Accepting when it is time to go to rehab
Anybody can be affected by alcohol or drug addiction and require rehab to get back on track. The way the condition affects a person can also vary depending on the individual – some people may drink heavy amounts all day long, or take drugs, and others may have an issue with binging (drinking around 6 units or more in a single session).
Spotting signs of an alcohol addiction can be much harder than a drug or substance addiction. Alcohol is considered a social activity and it can be difficult to determine the point at which an everyday activity becomes a consuming physical and psychological addiction.
If you suffer from alcoholism, alcohol dependence or any kind of substance addiction, it is likely that you will find it difficult to just go ‘cold turkey’ and eliminate these things instantly from your life.
This is when residential rehab should be considered as an option for moving forward that can help you in getting clean or sober without distractions to put you off track, with a helpful supportive team of therapists who can also tackle any underlying mental health or physical issues you may be experiencing.
Self-assessment: should I go to rehab?
Carry out the following self-assessment to see if your relationship with alcohol or drugs could be an addiction that requires rehab. Ask yourself the below questions, giving ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to each one in turn.
- Have you found yourself drinking more and more excessively and at unusual times of the day?
- Do you frequently take drugs and suffer withdrawl symptoms when you are not taking them such as nausea, tiredness, anxiety and confusion?
- Do you find that you have an increased tolerance to alcohol with no sign of hangover symptoms?
- Do you hide alcohol or drugs you may be taking from loved ones?
- Have you lost your job as a result of your drinking and/or drug use?
- Are your relationships under strain because of your alcohol and/or drug use?
- Has someone else ever mentioned that you might need rehab?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to three or more of these questions, it could be time for you to go to rehab to seek treatment.
When it’s time to go to rehab: what to expect
You are bound to feel nervous or anxious if you are seeking rehab treatment, especially if you are seeking in-patient residential care, in which you would live at the rehabilitation centre. Any rehab centre will typically do an initial assessment with you to see how they can help you.
You’ll typically discuss your drinking or drug habits in detail to determine the severity of your addiction. You’ll need to describe the symptoms you may be experiencing and whether you feel you may be suffering from underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, as your rehab centre will most likely offer you treatment for these conditions as part of your overall recovery programme.
You will usually be assigned a therapist who can give you 24/7 support and will talk you through your bespoke treatment plan. During your time in rehab, you will be working with a mix of therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and doctors who will all aid your journey to recovery.
Staff at the centre you choose to attend will make sure that you always feel safe, secure and healthy. Your treatment will typically include detox therapies and psychotherapy, so that you can change your attitude towards alcohol and drugs and end your habits for good.
You will find that rehab staff teams are deeply passionate and committed in supporting their clients at all times, with a sympathetic and positive approach to getting you back on track with life. You can also ensure that they will exercise discretion at all times, as treatment for drug and alcohol abuse can be challenging.
For rehabilitation to to work, you must ultimately want to become sober and/or clean, and successful treatment will depend on your determination.
This is why you should consider rehab very carefully and with the support of friends and family behind you, so that you know it is the right time to make that change. Private rehab care in the UK can be very expensive, and, depending on your needs, can cost up to £1,000 per day.
If you need to spend a month away for example, this can prove very costly, so it is important that you are ready to make such a big life commitment. You should also consider family and work commitments. Rehab can sometimes involve being away for weeks at a time, depending on the programme and treatment you are undertaking, so be sure that you have the time to take for yourself and that your place of work is understanding to give you the time off so you can plan your rehab stay carefully.
Self-help
You don’t have to wait until you reach rehab to start making positive changes that can help you with your recovery. If you can, try to slowly decrease the amount you are drinking or the amount of drugs you are taking before checking in to rehab.
Focus on healing your body and mind with holistic practices such as meditation, which help you to curb your cravings for drink or drugs. Counselling or yoga can also help you to re-focus on relaxation and recuperation.
Try eating more cleanly, taking a hot bath, going for a massage or beauty therapy, or doing something that makes you feel good that can take your mind off of alcohol or drugs. Exercise is also a good mood-booster than can help satisfy your cravings when they arise. Most of all, seek support from friends and family.
Call us now for free advice on addictions, drug or alcohol abuse on 03301 596 494.