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Last Updated:
March 28th, 2025
A guide to drug and alcohol rehab near Greenwich
Suffering through addiction can feel lonely and as if no one understands, so it is vital that you receive sufficient support from the right rehab facility to help you feel confident again. This can be a difficult choice, as there are many options for addiction treatments with Greenwich. To help you decide, we have created a rehab guide for addiction, allowing you to make an informative decision based on your detox and treatment requirements.
Frequently asked questions about rehab near Greenwich, 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 where anyone suffering from a form of addiction can end their relationship with harmful substances through detox and holistic therapy in a safe environment. In rehab you will receive help from not only our medical professionals, but also therapists through private therapy and peers via group therapy. Our medical professionals use their qualifications and experiences to help you towards your goal of sobriety.
Aftercare programmes are also a factor that comes into rehabilitation as they can contribute to you remaining sober and give you continuous support – even to those who have completed their treatment. Each clinic has its own benefits, however UKAT residents will be granted that extra benefit of having automatic access to our Alumni community.
Is rehab free?
Free addiction treatment is certainly available. They are funded mainly by the NHS and can be accessed through self-referral. Treatments are comprised of detox programmes, outpatient care and group counselling.
There are also charities, such as Turning Point, which have a limited number of beds for residential care. These spaces are available free of charge to help anyone suffering from addiction.
Free addiction treatment services in Greenwich
We have included a list of viable options for free addiction treatment services in Greenwich:
Young Persons Substance Misuse Service
Web Address: https://greenwichcommunitydirectory.org.uk/kb5/greenwich/directory/service.page?id=bzVpY5UwcCs
WDP
Address: 821 Woolwich Road, Charlton, SE7 8LJ
Web Address: https://www.wdp.org.uk/greenwich
Free addiction treatment, can have some downsides. The NHS has been known for having limited residential (inpatient) spaces, leaving outpatient treatment as your only option. Government funding is also limited, causing a backlog of patients waiting for treatment. It can take weeks for an appointment to be made, putting your health at risk.
UKAT, however, can offer you quick and efficient care, including specialist programmes, aftercare community projects and full-board lodging.
Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes near Greenwich
Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes near GreenwichEach addiction treatment and rehab programme available near Greenwich has its advantages, depending on the type of help you are seeking. The two types of treatment you can have include outpatient programmes (also known as day rehab) and inpatient (residential) rehab. The level of care that comes with inpatient treatment is often only available through private treatment.
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab)
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab) is where you visit the clinic for scheduled treatment sessions. You will continue to stay at home during your treatment, visiting the clinic only for your appointed consultation.
- Flexibility – especially for those with children
- You can remain at home and continue your normal routine
- Private care more expensive
- 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
- Doesn’t guarantee a safe space to stay during detox
- Doesn’t guarantee a dedicated therapist
- Not able to share the experience with like-minded residents
Inpatient addiction treatment
Inpatient addiction treatment (residential rehab) allows you to stay within the rehabilitation premises during the duration of your treatment. You will receive constant care and much-needed stability as you recover.
Private rehab allows you enough time to break away from your harmful habits and receive all the help you need throughout your recovery.
How does residential (inpatient) rehab work?
You will receive endless amounts of help and encouragement via the residential rehab of your choice. Though picking which one is best for you can be challenging.
Admissions
Admissions for free treatment only begin after visiting your GP and they refer you to a specialist if they deem it a necessity. Unfortunately, you could be waiting weeks just to hear back for an appointment.
UKAT, however, will take admissions from the moment a phone call is made. You will get access to our on-suite facility within the first 24 hours and will be greeted by our licensed psychiatrist on arrival, who will answer any questions you may have and help you explore what treatments options are most suitable.
Although each centre has its own rules, 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
Bear in mind that you may be advised to limit your laptop/mobile phone use for the duration of our stay 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 allowing your body to rid itself of any harmful substances you have ingested. When you have high levels of a toxic substance in your bloodstream then medication can be an option which gradually decreases the concentration, reducing your struggle. Despite medical detox being a common practice, it is essential that it be done in a sheltered and safe environment.
Our medical professionals will only recommend detox medication in situations them deem extreme. Medication reduces withdrawal symptoms as your body can go into shock as you suddenly decrease the addictive substance. Our aim, overall, is to make you as comfortable as possible.
Rehab programme
You need to choose the right alcohol or drug rehab programme that will benefit you and that can easily be found close to Greenwich. To help you, here are some approaches to tackling addiction you may like; you could use 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 truly know what is right for you.
Choosing the right programme
You need to choose a rehab that can not only give you a mix of both private and group therapies to benefit your recovery, but that can also provide an inclusive environment for everyone in regards to their personal and religious beliefs.
A good rehab programme should also help support anyone handling any psychological problems. We understand that dual diagnosis is imperative in helping those with mental health conditions to heal from addiction.
Checking a rehab’s accreditation is an important step when choosing the right place for you. Each facilities will have the Care Quality Commission’s ratings (how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the clinic is); you can locate these by searching on their website. These ratings give you much-needed insight into how right a facility is to you.
You can also check UKAT’s CQC ratings, which consist of ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ throughout.
Family support programmes
We understand that family and loved ones also need support when seeing someone they love suffer through substance abuse. A supportive centre will offer sufficient help through family workshops and sessions, providing understanding and advice for those family members affected by their loved ones struggle with addiction.
How long does rehab last?
This depends on each individual person and the severity of their addiction. On average rehab programmes can last anywhere between four to twelve weeks. Our admissions team have concluded that the longer someone is treated with us, the more likely they are to remain in recovery – even after they return home.
We highly encourage booking a treatment programme for eight weeks or longer to achieve the best results for recovery. This amount of time allows friendships to flourish and gives you time to adjust 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 and 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?
Leaving the comfort of our treatment centre is not always straightforward. However, we are here for you even after you leave and finish your treatment, as what happens after rehab is just as big of a step.
Aftercare programmes
You will find that most residential rehabs provide aftercare, varying from ongoing group therapy, private therapy, or support groups.
UKAT offers one-year free group therapy aftercare to all residents who feel they could benefit from it after their treatment. UKAT clients also have access to our Alumni community which brings people going through recovery together through planned events and activities, cementing supportive friendships made after during and after rehabilitation treatment.
Support Groups
Support groups are another form of aftercare. They are confidential groups within the Greenwich area that can offer you somewhere to speak to people going through a similar journey to sobriety, free of charge. Examples of these groups are as follows; Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery.
Long term recovery from addiction
Long term recovery from addictionFundamentally, recovering from addiction is a long and difficult process but we are here to help you in any way we can. We know that going back into your normal routine can be stressful and at times set you back due to the external stresses. It is important to remember that this is normal, especially early within your recovery, and to remember we are here to help you every step of your journey as you find your way back to full health.
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.
