Rehab in Merseyside
It’s good to know that help and guidance are at hand should you find yourself becoming reliant on drugs or alcohol. There are in fact several alcohol rehab and drug rehab centres available to you in Merseyside alone. So if you are struggling with addiction and feeling lost, these centres can provide the kind of help and support you really need.
These centres include both inpatient and outpatient treatment services, as well as treatment programmes to set you on the road to recovery. In this page we will discuss the details of drug and alcohol rehab in Merseyside and the options available to you.
Types of addiction treatment and rehab programmes in Merseyside
Inpatient and outpatient treatment may be free or privately funded. As an inpatient you’ll stay at the centre and as an outpatient you’ll visit for scheduled sessions. While these services offer a combination of detox, group/individual therapy and aftercare, private rehab offers greater choice over the clinic and therapy options.
Outpatient addiction treatment (day rehab)
Advantages of choosing outpatient treatment
- Flexible to fit around responsibilities like childcare
- Lets you recover from the comfort of your own home
- Free options available
Disadvantages of choosing outpatient treatment
- Long NHS waiting lists
- Limited availability
- Lack of choice over clinics
- Leaving the clinic leaves you vulnerable
- Individual therapy is not usually available
- Unlikely to receive specialised treatment
- Addictive substances are still accessible from home
- You won’t benefit from living with others going through recovery
- No medical aid provided
- No specialist support
- Simplified group work to suit all ages may not suit you
- No quality aftercare package included
Inpatient addiction treatment (residential rehab)
The easiest way for most people with drug or alcohol addiction to achieve sobriety is to physically remove themselves from triggers, thereby breaking bad habits. And the best way of doing so is by attending residential rehab (inpatient treatment) and staying at the addiction treatment centre for the duration of the treatment programme.
Merseyside provides many rehab centres, some of which are privately funded. Here you’ll find much more choice over where to be admitted. You can also expect to receive guidance from the admissions team who will help you identify a programme that suits you best. Naturally, you’ll enjoy comfortable room and board lodging and an inclusive environment where you’ll meet and gain the support of others who have had similar experiences. You’ll also discover that many members of staff will have lived experience of addiction problems.
You may find that some treatments in private addiction clinics are covered by private insurance.
How does residential (inpatient) rehab work in Merseyside?
While private and NHS options are available, NHS places are limited and entail assessment with waiting lists. Your GP will need to refer you for assessment.
Private rehab means being admitted next day; being allocated a private room at your chosen centre; and having your options explained by a doctor.
Why inpatient rehab?
Inpatient treatment is beneficial as it gets you out of your environment and routine, allows you to focus on assessing your needs and introduces you to others going through recovery.
Here, we’ve laid out the pros and cons of inpatient versus outpatient treatment:
| Inpatient Rehab | Outpatient Rehab | |
| Medical detox available | Y | Y |
| Qualified staff team | Y | Y |
| Round the clock support | Y | N |
| Meals provided | Y | N |
| Flexibility of timing | Y | Y |
| Family support programmes |
Most (Available at Sanctuary Lodge) |
Sometimes |
| Therapeutic groups | Y | Y |
| 1:1 counselling | Y | N |
| Option of conjoints | Most
(Available at Sanctuary Lodge) |
N |
| Peer support | Y | N |
| NHS (free) options | Very limited | Y |
| Privately funded options | Y | Sometimes |
| Fast admission | Y (Only if Private) | N |
| Choice of clinic | Y | Not Guaranteed |
| Aftercare programme | Y | Y |
CQC ratings
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regularly assesses the quality of treatment programmes. Choose inpatient treatment at a private centre and you’ll have the freedom to select the clinic with the best ratings.
Mixture of therapies
Inpatient treatment centres provide a combination of group and individual therapy. Some private rehabs also run holistic therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness or exercise meditations, so you can experience a variety of different approaches. You can view details of private clinic programmes on their websites.
Family support programmes
Inpatient programmes at privately run treatment centres also offer additional support and guidance for loved ones affected by addiction.
Conjoints
Conjoints are meetings between patients and loved ones, facilitated by a trained professional and are available for longer residential treatment. Here, the sharing of progress and emotions will aid the healing process.
UKAT centres across the UK, including Sanctuary Lodge, will immerse you in a schedule of group and individual therapy and interactive activities like yoga and CBT, broken up by lunch sessions.
You may also have a conjoint or one-to-one therapy scheduled for part of the day.
Rehab admissions
To access the NHS, visit your GP who will need to know your details before referring you to a specialist to manage your admission. Waiting times for an appointment can be up to 8 months, in which time the addiction can escalate. Be prepared for long waiting lists if you select this route.
Choose private rehab and you’ll be admitted within 24 hours, with a healthcare professional ready to assess your needs and answer any questions you may have.
How do I prepare for rehab?
Do bring a coat
Do bring photographs or a personal item to remind you of home
Do bring any medication you may be taking (and share this with your physician on arrival)
Do bring books or music
Don’t bring illicit drugs, alcohol or medication which has not been prescribed
Don’t bring any weapons; sharp items such as razor blades, needles, knives or scissors
Don’t bring mouthwash, aerosols or perfume containing alcohol
Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked to turn off your phone or hand in your laptop, as this may distract you from your recovery.
What should I expect from a detox in Merseyside?
Removing substances from the body through detox can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and may entail vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking, weakness and confusion. Medical detox will ease discomfort and, in some cases, stop the body going into shock, which could otherwise cause seizures. Before detoxing, it’s vital to consult a medical professional to prevent any risk.
Medical detox
Before you detox from any substance, you must consult a medical professional. That’s why on admission to any programme, you will always be fully assessed. Only if you are deemed to be at risk from severe withdrawal symptoms will you be advised to go through with medical detox. This will mean ongoing monitoring and the prescribing of appropriate medication, which will, of course, impact on the length of your programme. Ultimately, it will be difficult to fully engage with therapeutic activities if you haven’t withdrawn from a substance.
While medical detox is available to both inpatients and outpatients, monitoring will be less frequent for outpatients who return home each evening. On a residential programme, you’ll receive care from those who have been in your position, and there’ll be less chance of being led astray. Indeed, for some clients, medical detox on an outpatient programme may not even be an option on the grounds of safety.
Drug and alcohol rehab programme
Before setting out on a path of treatment, it’s important to do your homework. Treatment centres vary in their approach. So, it’s best to contact your clinics of choice and ask which addiction treatments they provide. You’ll need to decide which forms of treatment you favour. Many will offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a 12-step programme or any other type of non-12-step programme. And most will boast a combination of group and individual sessions. A balance of both is, we believe, the most effective approach. Talk to your chosen clinic for more details.
How long does a rehab programme last?
The longer your stay, the more effective the treatment. And while most clinics employ a 12-step programme, you’ll only complete the first few steps during a standard 28-day stay. So, you should think hard about your aftercare options and opt for a provider which continues to support you once your programme is complete. Stays as short as two weeks are possible, but four weeks is the minimum we’d recommend.
Is rehab free?
Sadly, private residential rehab isn’t affordable for everyone and many won’t have private insurance to pay for it. The alternative is the NHS, which offers free services, but these are chiefly for outpatients and you are likely to face long waiting lists due to demand.
In most cases, clinics will accept self-referral via your GP. You may eventually be referred for counselling or a detox programme in severe cases. However, if you are in need of urgent treatment services, you could try the charity Turning Point, which funds a limited number of beds for those who meet their criteria.
Free addiction treatment services in Merseyside
AA meetings Merseyside
Below are some AA locations in Merseyside that you can attend for free, to meet new people and expand your recovery network. Click the link below to find which days best suit your schedule.
Telephone: 0800 9177 650
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.
The downside to free services
Due to government cuts, free services are limited. And most free services are for outpatients, so your return home each day may not be conducive to recovery. Neither are you likely to receive one-to-one therapy or intensive medical detox as an outpatient. So please bear this in mind when selecting your programme.
The benefits of residential rehab in Merseyside
Besides fast admission and access to counselling, inpatient treatment will physically remove you from your environment and routine where your addiction was allowed to go unhindered. In a new setting with continual support, you’ll be able to focus on assessing your needs and bond with others going through recovery.
If you are abusing substances and would benefit from a break, or if you have any questions, you can call our friendly team to find out about admission or discuss treatment options. If you’re not ready to speak to someone, keep reading to learn more about the rehab journey and how to speak about addiction.
What does a typical day in rehab look like?
You can expect workshops, group activities and a personal 12-step programme, as well as time for reflection and socialising. Detox may also form part of your programme for the first few days.
At Sanctuary Lodge or any other UKAT clinic, you’ll take part in group and individual therapy, as well as a range of interactive activities like yoga, mindfulness, CBT and movement sessions. During tea, lunch and dinner breaks, you’ll be free to relax in the lounge, gardens or your private room. By combining all these activities you’ll be able to see which work best for you.
In addition, it’s possible that you’ll have a conjoint or one-to-one therapy arranged for some of your time. And in the evenings, there’ll be ample opportunity to share experiences and bond with both residents and staff.
What happens after the rehab programme?
On completing your programme, it’s vital that you continue to receive support from professionals and peers to ensure that your recovery continues.
Rehab is a time for reflection and growth – a process that is ongoing. And planning for life after rehab is an essential part of that process.
Aftercare programmes
You can expect to receive aftercare from most residential programmes.
At UKAT, you’ll gain access to the Alumni network: our community of clients who have completed the programme and are recovering at home. This support network offers fantastic support through event days, useful online materials and regular communications. Having this support network is reassuring, particularly if you face difficulties outside the confines of the clinic.
Support groups
It is important for those who have completed treatment to access a local support group. Doing so will allow you to gain support and advice from others on a similar path of recovery to yourself.
After all, your journey of learning and growth is an ongoing one. And you will need all the support you can get to ensure long-term abstinence. Groups you can turn to will include, among others, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery.
Long-term recovery from addiction
Following treatment, the return to some kind of normal routine will no doubt be exciting; but you may also feel nervous about what to expect when you’re back at home. Although there are bound to be challenging times ahead, such as work and relationships posing new and difficult obstacles to overcome, the right programme will give you all the support you need to manage these hurdles and put into practice everything you have learned.
Everyone is different. While some can move on with just one programme, others require further sessions. Whatever your circumstances, it’s important to be kind to yourself and not compare your journey to others. You can rely on UKAT to be with you every step of the way if you feel you need more time or need someone to talk to.
How do I help get a loved one into rehab?
As a friend or family member of someone with addiction issues, you may well be concerned and eager to find them support. However, you must remember that you cannot force anyone to access treatment. They have to be ready for it.
It can be useful to sit down with them and calmly express your worries and go through the arguments for and against treatment, while outlining the different options open to them. You must appear to be open-minded and never try to lecture, which will invariably be counter-productive.
How do I tell my family I’m going to rehab?
You may feel stressed by taking the decision to seek help, but you should also remember that this is a brave step on your part. Admitting your plans to loved ones can also seem daunting. But this is an important step in the recovery journey. Open and honest conversation will always serve you well and help the healing process.
Indeed, your acknowledgement of your problem and your plan to address it will be welcome news to loved ones. In fact, it will be beneficial for them and yourself if they were to become actively involved with your recovery programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process of restarting visitation sessions is ongoing, with the safety of clients, staff, and visitors our top priority.
Private rehab centres offer clients medical detox, and provides invaluable aftercare through access to a support network which helps former clients support each other on their road to long-term recovery.