The following points of information on alcohol rehab are prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information on alcohol rehab can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0845 370 0203.

What is alcohol rehab?

Alcohol rehab refers to a period of residential rehabilitation for people suffering the effects of alcohol misuse. In the UK, alcohol rehab usually refers to residential treatment which teaches the patient new methods of interacting with others without the use of alcohol. This takes the form of one to one and group therapy, sometimes involves cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention strategies. It can also incorporate more holistic therapies, such as reflexology, art therapy, acupuncture and creative writing. Supervised outside activities may also form part of the treatment programme. This helps people learn how to enjoy life again without alcohol.

Most alcohol rehab centres will offer a medicated detox at the beginning of the programme if a physical dependence is present. This is often a necessary step; if someone is physically addicted to alcohol, it is not safe to stop drinking immediately. According to Trathen et al. (2008), the sweating and shaking that physically dependent individuals experience initially when ceasing to drink alcohol can progress into seizures and delirium tremens. These are very serious, and can be fatal if left untreated. Anyone considering quitting alcohol needs to get medical advice and support. A medicated detox is the safest way to overcome a physical dependence, with 24 hour support from doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.

There are various types of alcohol rehab programme - twelve step alcohol rehab programmes, therapeutic community alcohol rehabs, religious based alcohol rehabs, and medical model alcohol rehabs. The most common form of alcohol rehab in the UK is twelve step.

All alcohol rehabs tend to share a number of key features. Residents must be drug and alcohol free (apart from tobacco). Alcohol rehabs provide a structured programme of psychological, educational and social therapy, which aims at preparing the person to manage an alcohol free life back in society. Alcohol rehab programme lengths vary between 1 and 9 months.

Residential alcohol rehab versus community (home) rehab

Residential treatment presents a higher probability of successful outcome than community-based treatment according to some sources. A 1996 follow-up study, conducted as part of the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) indicated the following: When compared to the community services, residential rehab services achieved comparable outcomes, but were treating clients with more severe patterns of addiction, thus indicating greater effectiveness of residential as compared to community rehab (Gossop M et al, 1996).

Additional benefits of residential treatment are that the individual is completely removed from their familiar drinking environment. There will also be a higher level of medical, psychological and therapeutic support at a residential centre.

Duration of alcohol rehab programme

The NTORS study also found that compared to early leavers from rehab, those who remained at least 28 days in short rehab programmes, and 90 days in longer rehab programmes were four times less likely to relapse than others. The issue of retention in treatment is central to effectiveness. Alcohol rehabs which actively engage with clients, provide supportive environments and well structured programmes, which are clear about their policies and their therapies, and which tailor their activities to individual needs produce better outcomes.

Where to find an alcohol rehab programme

There are a number of different treatments available. It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual - addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.

Triage Healthcare offers an immediate response service. Our helpline is open 7 days a week, and has a 24 hour messaging service which will be responded to by one of our trained advisors as soon as possible should you call out of hours. When considering private treatment it is important to know exactly what you are getting for your money, regardless of the cost.

References

Gossop, Marsden and Stewart, D. (1996). NTORS after five years (National Treatment Outcome Research Study):Changes in substance use, health and criminal behaviour in the five years after intake. National AddictionCentre.Sourcedat http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4084908

Trathen et al (2008). Guidelines for the best practice treatment of Substance Misuse. Triage Healthcare: Canterbury, UK.

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