Drug and Alcohol Rehab Tilehurst

Substance misuse is a huge problem throughout the UK. It is estimated that there are more than 600,000 dependent drinkers in England alone, with less than a fifth of them receiving treatment for their condition. Research has also found that around one in ten people in a hospital bed was alcohol dependent. They are obviously doing themselves harm with their drinking but are also putting immense strain on the NHS and damaging the people around them.

Drug abuse is also extremely harmful to the individuals involved and society as a whole. 2020 saw record numbers of drug deaths in England and Wales and this is only the tip of the iceberg. Many other people have their health and lives destroyed by drug or alcohol addiction and it can seem like there’s no way out of the vicious cycle.

Help is at hand if you choose to look for it though and addiction can be successfully treated. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol dependency, drug and alcohol rehab in Tilehurst could be your way forward.

 

What Causes Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition that has a range of interlinking causes. Some substances are described as addictive and this generally refers to drugs that cause physical dependency. The user can build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need to use more and more for the same effect – and eventually just to feel normal. At the same time, your system adjusts to the chemicals provided and when they are removed, you can start to suffer a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction also changes the way the brain deals with reward and pleasure, specifically in regard to the production of dopamine. Addiction essentially rewires these circuits, producing a compulsion to consume more and more of the substance in order to achieve the same rewarding effect.

There is further evidence that long-term use of drugs and alcohol impairs the functioning of a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which manages decision-making. This helps explain why people continue to use drugs and alcohol despite the negative consequences.

Alcohol and drug addiction is a combination of all these factors and it is incredibly difficult to beat without expert help. Treatment programmes have been developed, however, which have been shown to be highly effective in treating addiction.

 

 

NHS or Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

The main choice when it comes to addiction treatment is whether to choose a private drug and alcohol rehab or go through the NHS.

The NHS has the benefit of being free at the point of care, meaning no one should go without drug and alcohol treatment. The treatment offered can be limited though. Resources are often stretched and there may be long waiting lists. NHS treatment is also almost always offered on an outpatient or community basis. This means that you must attend months’ worth of treatment sessions and undergo detox with minimal supervision – both of which can be very challenging.

With residential alcohol rehab, you are in a safe environment away from the people and places associated with your substance use and with no access to drugs and alcohol. At Asana Lodge we offer exceptional facilities and a team of highly qualified and experienced medical and therapy professionals.

These can help to guide you through the difficult process of detoxification and help you to explore the root causes of your substance misuse. Our rehab programmes are also followed by tailored aftercare packages to help you maintain your recovery.

 

Going Through Detox in Rehab

One of the biggest challenges for most people going through recovery is detoxification, or drug and alcohol detox. This is the period where your body processes the drugs and alcohol from your system – often following years of abuse. It can be accompanied by severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms, although these can vary depending on the substance involved, the length and heaviness of usage and other factors.

Opioids and alcohol, for example, can result in very dangerous physical withdrawal symptoms, but withdrawal from any drug can be difficult and potentially dangerous.

By undergoing this process in rehab you will at least be under medical supervision, which can make withdrawal less dangerous. You will also receive the best care and advice and may be given prescription medications (where appropriate) to help with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

 

Therapies Available at Rehab in Tilehurst

Alcohol and drug detox is the point at which you actually get clean or sober up but there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure you stay that way moving forward. This involves addressing the psychological and habitual parts of the addiction and this is done through a range of therapies and other treatments.

Our expert team will help you explore the root causes of your substance misuse through techniques like one-to-one counselling and group therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT is a widely used technique that can help you to break free from negative thought patterns and change the way you think about drugs and alcohol.

 

Addiction and Mental Health

Mental health is another key part of the overall picture. There is often a complex relationship between addiction, substance misuse and mental health. An existing mental health condition could lead someone to drink or use drugs in a (misguided) attempt to make themselves feel better, for example.

In other cases, drug use or addiction could trigger or worsen a mental health condition. Where mental health issues and addictions exist at the same time, they can be treated simultaneously. This is known as dual diagnosis treatment and can be very important for your recovery.

 

The Admission Process

If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, or know someone who is, get in touch for confidential advice. If you think rehab might be your best choice, we can get the ball rolling straight away. Our team of admissions specialists can advise and arrange every step of your recovery with us, including a pre-admission assessment to ensure you receive a treatment programme that is right for your own unique circumstances.

Get in touch today and it might be one of the most positive things you ever do.