Drug and alcohol rehab in Merseyside

If you find yourself becoming reliant on drugs or alcohol, there is always support available to help you recover. Crisis points are different for everyone, but guidance and resources are available any time you feel you will benefit from them.

For rehabilitation from alcohol or drug dependency, there are several addiction treatment options available in the Merseyside area, including inpatient and outpatient services.

Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in Merseyside

Both outpatient and inpatient treatment is available in Merseyside, and understanding the differences and options will allow you to pick the best programme for you.

An inpatient programme means the client stays in the centre during their treatment, while outpatient treatment means visiting a clinic for either daily or weekly sessions. For either type, medical professionals will help you in your recovery. Inpatient programmes also offer aftercare programmes to help you maintain sobriety once you leave the centre.

Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab)

Outpatient treatment means attending planned sessions at your chosen clinic while still living at home. Outpatient treatment is ideal if you have responsibilities such as childcare. If you feel that outpatient treatment is for you, it can be accessed on the NHS or through some private providers. Outpatient treatment is not something that Primrose Lodge offers, as we focus on building support networks for ongoing recovery, which is not possible on an outpatient plan.

There are disadvantages to outpatient treatment: leaving the clinic leaves you vulnerable to accessing addictive substances and repeating problematic behaviours, therapists are unlikely to be specially trained in addiction, individual therapy may be unavailable and aftercare packages are not included. You also won’t have the same opportunities to form connections with others in recovery, and NHS referral can take up to eight months.

Inpatient addiction treatment (residential rehab)

Residential Inpatient addiction treatment offers a much-needed break from life, taking care of everything from meals to activities so you can focus on recovery.

Free options are available for inpatient treatment in Merseyside, but waiting lists are long and in-depth assessment may be required. Contact your GP for more information.

On the other hand, a private treatment centre can admit you the next day to begin your treatment, and from the moment you arrive you will be in the care of an experienced and understanding medical professional.

Why inpatient rehab?

Away from the stresses and strains of life and the temptations of harmful behaviours, beginning the road to recovery is much easier residing at the centre. Another benefit of inpatient treatment is that you will be able to choose where you are admitted and likely be treated by workers who have had experience with addiction themselves.

During your stay you will have space to reflect on your goals and ample opportunity to bond with others within sessions and when socialising, where many clients have made firm friends through mutual experiences. Therapeutic groups and activities take place in a peaceful, remote setting where you can start to make plans for your life moving forward.

CQC ratings

The CQC is the Care Quality Commission, an external body that assesses the quality of treatment programmes. Opting for private inpatient treatment means you can choose the addiction clinic with the best ratings; whereas applying for NHS treatment means going where is available.

CQC results offer an in-depth assessment of each clinic, so you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands before you’re admitted for treatment.

Mixture of therapies

Each treatment centre has its own programme and will offer a mixture of group and individual therapy. Many people expect individual therapy will be their focus, but find groups most beneficial as they encourage peer-bonding and foster confidence, both of which support long-term recovery.

Family support programmes

Addiction negatively impacts the friends and family of the affected individual as well, and private treatment centres offer support to loved ones through workshops, groups, and advice. This helps long-term recovery by increasing their understanding of addiction and the healing process, as well as providing emotional support.

Conjoints

Conjoints are meetings between clients and loved ones, facilitated by a trained professional. They allow you to communicate feelings, which eases any difficulties in the recovery process. Many clients find conjoints a key component of their addiction treatment, as it leaves them able to communicate effectively with the important people in their life and be supported effectively by loved ones throughout their recovery journey.

What should I expect from a detox in Merseyside?

A detox means removing a substance from your system and routine, enabling the body to learn to function without addictive substances. Detox may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which can include vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking, weakness and confusion. This often discourages people from detoxing, but overcoming this and ensuring there is no harmful substance left in the body is essential for beginning recovery.

Medical detox

For those with high volumes of addictive substances in their system, detoxing without medical assistance can be dangerous, as the body can go into shock. Medical detox as part of a residential programme will mean you receive care, including ongoing monitoring by medical professionals and the prescription of detox medication. It may take time for your body to adjust, which should be factored into the length of your treatment programme; it may be difficult to fully engage with therapeutic activities before withdrawal is complete.

Before detoxing, a medical professional must be consulted. On admission to a treatment programme, you will be offered a full assessment of your current usage and lifestyle factors to ensure you receive the right treatment. Only those at risk from severe withdrawal symptoms will be offered a medical detox.

If you are unsure whether you would benefit from a medical detox or would like to know any more information, you can call or message our welcoming team who will explain anything you’d like to know and put you at ease about any concerns.

Drug and alcohol rehab programme

We’ve noticed that the longer a person stays in rehab, the greater the chances of long-term sobriety. While shorter stays are available, a minimum of 4 weeks is recommended, as longer programmes offer time to reflect and make lasting lifestyle changes.

During treatment, each centre has its own approach. Whether it’s based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a 12-step programme, or a mixture of approaches, treatment involves a combination of group and individual therapy.

Is rehab free?

Most residential treatment is private, which is sadly inaccessible to some. The NHS provides free treatment services, which are mostly outpatient. However, due to extremely high demand, there are long waiting lists. Most outpatient clinics accept self-referral, but you will need to go through your GP and flexibility is not guaranteed.

In severe cases, The NHS may refer you for counselling or a detox programme. If you are in need of urgent treatment services which are otherwise unavailable to you, the charity Turning Point funds a limited number of beds.

Free addiction treatment services in Merseyside

AA meetings Merseyside

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Below are some AA locations in Merseyside that you can attend at no cost.

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Members/Regional-&-Local-Websites/north-west-region/merseyside-&-south-west-lancs-intergroup

Telephone: 0800 9177 650

The downside to free services

We appreciate that for some, free treatment may be the only option. However, free services have been under immense pressure and strain due to funding cuts, meaning that services may be reduced and you may not be able to attend your choice of clinic.

Free services are usually outpatient, meaning that you will not have the opportunity to break free from unhelpful behaviour patterns or access one-to-one therapy. If you need an intensive medical detox, you may not be able to do this as an outpatient, resulting in a further wait for an inpatient detox bed before you can access addiction treatment.

The benefits of residential rehab in Merseyside

 There are some distinct advantages to choosing inpatient treatment:

• You are removed from the temptations in your everyday life
• You are able to choose where you are admitted, enabling you to stay close to family and friends
• You will be treated by workers who are specialised in addiction
• You can build supportive connections and share experiences with other people in recovery
• You can take respite in the beautiful location of the clinic

What happens after a rehab programme?

Completing a rehab treatment programme is cause for celebration, but it is essential to ensure ongoing care and support. Maintaining connections with professionals and peers and attending aftercare will help you implement lasting change. Your journey is ongoing; planning for life after rehab is key to making sure your recovery continues.

Aftercare programmes

After completing an addiction treatment programme at Primrose Lodge, or a different UKAT facility, you are granted access to the  Alumni network: a community of peers who are continuing their sobriety independently. This support provides much-needed connection with peers and support with any difficulties you may face.

Most residential addiction treatment programmes offer aftercare to maintain sobriety consisting of continuing group therapy and peer support groups.

Support groups

Local support groups are highly recommended for those completing an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programme. These enable you to make new connections and maintain regular contact with people who can offer advice and support.

Examples of groups in the community include, among others, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery.

Long-term recovery from addiction
Returning to normality following addiction treatment is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Accessing aftercare, support groups and staying in touch with your group makes managing difficulties and implementing change easier.

Everyone’s recovery journey is different, and taking the first step is commendable. With care and support, you will get through to the other side, and Primrose Lodge will be here every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions