Drug and alcohol rehab Formby

Breaking free from a drug or alcohol addiction can be a complex process. It used to be a common belief that people suffering from addictions were somehow defective or lacking in character and that stopping drinking or using drugs was a matter of mere willpower.

We now know a lot more about addiction and the long-term changes it can have on the brain. Long-term substance misuse can essentially ‘rewire’ parts of the brain that deal with pleasure, reward and impulse control. Addiction itself is characterised by an overwhelming compulsion to continue to use the substance despite the fact that doing so may have negative or harmful consequences. Add the fact that long-term substance misuse can result in severe withdrawal symptoms when that substance is suddenly removed and you begin to see why quitting alone is both difficult and potentially dangerous.

Getting help for addiction and substance abuse in Formby

If you do have an addiction, or any other kind of substance misuse problem, it is always best to seek professional help as soon as possible. The precise risks can vary but substance misuse of any kind can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Some people consider alcohol to be safer because it is legal, widely available and generally socially acceptable, for example. In reality, Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.1

And it is not only the effects on the user’s own physical and mental wellbeing to take into account. Addiction also tends to go hand in hand with harmful behaviours such as secrecy and lying, lack of responsibility, inappropriate behaviours while intoxicated and increase risks of violence and criminal behaviours. All of this can be very damaging to romantic and family relationships, as well as work, education and other aspects of your life. Making a change as early as possible can help reduce the overall harm you cause but it’s never too late to turn your life around either. We help many people with long-term alcohol and drug problems, some of whom have repeatedly tried and failed to quit on their own.

We also know that it can be difficult to admit that you have a problem and that some people are very much in self-denial. It can be very painful to watch a loved one damage themselves with drugs and alcohol and it’s difficult to know what to do for the best. We can offer confidential help and advice and offer a family referral service to help you to help them.

Inpatient versus outpatient rehab

One option is the sort of outpatient rehab typically available via the NHS. This can certainly be valuable for some people but inpatient rehab has several clear benefits. Firstly, you will be in a secure environment away from your usual triggers and the temptation to find more drugs or alcohol. You will have access to round-the-clock care and support and will be able to participate in a structured, evidence-based treatment programme with no interruptions.

What happens during alcohol and drug rehab in Formby?

There are several elements to any stay in a rehabilitation centre. Some people do go to rehab having not used substances for a while but in general, detoxification is the first major step. This is the point at which you metabolise the drugs and alcohol out of your system and can take several days. This may be accompanied by severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can vary depending on the individual, the drug involved and various other factors. Undergoing this process in a dedicated detox clinic or rehab centre can ensure the detox is as safe as possible and is more likely to be effective. Going ‘cold turkey’ at home can be dangerous and it is all too easy to give in to the cravings or alleviate the withdrawal symptoms by going for just ‘one more’ drink or hit.

A holistic treatment programme will also include a full range of therapies aimed at helping you to explore the root causes of your substance misuse and address the many psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies will include proven psychological techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), 1:1 counselling and psychotherapy. Group therapy can help provide mutual support and guidance on health and well-being and can help you adopt a healthier overall lifestyle – which can help you remain clean and sober moving forward.

12-step work and spiritual activities can be valuable for some people and relapse prevention sessions can provide you with strategies and tools you need to continue your recovery once you leave, along with 12 months of free aftercare to provide vital support when you need it.

How do you know if you’re ready for rehab?

Many people in the grip of an addiction put off getting help because they don’t think they’re ready, or they convince themselves that the problem is not as bad as it actually is. If you are even considering rehab in the first place you must know there is already an issue to deal with. And if your drinking or drug use is causing harm to yourself or others around you, or you have tried and failed to quit or cut down previously, it is always better to seek help as soon as possible.

Get addiction help in Formby

Even if you end up concluding that rehab is not the right choice for you, we can give you confidential advice and point you in the right direction. If you think rehab is the right choice – and it is the most effective way of dealing with addictions – we can get the ball rolling right away. Our pre-admissions assessment will make sure we are the right fit for you and will also provide us with the information we need to tailor a treatment programme to your own individual needs.

Contact us today and take the first steps towards a healthier and happier life free from drugs and alcohol.

1 https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics