A guide to drug and alcohol rehab in Merton, London

Following your rehab treatment programme, many people get involved in aftercare to help keep them engaged with sobriety long-term. This usually involves access to information and advice, as well as communities to provide support. For example, if you are a client with UKAT, you will receive access to the Alumni community as soon as you are discharged.

Is rehab free?

Some drug and alcohol services are funded by the NHS, but others are not. If you need to access free treatment, you will need to see your GP for a referral. Most NHS services are outpatient, meaning that you will be able to access groups and important resources such as medical support, but you will need to travel to and from your allocated clinic. Most residential treatment requires private funding. However, charities like Turning Point are able to provide limited support for those who need it. You will need to apply to them directly.

Although we understand that some people do not have private insurance or are not able to privately fund, it should be noted that free drug and alcohol services are currently under immense pressure to perform, with limited government funding. This may mean that you are only able to access services at restricted times or locations and outpatient treatment is your only option. Many people complain about the long waiting lists as you are unlikely to be admitted straight away.

If you can afford it, private treatment gives you freedom to choose the time and location to help rehab treatment fit with your normal life. You will have a consultation with a clinical professional who will outline your treatment options and help you put together a bespoke programme of activities. Many people prefer residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, as it gives them a break from the stress of day-to-day life. Private services offer a comfortable stay in remote clinics with meals and therapies included.

Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in Merton

Whether you are looking for private or NHS funded, inpatient or outpatient services, it is important to do your research so you understand what options are available.

Admissions

A free NHS outpatient clinic requires referral through your GP to accept an admission. This means you will need to be approved by the GP before they refer you to a specialist for a second assessment. Due to high demand, this process may take many weeks.

If you are accessing private treatment, you can be admitted from 24 hours of your initial enquiry. A private room will be ready on your arrival, and once you have settled in you can sit down with a psychiatrist to discuss your treatment programme.

Many often ask what they might need to bring with them so, below is a general list to guide you. Please bear in mind that rules and regulations at different treatment facilities may vary.

Medical detox

For lots of people, prolonged addiction to substances may have led to physical dependence, which means they need to wean off the addictive substance slowly. Sudden drops of toxic materials in the bloodstream, such as drugs or alcohol, can cause a shock to the body with possible side-effects. Medication will be prescribed, alongside careful monitoring, to safely reduce any withdrawal symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.

Rehab programme

Different clinics are likely to offer different activities and some may take alternate approaches to treatment. You are likely to have heard of a 12-step programme, which some people find very helpful, but other clinics operate using more therapeutic models. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for drug and alcohol dependence which many suit, whereas others prefer psychotherapy, such as art or drama therapy. There is no wrong or right answer – only an approach to treatment which works for you. Don’t be afraid to research or ask questions as needed.

The benefits of residential rehab

• A chance to break from a triggering environment
• Professionals on-hand to help you to feel safe
• Peer support
• High-quality living arrangements
• Aftercare programmes

What happens after rehab?

Once you have completed your programme and gone back to your old life, you may still need help and support to stay sober. There are a number of aftercare options you should consider.