Drug Rehab & Alcohol Rehab in London

Drug and Alcohol Rehab in London

We understand that recovering from addiction can be an emotional time for you. Living or working in London, the Capital city famous for cocaine and long working hours, it can be challenging to get away from the rush of city life. We have created this guide to drug rehab and alcohol rehab in London, which covers alcohol, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, benzodiazepines and opiate addictions, so you can make an informed decision on your best detox and treatment options.

Private or free treatment in London?

There are loads of treatment clinics in London, both private and free. Of course, rehabilitation is a huge decision, so the first step you may want to explore free options. There are several charities that you can seek help through in London. These include Black Prince Road (Kennington), Clapham Road (Stockwell) and Kingsway House (Holborn).

Unfortunately, although these treatments are free, they are not fast. With addiction at an all-time high and limited government spending, free NHS rehab treatment could take weeks or months to conclude, risking you or a loved one’s health.

If you can afford it, private treatment admission is a safer option, as it will take fewer than 24 hours and be personalised in the rehabilitation clinic of your choice.

A man and woman talking to a counsellor
What are the pros and cons of free addiction treatment?
Pros
  • The services are free of charge;
  • All information is confidential;
  • Services are located in the local community, close to home and family.
Cons
  • Lengthy admissions process;
  • Might not be referred to residential rehab;
  • Patients may be asked to go to different clinics
  • Recovery may be affected by life distractions
  • Access to the personal therapist is more limited;

Outpatient vs inpatient rehab in London

Outpatient programmes involve going into the clinic for your treatment each day and then heading back home. This is the only option for unpaid alcohol rehab in London, as rehab is not free of charge, even on the NHS. There is a selection of different treatments you can access through the NHS, ranging from support groups to drug detox and alcohol detox in London. However, these are not rehabilitation centres.

Inpatient programmes, which are only available through private rehab, involve staying in the rehabilitation premises during your treatment. This provides stability and constant care throughout your recovery and is the form of rehab with the highest success rate. Being away from routine for a while also provides you with time to reflect on your options and focus all your attention on getting clean.

How much does drug and alcohol rehab in London cost?

You know that a cup of coffee or cab ride is more expensive in London than in other cities. Did you know it’s also the same for rehab?

The cost of rehab can vary depending on the area and the type of treatment you require.
However, it is usually priced at around £1,500 – £3,000 per week outside England’s Capital. This is often more expensive in London rehabilitation clinics.

If you want to get the best chance of recovery by going private then attending a clinic away from the city will cost you less. It also gives you time away from the rush of the British Capital so you can focus on your recovery. We have a centre just 30 minutes journey from Greater London, so you reap all the rewards of cost and concentration without loved ones having to travel far.

Many of UKAT’s clinics also accept insurance through BUPA and AXA insurance policies, so you don’t have to sacrifice your chance of improvement by sitting on a waiting list.

Liberty House Clinic Logo

Liberty House is one of our fully refurbished facilities, which specialises in both alcohol rehabilitation and drug rehabilitation. It is set within a quiet and picturesque suburban street-based in the heart of Luton. Situated just outside of London, our facility boasts 18 beds, large grounds, recreational facilitates and world-class dedicated medical teams and support staff.

We Provide:
  • Prescribed Medical Detoxification
  • Drug Rehabilitation
  • Alcohol Rehab
  • Proven Counselling Treatments
  • Holistic Therapies
  • 12 Step Recovery Model
  • One-to-One & Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma therapy
  • Psychiatric assessments
  • Dual diagnosis care
  • Aftercare & Ongoing Therapies
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • CQC Registered
  • 24-Hour Care

We also offer free group sessions for families or anyone closely connected to the individual.

Call +44 2039 496 584 today to speak to one of our team

How do I get there?

Whether you choose our clinic closest to London or decide on somewhere further from home, making the journey to rehab can give you mixed emotions. A sober transport service can be organised to ensure you or your loved one are taken from door to door safely and securely by a trusted professional. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss with somebody who understands the treatment process, so they can put you at ease about what to expect.

The benefits of private rehab

If you (or a loved one) are battling drug and/or alcohol addiction, private rehab will provide:

  • Immediate admission 365 days a year
  • Medical detox with 24/7 care & support
  • Overcome the root causes of addiction
  • Experienced team of doctors & therapists
  • Personalised rehabilitation programme
  • Look, feel, sleep better & regain confidence
  • Learn techniques for relapse prevention
  • Fitness and nutrition programme
  • 1 year complimentary aftercare support

Common drugs in the UK

Cannabis

Extracted from the cannabis plant, this drug comes in the form of green leaves, black resin or brown nuggets. Side-effects vary from lethargy, relaxation, talkativeness, laughter, happiness, paranoia and confusion, based on the user’s state of mind at the time of use. Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaped. Click for information about Cannabis rehab.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant which comes in the form of white or crystalised powder or small rocks. This drug can be injected, smoked or snorted through the nose, to give the feeling of confidence, excitement and alertness. It also increases heart rate, suppresses hunger and causes paranoia. Click for information about Cocaine rehab.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Ecstasy is a pill which is swallowed to induce feelings of happiness and affection. It is also available in a powder form, which is known as MDMA, and is rubbed on the gums. Click for information about Ecstasy rehab.

Heroin

Heroin is made from the poppy plant and is a form of morphine – a painkiller used in hospitals. It can be snorted, smoked or injected to give a feeling of euphoria. Heroin is the most lethal illegal drug in the UK, as it is easy to overdose, especially when injected. Click for information about Heroin rehab.

Alcohol

Alcohol, otherwise known as ethanol, is a liquid which comes in many different forms of drink. Although legal in the UK, alcohol is the most dangerous and addictive drug available, which contributes to alcohol poisoning, heart attacks, violence, dependency, injuries, cholesterol and liver damage. Click for information about Alcohol rehab.

LSD

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug which comes either in liquid form or as small tabs of paper, and swallowed either directly or in food or drink. The effect of the drug depends on the user’s mood and imagination, but common responses include laughter, empathy, awe, confusion and suspicion.

Free addiction treatment in London

We understand that private detox and rehab clinics may not always be a viable option.

Luckily, there are many free NHS services in London for people who wish to attempt getting clean without opting for private rehab.

We’ve put together a list of free services across London, for those living in areas including Hampstead, Shepherds Bush, Dalston, Brixton and more.

Lambeth Child and Adolescent Community

Telephone: 020 3228 7370

Address: 35 Black Prince Road, Kennington, London, SE11 6JJ – https://www.slam.nhs.uk/

The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of NHS mental health services, as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Square Mile Health

Telephone: 0300 303 2715

Address: Kingsway House, 103 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6QX – https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/square-mile-health/N10510914

Square Mile Health provide tobacco, alcohol, and drug services to residents and the business community within the City of London.

LATCH House

Telephone: 020 7587 3622

Address: 112-114 Clapham Road, London, SW9 0JU – https://www.nacro.org.uk/

LATCH House is a Narco project – providing people with substance misuse help: raising awareness of the harms caused by alcohol and substance misuse and diverting the ones suffering with addiction into positive activities.

Where are these services based?

How does drug and alcohol rehab in London work?

Admissions

If you go through our private centres, admissions into the clinics are quick and simple so you can settle into a routine at the residential treatment centre within the first day. Professionals will help you through the whole process – from detoxing your body of harmful substances, identifying triggering factors and recommending the most suitable from a range of therapies to help you settle into a new routine. Private alcohol rehab is therefore a holistic approach to treatment.

If you go through free treatment, you will need to discuss your concerns with a GP, who will refer you to a clinic. You can also call any of the mentioned charities that will assess your condition and check you into a London rehabilitation centre with the quickest opening spot.

Alcohol and drug detox

Many individuals are put off rehab by the prospect of withdrawal symptoms. But our residential treatment centres are specifically designed to ease you through detox, so you focus on your well-being and think about drug withdrawal as little as possible. For those experiencing alcohol withdrawal, detox will rid your body of harmful substances in comfortable and safe surroundings.

AT UKAT centres, including our clinic closest to London, you will have staff on hand who have been through detox themselves and can explain the process to you at each step. The same applies to drug detoxification for those with drug dependence on cocaine, heroin or other substances. Our staff are all trained on drug and alcohol addiction and will help you face each part of the journey with confidence.

There are centres for alcohol detox and drug detox in London which are free. However, there is a long waiting list and there is no inpatient option, which means you cannot stay in the premises. This could make detox more difficult, as you do not spend withdrawal in a safe space with professionals on-hand.

How long does a detox last?

Detox usually lasts between one and two weeks, but can alter depending on the severity of your condition. If you have regularly taken large amounts of a substance, there will be a high level of it in your bloodstream, so it will take time to safely remove the toxins from your body.

Some substances, such as benzodiazepines and high levels of alcohol, must be carefully monitored, as there is a chance you could endure severe withdrawal symptoms. In this case, you should go through a medically assisted detox.

Detox medication

A medically assisted detox is the use of medication during your detox, to prevent any major withdrawal symptoms and reduce discomfort. If you have relied on a substance for a long period of time, your body may not function properly without it. So, completely coming off alcohol or drugs can be a shock to your system. Medications may be necessary to create a gradual transition, reducing sleep problems and the risk of any health complications.

Therapy and treatment

We understand that the same therapy doesn’t work for everyone.

Most free drug rehabs in London offer a range of treatments, as do London alcohol rehabs, although these will differ depending to which rehab clinic you are referred.

Our private rehab clinics offer the following options:

12-step therapy

12 step therapy is a set of principles which help you break down the process of drug and alcohol addiction and maintain sobriety through a series of achievable steps, originally created by Alcoholics Anonymous.

In our clinics, you will work through the first few steps within group therapy, where you can learn from others ahead in the programme and discuss any thoughts with a supportive group of peers. You will also have time to work on them independently and practise the techniques to help with changing your mindset towards alcohol.

Depending on your treatment duration, the first few will be completed within your addiction therapy. If they are working for you, you will need to continue the remainder of steps once you leave the clinic and practice the discipline to achieve a full recovery from addiction. However, the UKAT team and peer group will be there to support you throughout.

Holistic therapies

Alongside the 12-step programme, we offer a selection of holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga, music therapy and meditation. These activities give you the opportunity to explore different techniques that you may wish to continue when you leave the clinic, in addition to reducing tension and increasing focus.

All UKAT clinics offer holistic therapies, including our clinic near London, although the classes differ at different centres.

Group therapy

The most important aspect of addiction recovery is that you realise you are not alone. Most of our workshops are group-based therapies and activities, to create a welcoming environment and encourage clients to learn from one another. Most clients find that other people’s stories resonate with them and group therapy is the session in which they make the most progress. Of course, there is no pressure to talk until you feel comfortable.

Private counselling

Everyone residing at a UKAT clinic has the option of private counselling sessions throughout their stay. These can be used to delve deeper into a conversation had during a group session or to address something that you would rather keep private.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

CBT may be an option best suited to your recovery, and is one of the group sessions incorporated into our programme. This therapy works well for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression; it is a talking therapy which deems your thoughts, feelings and behaviours interlinked, and that changing one aspect will influence the others. CBT believes that negative thoughts are a driver of unwanted behaviour and will assess all parts of your being as a whole to reach a healthy recovery.

We also offer DBT, which is an intensely emotion-focused therapy which is based on CBT.

Family therapy

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person abusing a substance; it can also negatively impact the wellbeing of close friends and family. We provide family counselling to the loved ones of all clients, offering the opportunity to talk through any concerns with a specialised addiction therapist and seek advice. Family support not only prevents you from having to seek counselling after rehab to repair relationships, it also offers guidance to those close to you. These sessions support them in preparing a stable and supportive environment when you return home after London addiction counselling or treatment at one of our centres.

Conjoints

Conjoints are sessions offered by UKAT to open dialogue between you and your loved ones and express what effect the addiction has had on your relationship. These are facilitated by an addiction specialist to help you talk calmly through any painful experiences and clear the air of any suppressed emotion. Conjoints are an invaluable tool for rebuilding broken bonds and helping you face difficult situations in a healthy manner.

What happens after rehab?

Going to rehab isn’t the end of the journey. Stepping out of your clinic and back into London streets, where drugs and alcohol are widely available, you will be faced with challenges to stay sober and focus on the techniques you learnt during therapy.

If you go through our private treatment, we’ll be there to support you with our Alumni network. In this interconnected network, activities and gatherings are organised with other people in recovery. The group provides solidarity in sobriety to mix with people going through the same experience and encourage you to stay sober. You will have access to free aftercare for up to a year after your stay with us and our Alumni network is free for anyone that receives UKAT treatment and is available for life.

If you choose not to receive private treatment, there are multiple support groups around London that you can attend.

How do I tell my family I’m going to rehab?

It’s a huge achievement to accept that you need addiction support, but if your family do not know the extent of your alcohol or drug abuse, or if your behaviour has created friction, you may not know how to approach the conversation.

We’ve worked with hundreds of families, all with different stories to tell. The similarity every family has shared is they were relieved that their loved one was taking responsibility. Things may not be happy at home, but your family will want the best for you and are likely to praise your decision and honesty.

We advise you to have the conversation in a calm environment where nobody is distracted. Let them know that you acknowledge your addiction and are seeking support to make positive change. If you book into a UKAT centre, you could also choose to include them in the journey by informing them of our conjoint sessions and family support during addiction treatment. This will illustrate that you recognise the weight they’ve carried and offer them some solace.

How do I suggest addiction rehab to a loved one?

We understand you want to do the best for someone who needs help with their drug or alcohol addiction. However, you cannot force someone to get rehab or book on their behalf. Most London addiction treatments work through the 12-step programme, which involves answering profound questions about your inner-self and reflecting on past behaviour. For the programme to be a success, that person has to be willing to accept help and ready to make a change, committing wholly to the process. If they are not yet in that place, then recovery will not be a success.

You can, however, encourage your loved one to seek help by airing your concerns and listening to what they have to say. It’s important to be realistic about the situation but also be supportive. We advise that you talk to them in a comfortable place for you both, address that they will benefit from help and let them know you are there to support their journey.

If you are unable to speak to them, an alcohol interventions can be arranged with the assistance of a professional.

Addiction support groups in London

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are free, non-profit fellowships for all people whose lives have been affected through the use of drugs or alcohol. Everyone is welcome as long as they are looking to abstain from substance use and find motivation through the programme.

These meetings are held throughout the week and can be beneficial for anyone seeking help after having undergone a rehab programme or structured drug or alcohol detox in London, or anywhere else across the UK. We also organise meetings through our clinics to introduce you to the relevant events. Anonymity is a vital factor of the fellowship to enable everyone to attend without fear of social repercussions.

AA meetings in London:
City Breakfast

St Edmund the King Church, Lombard St. (side entrance in, George Yard)
Mondays at 07:30 am

Enfield Experience Strength & Hope

Enfield Highway Community Association, 117 Hertford Rd, EN3 5JF
Sundays at 07:30 pm

Finchley Recovery 2000

Essex Hall, Essex Park, (off Ballards Lane), Finchley, N3 1ND
Saturdays at 07:30 pm

NA meetings in Greater London:
One Hour Step meeting

Response Bookshop 300 Old Brompton Road London, SW5 9JF
Sunday at 11:00 am

Euston…We Have a Problem

Church Hall, Lancing Street Greater London, NW1 1NA
Sunday at 11:00 am

Hounslow Cornerstone

Seventh-day Adventist Church, 178 Heston Road, TW5 0QU
Sunday at 11:30 am

Addiction counselling

If you have any accompanying conditions to addiction, such as a pre-existing mental health condition, then private counselling may be a welcome addition to your recovery. Private and confidential sessions with our counsellor helps you work through your emotions during stressful times with someone who can offer expert and honest advice. It will also provide you with additional support throughout your stay, inspiring you to maintain a sober living.

UKAT family support

All UKAT rehabs also offer support and help through our facilitated family groups. Those close to the patient can address the impact that alcoholism or drug abuse has had on their lives and how they can improve their emotional wellbeing. Family support groups take place every week at each of our centres and anyone who has a close connection to the patient in our treatment programme can attend. You can find out more information regarding days and times on our family support page.

Frequently asked questions

Are rehabs open in London during the Coronavirus outbreak?
Rehabilitation centres are operating during the Coronavirus outbreak, as healthcare facilities are essential businesses. This includes private rehab clinics in London, provided they follow the safety regulations implemented by the government.

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Does free alcohol rehab in London exist?
There are a number of free clinics in London which can help you with alcohol or drug abuse. However, there are no inpatient options. Rehabilitation centres are not free, so for residential rehab your best option is to opt for private treatment.

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How do I pay for rehab?
A deposit will be accepted at the beginning of the process and full payment taken a few days later, once you have started your programme.

Many private rehabilitation companies, including UKAT, accept BUPA insurance. However, be sure to check with your insurance company that your claim is covered.

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Can I get funding through the NHS?
Although funding through the NHS is available, it can be a lengthy and emotional process and many applications are turned down.

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Can you force someone to go to rehab?
You cannot force someone to go into rehab; it must be their choice. However, you can organise an intervention if you are worried about someone. This involves sitting and talking to your loved one with the help of a professional, in the hope they will listen and follow your advice.

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Which drug addictions can be treated in rehab?
Addictions to any of the following drugs can be treated in a rehabilitation clinic: cocaine rehab, crack cocaine rehab, heroin rehab, cannabis rehab, ecstasy rehab and prescription drugs rehab, including benzodiazepines rehab and opiates rehab.

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How long should I go to rehab for?
The recommended duration of rehab depends on the severity of your addiction and you will be advised by a professional during your admissions process.

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.

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Is rehab confidential?
If you seek treatment through the NHS, the referral will sit on your medical records. However, employers cannot access these records unless under specific circumstances. So, there is a limited chance of them finding out.

Private rehabilitation is completely confidential and does not sit on your medical records.

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Can I visit a loved one during rehab?
You can visit your loved one for an hour every Sunday at our private centres. However, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 you will not be permitted to visit loved ones during the lockdown.

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.

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