics Group or directly to the rehab clinic. You can talk about treatment options, payment options and the best route for you personally.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab is where you will stay in a residential setting in a designated rehab clinic. The purpose of this is to remove you from the toxic environment you may have at home and focus heavily on improving physical and mental health. Only at inpatient rehab can you experience a 24/7 medical environment and professional alcohol or drug detox.

During inpatient rehab, you will stay until the end of your programme and will have access to good food, activities and support.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab works a little differently. You will not stay in any clinic during your time in rehab. The process may be slower, but outpatient rehab is less intensive in many ways.

You will most likely have access only to the psychotherapies and counselling sessions. This isn’t the same experience as an intensive detox. However, we will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your type of alcohol or drug addiction, and the severity of it.

  GET IN TOUCH

Rehab Clinics Group are leading UK based experts in alcohol rehabilitation treatment. Find out how we can help you recover and get your life on track by getting in touch with our friendly team today. You can either call our confidential helpline on 0800 470 0382 or request a call back by clicking on the below form.

Contact Us

 

The 3 Phases of Rehab

A typical rehab programme can be split up into three distinct phases. Each of the following phases is standard in almost every rehab programme available in the UK. The main differences between rehab programmes usually comes down to the therapies offered and aftercare.

 

Phase 1 – Detox

Detoxification is a process that helps you safely wean off the addictive substance by using different medical means. This process must be carried out under close medical supervision and with the help of support medication. If you try this yourself, it can cause a medical emergency. With the help of a medical team on hand, your detox process can be comfortable.

Detoxification will give you a physical and mental refresh. Not only does it give you a clearer outlook, but you will physically feel better. Any uncomfortable symptoms will be managed via prescription medicines if needed and further therapy.

During residential rehab, detoxification will be smooth running, and you will have your own place to relax and recuperate. You will have free time, and you will also have connections to the outside world. We recommend keeping in touch with friends and family during this time.

 

Phase 2 – Treatments & Therapies

The treatments available to you during rehab all coincide with better physical and mental health. Any prescription drugs taken will be in alignment with your health and non-addictive. This is important to note.

They are simply there to ease your transition into a healthier and happier future. After drug or alcohol detox, there are treatments that will assist you to work on the psychological elements of your addiction. You may have heard of some of these treatments, however, some may be new to you.

Our team will be with you constantly to help with any pressing questions. If you have any concerns about the available treatments, we will be able to talk you through everything.

Counselling is the most beneficial form of treatment because it helps you to tackle any deep-rooted mental traumas. It counteracts any past problems and gives you assistance in the present to deal with any worries or mental health issues. Some of the most common treatments that you will encounter in rehab will be:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Holistic therapies
  • Long-term follow-up aftercare to prevent relapse

These treatments will take place over weeks or months and will stretch to your time as an outpatient, once you finish your treatment plan as an inpatient. There are many options to consider, but these types of psychotherapies are the most efficient ways to get on top of your addiction and find an inner focus on your recovery.

There are other types of treatment available including medicines. However, we ensure any medications given are safe for you. You are always in the hands of medical professionals, so the atmosphere will feel incredibly secure. You will not be judged. You will not be forced. Simply, it is a combined effort to assist you on your journey to sobriety.

 

Phase 3 – Aftercare

Addiction is a process, and so is recovery. This is why an aftercare plan offers you the best chance of long-term recovery. You will have the tips and tricks you need now to evaluate and reshape your thoughts and values, attitudes and behaviours. You will be able to accept how you feel and use the tools to avoid a relapse. You are never alone.

However, relapses can occur, and this does not mean failure. It simply means a more intensive approach is once again needed. If you ever relapse, you will resume treatment with more gratitude and enthusiasm because you will have tasted what life is like without the addictive substance.

We will work with you to ensure you have the help and support you need after you leave the clinic.

You will gain access to more therapies and counselling sessions and interventions, if and when needed. You are never alone, and you have the power to ensure that you make your rehabilitation a success. You can start your journey today with us and find a new path in life. Contact us today by either calling us on 03301 596 494 or texting HELP to 83222 to start your recovery journey today.

Laura Smart - Author - Last updated: September 20, 2022

Laura is a qualified counsellor and behavioural therapist specialising in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), ICT (Inner Child Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), Hypnosis and Mindfulness practice. She has experience working with individuals suffering from conditions such as problem behaviours, internet and social media addictions, depression, anxiety, anger management and trauma.

Dr Alexander Lapa - Psychiatrist & Clinical Reviewer for Rehab Clinics Group

Dr Alexander Lapa - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: September 20, 2022

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

Dr Lapa graduated in Medicine in 2000 and since this time has accrued much experience working in the widest range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds in inpatient, community and secure settings. This has been aligned to continuation of professional development at postgraduate level in clinical research which has been very closely related to the everyday clinical practice conducted by this practitioner as a NHS and Private Psychiatrist.
He is fully indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Dr Lapa is approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (1983)

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures