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This Page was last reviewed and changed on July 19th, 2023
Drug and alcohol rehab in Camden
Recovering from addiction starts with making good decisions. The first steps to recovery can be an emotional time, so getting support from the right people is crucial. With so many addiction treatments within London, it’s not always clear which rehab facility is right for you. To help you decide, we have created a rehab guide to drug addiction and alcohol addiction in the borough of Camden, so you can understand all your options and make an informed choice.
Frequently asked questions about rehab in Camden, London:
- Are rehabs open in London during the Coronavirus outbreak?
- Do free rehabs exist in London?
- How do I pay for rehab?
- Can I get funding through the NHS?
- Can you force someone to go to rehab?
- Which drug addictions can be treated in rehab?
- How long should I go to rehab for?
- Is rehab confidential?
- Can I visit a loved one during rehab?
What is rehab?
Rehab is the process of detox and holistic therapies to help those suffering through addictions, such as alcohol addiction (alcoholism), drug addiction or gambling, to recover in a protected and safe space. Our specialists can draw on their personal experiences and qualifications to help you through your journey to sobriety. Those experiencing addiction will receive help from our medical professionals, therapists, and even their peers at the centre, through group and private therapy sessions, in an attempt to end your addictive behaviours.
Rehab frequently includes an aftercare programme. This allows for further support and encouragement for those in recovery to remain sober, even after treatment is completed. Our UKAT patients also receive the added benefit of having automatic access to our Alumni community, but each clinic has its advantages.
Is rehab free?
Various free addiction treatment services are available that are funded by the NHS, accessed through self-referral. Treatments are formed by outpatient care, detox programmes and group counselling. There are some charities, such as Turning Point, that work with people suffering from addiction, despite their limited number of beds for residential care.
Free addiction treatment services in Camden
Finding substantial support in North London is important, and so we have included some options for free addiction treatment services within Camden:
AA meeting Camden
Address: Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 7HE
Contact number: 020 7428 1161
Web Address: https://www.arlington.org.uk/conference-facility
NA meeting Camden
Address: 184 Royal College Street London NW1 9NN
Contact number: 020 7485 2722
Web Address: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-and-alcohol-camden
Even though free services are readily available in Camden, they are not fast and have limited government funding. They also have limited residential (inpatient) spaces, which leaves outpatient treatment as the most feasible option. Free treatment can take weeks to finish, which may leave you or your loved one’s health at risk if you need immediate care.
Private treatment, such as UKAT, alternatively offers instant care and benefits, some of which include aftercare community projects, specialist programmes within the clinic of your choice and full-board lodging.
Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in Camden
There are many types of addiction treatments and rehab programmes readily available. They all have their benefits, depending on what type of quality of help you are looking for. For example, when seeking help with rehabilitation, you have the choice of outpatient programmes (also known as day rehab) which is commonly treated through the NHS, or inpatient (residential) rehab, which is widely found within private treatment clinics.
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab)
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab) is where you visit a clinic for treatment via scheduled appointments. During the span of your treatment, you will continue to stay at home, only visiting the clinic for your scheduled session.
- Flexibility – especially for those with children
- Remaining at home- regular routine
- Cheaper in comparison to private care
- Not ideal for those with severe addiction
- You may be referred to a clinic far from home
- Easily affected by life distractions
- Takes longer to complete
- Does not guarantee a safe space to stay during detox
- Does not guarantee a dedicated therapist
- Can’t share your experience with like-minded residents
Inpatient addiction treatment
Inpatient addiction treatment (residential rehab) is the process of staying within the rehabilitation premises for the duration of your treatment. This allows for constant care throughout your recovery process and, in turn, offers you stability. Private rehab facilities have the benefit of allowing you to break out of your habits of substance abuse in a comfortable and safe environment. Staying within the residential rehab also allows you plenty of time to reflect on all your options and enables you to focus your attention on recovering.
How does residential (inpatient) rehab work?
Researching which residential rehab can be a tricky experience, especially when looking for what is right for you. The good thing about seeking help with inpatient treatment facilities is the constant amount of guidance and support our medical team provides at all times.
Admissions
Admissions for free addiction treatment can be a long and tedious process. They start after you visit your GP and they assess your current situation. If they deem it appropriate, they will refer you to a specialist, where you will then have to wait for approval to begin treatment. This process can take up to a few weeks, leaving you waiting to hear back for an appointment.
Private treatment, however, can begin admissions from the moment you make a phone call. Within the first 24 hours of making your phone call, you will have your own personal on-suite facility ready. On arrival, you will be met by our licensed psychiatrist who will not only explore the best treatment options for you but answer any questions you may have and help you settle into the facility.
Every centre has its own rules, however, here is an overall guide to what you should take with you for treatment.
Advisory items to bring with you include:
- Toiletries
- Nightwear
- Exercise gear
- Comfortable clothes
- Outdoor clothes
- Medication
- Umbrella
- Pictures
- Mobile phone
- iPod or radio
- Laptop
Be aware that you may be advised to limit your laptop and mobile phone use during the duration of your stay; this is to increase your chances for recovery.
The following items are customarily not permitted:
- Illicit alcohol/ drugs
- Any form of weapon or dangerous object
- Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, needles, and razor blades
- Non-prescribed medication
- Aerosols or perfume
- Mouthwash with alcohol contents
Medical detox
Alcohol detox and drug detox allows your body to rid itself of any harmful substances you have ingested. It is imperative that this is done in a safe and controlled environment, allowing you to feel as comfortable as possible. If you have a high level of harmful substance in your bloodstream, such as alcohol, medication can be administered to slow down the process, giving your body time to adjust to the changing levels of alcohol and therefor reducing withdrawal symptoms.
This is known as a medical detox and may be recommended by our medical professionals in severe cases to help limit any discomfort.
Rehab programme
Picking the right alcohol or drug rehab programme within your local area of Camden, that caters to your needs, is important. There are different approaches to tackle addiction within a rehab programme. Some people prefer using a 12-step programme; others prefer a non-12-step programme. Some people feel they benefit from interaction and group therapy; others wish to have one-to-one therapy, improving using the help of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Sometimes it takes the advice from a therapist to find out what exactly is right for you.
Choosing the right programme
Deciding on the best programme can be a daunting and confusing experience. We understand that the right programme can be essential to your recovery. A competent rehab should consist of not only a mix of both private and group therapies but should also encompass an inclusive atmosphere in regards to each person’s personal and religious beliefs.
A rehab programme should also help support those handling any psychological issues, through dual diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis is the act of treating both an addiction and a mental health condition simultaneously, without hindering the progress of recovery. UKAT specialises in dual-diagnosis and we can provide individualised and constructive treatment.
It is important to check the rehab’s accreditation based on their Care Quality Commission’s ratings (how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the clinic is) by searching on their website. These ratings offer insight into how right a particular facility is to you. You can also check out our centres’ CQC scores all of which consist of ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ rating.
Family support programmes
Addiction, whether that be drug abuse, alcoholism, or any other coercion, can have overwhelming effects on the people closest to them. So, it is important that the families and loved ones of individuals suffering from addiction also receive sufficient support. A good centre will offer family workshops, providing a safe space for communication, so family members affected by their loved ones’ struggle have an open forum to talk, while being exposed to the recovery process and how much progress is being made.
How long does rehab last?
Ordinarily, rehab programmes can last anywhere between four to twelve weeks, although there is no exact length applicable to everyone. Our admissions teams have recognised that the longer someone is treated at our centre, the more likely they are to be able to remain sober, even after returning home.
We suggest booking a treatment programme eight weeks or longer to achieve maximum results, allowing the formation of friendships and adjusting to a new life without addictive substances.
The benefits of residential rehab
- Removing any temptations and life distractions
- On-hand medical specialists and support staff
- Opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded residents
- Luxurious/comfortable grounds to stay in during your detox
- Schedule and meals set up for you, allowing time to focus on recovery
- Immersive aftercare programme
What happens after rehab?
A considerable part of recovery is what happens after rehab. It can be both exhilarating and frightening leaving the luxury of the treatment centre. However, our support won’t stop there.
Aftercare programmes
The majority of residential rehabs do provide aftercare, ranging from ongoing group therapy, private therapy and support groups.
UKAT offers one-year free group therapy aftercare to all its residents who we feel will benefit from it after their treatment. You will also have access to our Alumni community, which brings people going through recovery together through planned events and activities, allowing the supportive connections made after rehabilitation treatment to continue.
Support groups
Support groups are another form of aftercare; they can be found within your local Camden area and are confidential groups which anyone can attend. They are free of charge and offer you a safe zone in which you can reach out to people who will support you throughout the rest of your journey. Examples of these groups are as follows; Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery.
Long term recovery from addiction
We know that recovery from substance abuse is not an easy achievement. You need time and patience, especially when putting yourself back into the normalcy of your daily routine. Being sensitive to the outside world, especially for those early into recovery, is a normal occurrence as various situations can be a trigger. At UKAT, we understand that long-term recovery means support throughout your journey, and we are here to do just that.
Frequently asked questions
Many private rehabilitation companies, including UKAT, accept BUPA insurance. However, be sure to check with your insurance company that your claim is covered.
The longer the length of stay in rehab the higher the success rate for staying sober, as you spend more quality time in therapy and in a sober environment, away from temptation.
Private rehabilitation is completely confidential and does not sit on your medical records.
Family support groups take place every week at each of our centres and anyone who has a close connection to the patient can join. Not all rehabilitation centres offer this option, so this needs to be checked on their website.