Last Updated:

August 25th, 2025

Long-term support for lifelong recovery

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab treatment, in many ways, that’s when the real work, and often real challenges, begin. At UKAT, we understand that lasting change takes time, consistency, and ongoing support. That’s why we’ve expanded our services through Providence Projects, strengthening our ability to provide extended care for those who need it.

Our comprehensive pathway offers a seamless continuum of support, from detox and primary residential treatment to structured secondary care, sober living housing, and long-term alumni connections. This ensures every individual can access the right level of care at the right time with UKAT, allowing you to stay focused, stay connected, and stay sober for the long haul.

Primary Care at UKAT

Primary care is the foundation of recovery at UKAT, marking the first vital stage in a person’s journey towards lasting change. Delivered across our nationwide network of CQC-registered rehab centres, it combines medical expertise, structured therapy, and a supportive residential environment. This stage focuses on stabilising health, addressing the root causes of addiction, and building the skills needed for long-term sobriety.

What Do We Mean by Primary Care?

In the context of addiction treatment, primary care refers to the intensive, residential phase where clients receive round-the-clock care and therapeutic intervention. The aim within these first stages is to stabilise both physical and mental health, create a safe distance from harmful environments, and begin addressing the underlying factors driving addictive behaviours.

Our primary care programmes include:

Detox

For those who require it, detox is a critical first step. This process is overseen by experienced medical professionals who manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively, helping clients feel as comfortable as possible. Round-the-clock monitoring ensures both physical safety and peace of mind, paving the way for therapeutic engagement once stability is achieved.

Therapeutic programme

Beyond physical health, recovery demands a deep focus on mental and emotional wellbeing. Our evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), 12-step programme, group therapy, and one-to-one counselling, provide the tools to challenge destructive thought patterns and behaviours. Holistic therapy is also available throughout UKAT centres, ranging from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and creative arts, and encourages self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.

Personalised care plans

No two journeys to recovery are alike. From the first assessment, our clinical and therapeutic teams collaborate to create a tailored treatment plan that reflects each individual’s unique history, challenges, and goals. This approach ensures that every element of treatment is targeted, meaningful, and geared towards sustainable recovery.

A structured, supportive environment is essential for breaking old habits and building a strong foundation for lasting change, especially at the start of your recovery journey. At UKAT’s centres, you’ll find a safe, substance-free space with round-the-clock guidance, giving you the focus and stability needed to take your first steps into sobriety. As your confidence grows, this initial stage of recovery can seamlessly progress into secondary care, where you’ll continue developing the skills and resilience needed for life beyond residential treatment.

Secondary Care at UKAT

Where primary care provides the foundation, secondary care is where recovery is strengthened, tested, and applied to real life. This stage is designed for those who have completed an initial rehab programme and are ready to transition towards greater independence while still receiving professional guidance and support.

What Do We Mean by Secondary Care?

Secondary care in addiction recovery refers to a transitional stage between intensive residential treatment and complete independence. It focuses on relapse prevention, real-world application of coping skills, and ongoing emotional and social support. The aim is to ensure that the progress made in primary care is maintained and strengthened during the gradual reintegration into everyday life.

At UKAT, our secondary care programme include:

Extended therapeutic support

Clients continue to engage in therapy, but with a stronger emphasis on applying the tools they have learned in real-world scenarios. Group sessions, one-to-one counselling, and workshops on topics like stress management, emotional regulation, and coping strategies help reinforce recovery skills.

Relapse prevention planning

A key goal of secondary care is to ensure clients leave with a robust and personalised relapse prevention plan. This includes recognising triggers, developing healthy routines, building support networks, and knowing what steps to take should challenges arise.

Life skills and reintegration

Clients are supported in developing practical skills needed for independent living, such as budgeting, healthy cooking, job preparation, and time management.

Flexible, supportive environment

This stage offers a more flexible living arrangement than primary care, but with ongoing support from addiction professionals. Clients live in dedicated sober housing, allowing them to experience increased freedom while still benefiting from a structured and supportive network.

UKAT’s secondary care services are delivered at The Providence Projects in Bournemouth, a centre dedicated to extended care and relapse prevention. Here, clients benefit from a supportive community, tailored programmes, and a safe environment that bridges the gap between residential treatment and full independence.

The next step: Sober Living

Sober living represents a crucial transition from structured secondary care to greater independence, offering a supportive yet flexible environment where clients can apply their recovery skills in everyday life. This stage acknowledges that while the most intensive phases of treatment may be behind you, recovery is an ongoing journey that requires continued guidance, stability, and community connection.

At UKAT’s Providence Projects, sober living is designed to provide exactly that: an environment where you can confidently rebuild your life, supported by professionals who understand the challenges ahead and are ready to help you navigate them.

Key components of our sober living programme include:

Support with local housing providers: We work closely with local housing organisations to help you find stable, safe accommodation that suits your individual needs. Navigating the housing market in recovery can be daunting, so our team is here to make the process smoother and less stressful.
Safe, sober accommodation: Where available, we offer dedicated sober housing options, providing a substance-free environment critical to maintaining sobriety. Many clients qualify for housing benefits, reducing financial pressures during this delicate stage.
Individualised aftercare outpatient plans: Every client receives a tailored aftercare plan designed to meet their unique recovery goals and circumstances. These plans incorporate ongoing therapeutic support, relapse prevention strategies, and practical guidance to support your long-term success.
Continued support for as long as needed: Recovery is not a race but a lifelong commitment. At Providence, we remain invested in your wellbeing, offering ongoing support, check-ins, and access to resources whenever you need them.
Optional ongoing one-to-one counselling: For those seeking additional personalised support, one-to-one counselling sessions are available. They provide a confidential and focused space to work through challenges, celebrate milestones, and maintain motivation.

Sober living at Providence Projects is more than just a place to stay, it’s a vital stepping stone that empowers you to regain control of your life, build confidence in your recovery, and develop the resilience to face real-world challenges head-on. With the right balance of freedom and professional support, this stage lays the groundwork for sustained sobriety and meaningful reintegration into society.

Aftercare & Our Alumni Network

Leaving structured treatment is a major milestone, and one anyone should be proud of, but it’s only one part of the overall recovery journey. Aftercare is the essential next step that helps you maintain the progress you’ve made, manage life’s challenges, and build a fulfilling, sober future. At UKAT, aftercare is a personalised programme designed to provide continued professional support tailored to your individual needs.

This ongoing support may include outpatient therapy sessions, relapse prevention check-ins, group workshops, and practical guidance on maintaining healthy routines. Aftercare is to keep you equipped with the tools and strategies needed to navigate everyday life without relapse.

To complement this professional care, UKAT offers access to our Alumni Network upon completion of any residential programme with us. This is a vibrant and supportive community of people who have experienced recovery firsthand. Being part of the alumni network means staying connected to others who understand your journey, sharing experiences, and drawing strength from a collective commitment to sobriety.

The network offers:

Regular meetings and social events, both virtual and face-to-face
Peer mentorship and support
Educational workshops on wellness, coping skills, and personal development
Opportunities to give back by helping others starting their recovery

Together, aftercare and the alumni network form a comprehensive safety net, empowering you to face life confidently and sustain long-term recovery well beyond your time in any UKAT rehab programme.

Stage of Care	Setting	Core Focus	Recommended Duration	Ideal For	Key Benefits
Primary Care	Residential Rehab	Medical detox, intensive therapy, relapse prevention	28-42 days	Those beginning recovery needing safe detox and structured support	24/7 monitoring, personalised treatment, therapeutic engagement
Secondary Care	Supported Residential + Outpatient Treatment	Continued therapy, life skills, relapse prevention	4-24 weeks (Dependant on the individual and what stage they are at)	Clients transitioning from rehab needing ongoing support	Flexible out of treatment structure, life skills coaching, community reintegration
Sober Living	Supported Residential	Independent living with peer support and accountability	Flexible	Individuals ready for greater independence but needing structure	Safe sober environment, peer support, routine building, ongoing guidance
Aftercare + Alumni	Community and Online	Long-term connection, ongoing peer and professional support	Lifelong	Those who have completed a treatment programme with UKAT and want to benefit from ongoing community support	Events, workshops, mentoring, relapse prevention, lifelong connection

From The First Step to Long-Term Recovery

Recovery may begin with a single step, but it truly flourishes with carefully structured guidance, starting with the secure foundation of primary care, advancing through the strengthening phase of secondary care, and moving into the real-world practice of sober living.

At UKAT, we offer multiple levels of support tailored to wherever you are on your recovery journey. With us, you’re not just choosing rehab; you’re choosing a lifelong partnership dedicated to your sustained recovery and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete every stage of the recovery pathway?

No. While progressing through all stages is ideal for many, we tailor each client’s journey based on their individual needs, history, and readiness. Some may find they feel stable and ready to re-enter their routines right after their primary rehab programme, while others find they would benefit from having more support to ease them back in, by benefiting from our secondary care programme.

How soon can I start secondary care after completing primary treatment?

Many clients move into secondary care immediately or shortly after finishing their primary treatment, depending on individual readiness and logistics. Our team does its best to coordinate and create a seamless transition, so you maintain momentum in your recovery journey without unnecessary gaps.

How long does the full recovery pathway take from start to finish?

Recovery timelines vary widely depending on individual circumstances. Primary care often lasts 4–8 weeks, followed by secondary care which can range from weeks to months, all depending on your individual wants and needs. Aftercare support continues as long as needed, often indefinitely.

Can I join the programme at any stage, or do I have to start with primary care?

To be eligible for our secondary care programme, you must have completed a minimum of four weeks in a residential rehab and, if required, finished your detox. This ensures that all clients begin this stage with the same foundation, allowing for greater freedom and independence in recovery. At UKAT, we guide you through every step of the process and can provide you with primary care at our nine CQC- registered centres across the UK.

Is aftercare included in the overall cost of treatment at UKAT?

Aftercare is an essential part of our recovery philosophy. While the majority of aftercare services are included, others may require additional arrangements depending on individual needs. Our admissions team will clarify this during your treatment planning.