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This Page was last reviewed and changed on July 29th, 2022
A guide to drug and alcohol rehab in Croydon, London
Addiction recovery can be a trying and long process, so getting the right support can make a world of difference. It is not always easy to find a facility that is right for you, especially with different options for addiction treatment in London available. To help you decide, we have constructed a rehab guide for alcohol addiction and drug addiction in Croydon.
Frequently asked questions about rehab in Croydon, 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?
Rehabilitation is a process where medical specialists can help anyone who is suffering through various addictions, such as alcohol addiction (alcoholism), drug addiction or gambling, through detox and holistic therapy. Medical detox may also be recommended.
Our specialists can draw on their qualifications and their own experiences to help you on your journey to sobriety. To help you end your addictive behaviours, you will receive help from therapists, medical professionals and other residents through group and private therapy sessions.
Rehab also includes aftercare programmes to give you constant support and inspire you to remain sober throughout your recovery process after you have completed treatment. At UKAT, you will also receive the added benefit of having automatic access to our Alumni community, but each clinic has its advantages.
Is rehab free?
There are a few free addiction treatment services available which are funded by the NHS. They are mainly accessed through self-referral and the treatments consist of outpatient care, detox programmes and group counselling. There are also charities who work with people suffering from addiction; an example of this is Turning Point, which has a limited number of beds for residential care.
Free addiction treatment services in Croydon
Discovering substantial support in South London is essential. Below are some options for free addiction treatment services within Croydon:
Turning Point
Address: Lantern Hall, 190 Church Road, Croydon, CR0 1SH
Number: 0300 123 9288
Web Address: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-croydon
AA meetings in Croydon
Several meetings available- please refer to website below
Web Address: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/AA-Meetings/Find-a-Meeting/croydon
The downside of free services is their lack of limited government funding and their slow pace. Unfortunately, there are limited residential (inpatient) spaces, which leaves outpatient treatment as the most likely option. Because of this, free treatment can take weeks to schedule an appointment, which may risk you or your loved one’s health if you need urgent care.
Private treatment, on the other hand, offers immediate treatment and benefits. These include aftercare community projects, specialist programmes within the clinic of your choice and full-board lodging.
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Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in Croydon
Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in CroydonIf you are seeking help through rehabilitation then it’s important to check out each rehab programme’s benefits before enrolling. Options include outpatient programmes (also known as day rehab), which is commonly treated through the NHS, or inpatient rehab, which is most easily accessed through private treatment clinics.
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab)
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab) consists of scheduled treatment sessions. You will continue to stay at home for the duration of your treatment, only visiting the clinic for your appointed session.
- Flexibility – especially for those with children
- You can remain at home and continue your regular routine
- Cheaper than private care
- Not ideal for those with severe addiction
- People may be referred to a clinic far from home
- Recovery may be affected by life distractions
- Takes longer to complete
- Does not guarantee a safe space to stay during detox
- Does not guarantee a dedicated therapist
- Not able to share the experience with like-minded residents
Inpatient rehab
Inpatient addiction treatment (residential rehab) consists of staying within the rehabilitation premises for the duration of your treatment programme, where you will receive constant care and support throughout your recovery process. Our private rehab facility enables you to break free from your substance abuse routine in a comfortable and safe environment. Being able to focus all your attention on recovering, away from external distractions, is the main benefit of residential rehab.
How does residential (inpatient) rehab work?
You need to know what is right for you when seeking help from residential rehab. Seeking help can be daunting but it is important to remember the amount of support and patience our medical team can provide to you at all times.
Admissions
It is no secret that admissions for free addiction can take time; after your GP makes their assessment of your current situation, if they deem it necessary, they can refer you to a specialist and then you will wait for approval to begin your treatment. This process has been known to take up to a few weeks, with no confirmation of when you will begin your programme.
Private treatment, however, can start your admission from the moment you call us. Within the first 24 hours, you will even have access to your own personal on-suite facility. On arrival, you will be introduced to our licensed psychiatrist who will readily answer any questions you may have, explore your options of the various treatments we have and help you settle into our facility smoothly.
Every centre has its own rules. Even so, here is an overall guide to what you should pack 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 advised that you may have 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
Detox is the process of your body ridding itself of the harmful substances you have ingested, such as alcohol or drugs. It is imperative that this is done in a controlled environment to allow you to feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
When there are high levels of a harmful substance in your bloodstream, then medication is one option that can be used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, in an effort to limit discomfort. This is known as a medical detox.
We understand that a sudden decrease of any addictive substance causes a significant shock to the body and so medical detox may be recommended on arrival. However, it is only recommended by our medical professionals in cases them deem extreme.
Rehab programme
Choosing a good quality alcohol or drug rehab programme in Croydon that is catered to your needs is important. There are many approaches when it comes to tackling 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 you just need the advice from a therapist to truly know what is right for you.
Choosing the right programme
The right programme can help you throughout your recovery and even though it can seem daunting, choosing the right programme for your personal needs is an important step. A competent rehab should consist of not only a mix of both private and group therapies but should also allow for an inclusive atmosphere in regards to each person’s personal and religious beliefs․
A competent rehab programme should also help support those handling mental health conditions, through dual diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis, which is a service UKAT specialises in.
Don’t forget 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 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 also have an impact on the people closest to you. It is just as important that the families and loved ones of those suffering from addiction receive support. A good centre will also offer family workshops and sessions, allowing you all a safe space to voice concerns to an understanding party.
How long does rehab last?
Although there is no exact time period applicable to everyone, a rehab programme usually lasts anywhere between four to twelve weeks. Our admissions team have noticed that the longer a person is treated at our centre, the more likely they are to remain in recovery, even after returning home.
Our recommendation is booking a treatment programme eight weeks or longer to achieve the best results, allowing you to form friendships and adjust to a new life without the need for addictive substances.
The benefits of residential rehab
- Removing you from any temptations and life distractions
- On-hand medical specialists and support staff
- Opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded residents
- Luxurious and comfortable grounds to stay in during your detox
- Schedule and meals set up for you, giving you time to focus on recovery
- Immersive aftercare programme
What happens after rehab?
The last – but by no means easy – part of recovery is what happens after rehab. The thought of leaving the comfort of our treatment centre can be intimidating. However, it is important to know our support won’t stop after you leave.
Aftercare programmes
Many residential rehabs do provide aftercare, ranging from ongoing group therapy, private therapy or support groups.
UKAT offers one-year free group therapy aftercare to all its residents who feel they could benefit from it after their treatment. You will also have access to our Alumni community, bringing people going through recovery together through planned events and activities, securing those lifelong connections made after rehabilitation treatment.
Support groups
Support groups are also a form of aftercare. They are confidential groups which you can attend within Croydon, either during your treatment or after. They are free of charge and allow you to confide in people who will continue to motivate you throughout the rest of your journey. Examples of these groups are; Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery.
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Long term recovery from addiction
Long term recovery from addictionLong-term recovery is a lengthy process and you need patience and endurance when putting yourself back into your day-to-day life after rehab. It is important to remember that you may encounter situations that can be a trigger which sets your recovery back, so it’s important to make the most of the resources and friends around you. We understand you need constant support throughout your journey, so we provide 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.
