We have treatment centres for alcohol rehab in Hertfordshire
Addiction actually alters the brain of the addict over time, making it extremely difficult for them to resist and put to a stop to their compulsive behaviour. If you or someone you know has a drug or alcohol addiction it is important that you find the right help as quickly as possible. If you are looking for drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Hertfordshire, we can help you find the treatment program that is best suited for you, giving you the best possible chance for a full recovery.
The Effects of Addiction
Because addiction tends to get worse over time, it is always best to seek help as soon as you can. Addiction causes a wide range of physical and psychological problems. It is possible for the addict’s entire personality to change, as the finding and taking of the addictive substance becomes their primary concern. This need can in turn lead to destructive behaviours and mindsets such as lying, selfishness, aggression and potentially even violence. These behaviours can negatively affect personal relationships, putting a great strain on romantic partners, family members, children and friends. In serious cases, if left unaddressed and unresolved, these relationships may breakdown as a result of addiction. If the user suffers from mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, then heavy drinking or drug abuse can seriously exacerbate these problems.
Concerning the physical effects of addiction, the risks do of course depend on the type of substance that is being abused. Common health problems related to substance addiction include but are by no means limited to liver disease, collapsed veins, strokes and heart attacks. Various forms of cancer, such as mouth cancer and bowel cancer, can be linked to substance abuse. There are also more immediate dangers such as alcohol poisoning and drug overdose, both of which are very serious and can in the worst cases result in instant death.
The longer a person is addicted to a harmful substance, the more likely it is that it will cause emotional or physical harm. This is why it is always best to address addiction as soon as possible. But, with that being said, it is never too late to seek help.
Addiction Treatment at Rehab
If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, an inpatient stay at a treatment centre may be your best option for recovery. There are other treatment options available through the NHS but, unfortunately, these are often underfunded and there can be lengthy waiting lists. Also, the majority of treatment programmes offered by the NHS are either community-based or outpatient. Such treatment services can be incredibly valuable, but if the case is serious and requires urgent care then it might not be the best route to take. Drug rehab clinics provide a good alternative, and they are known statistically to be one of the most efficient ways for addicts to overcome their substance dependencies.
There is no singular treatment plan that can guarantee a rapid and complete recovery. Every addict is different, and so there are different roads to recovery. The first part of a stay in a rehab centre will generally include a period of detoxification- known more commonly as a detox. This is the period in which your body ‘flushes out’ the toxic substances, in this case, whatever drug you are addicted to. The physical process of metabolization, the process by which the body actually gets rid of the drugs or alcohol, is perhaps surprisingly quick. The withdrawal symptoms that come after this detox, both physical and mental, can be much more prolonged. One of the main advantages of rehab centres is that they offer a safe environment in which to go through this process, as you have ready access to professional help and cannot obtain harmful substances as easily as you could if you were instead receiving outpatient care. This sort of treatment helps to make the detox much less difficult and painful.
Of course, flushing the toxins out is only the first step. Aimed at long term recovery, it is our goal to try and ensure that you are able to remain sober after leaving the centre. In order to fully overcome an addiction, a shift in lifestyle and thinking is needed. Following the detoxification, patients will undergo a range of therapies and holistic treatments intended to facilitate a more complete recovery. One example is cognitive behavioural therapy, a very useful type of therapy that aims to change the way patients approach their negative emotions. Other options- including psychotherapy, one on one counselling and group therapy- can allow patients to explore the root causes of their addictions and come to terms with these problems.
Rehab in Hertfordshire
The first and most important step in combatting an addiction is admitting that you have a problem. Unfortunately, this can also be the most difficult part of the journey. People struggling with addiction often find it hard to see that there is something wrong, or they find it painful to admit- both to others and themselves. If you are struggling with addiction and are ready to reach out for help, please do so. Get in touch via telephone and we will find a rehab centre and a treatment plan that is right for your needs.
If you are seeking help on behalf of a loved one we can also offer referrals for family and friends. We cannot treat anyone who does not wish to be treated, but we can offer guidance so that you can help them reach a point of acceptance. Once that vital step has been achieved, we can work towards beating that addiction.