Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Treating alcohol addiction is not as simple as stopping drinking, and all will be back to normal in a snap. When you find yourself or a loved one struggling with this kind of addiction, you’ll see how much alcohol can seep out of the life of a person.
When a persons zest for life has drained, they start to neglect what’s important to them, and alcohol is the only thing that keeps them together. When it has become this challenging and severe, the best way to help them get out of this vicious cycle is through residential rehab treatment.
It can be intimidating and scary to get residential rehab treatment, especially with the stigma surrounding it. But this article will help you clear up your worries and answer your questions on how this treatment can be beneficial and, in most cases, life-saving for those who struggle with addiction.
What is Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Residential alcohol addiction rehab treatment takes place at a rehab facility where the patients are admitted and given bespoke treatment programmes. The goal of this residential setup is to help the patient solely focus on their recovery and also have access to medical professionals to guide them through every step of it.
Residential rehab typically lasts between one month to three months, but this varies depending on the severity of the alcohol addiction. It is more intensive compared to outpatient treatment, and the patients are assessed first before being given a holistic treatment plan.
What makes residential rehab beneficial for most people is that it values the privacy and security of its residents. The facility has a confidential clause and ensures that patients are protected and live comfortably in a pleasant environment.
During residential rehab, most treatments include alcohol detoxification, monitoring of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, counselling, unique therapy approaches specific to the patient’s needs, and bespoke dietary and fitness plans.
Aside from these, people undergoing alcohol addiction treatment have access to medical professionals 24/7. They are provided with medication and the utmost care during their stay, and the best part is that they are also exposed to people struggling with the same challenges. Recovery is best done with a solid support system, and having people who share the same difficulties can offer relief and a sense of community. In fact, most patients who have successfully completed their treatment still attend group therapy sessions where they meet with their community and help each other out.
Sobriety is a long-term process and often can become a life-long pursuit. It’s important to note that recovery doesn’t start and end inside the rehab facility. People will still be exposed to the same environment, the same situations, and the same triggers.
What residential alcohol rehab treatment does is help them get back on their feet and strip their dependence on alcohol. It gives them a second chance in life by building healthy coping strategies, psychological defence mechanisms, and practices against alcohol relapse and maintaining their sobriety.
It takes dedication and hard work to do this, and although some people can succeed on their own, most still need continuous support and care from a community and their loved ones. This is why self-help groups and counselling can significantly help any person recovering from addiction outside rehabilitation.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
What Happens in Residential Addiction Rehab?
Because every person’s addiction is rooted in their unique circumstances, treatment is also designed to their specific needs. Below, you’ll find the common elements that a residential alcohol rehab treatment programme offers and how each aspect is beneficial to a person’s recovery.
Detoxification
Detox is the first and crucial part of alcohol addiction treatment as it is focused on clearing the body from the substance of abuse. Through detox, people’s physical dependency on alcohol is eliminated, and the body is prepared before counselling and therapy. Without cleansing the body from alcohol, the individual won’t be able to engage in the next treatment options properly.
In residential rehab treatment, detox is administered by medical professionals because of the potential risks that it poses. For one, alcohol withdrawal symptoms from detox will come up, and it can manifest as seizures, hallucinations, or body chills that need immediate medication in severe cases. This is why medically assisted detox has always been advised so that professionals can monitor the withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, medication can be life-saving for patients when they undergo dangerous and life-threatening withdrawal.
Group therapy to address chemical health
Because substance abuse has taken a negative toll on a person’s chemical health, it can be incredibly isolating and difficult to overcome. This is where group therapy comes in, as it is a relationship-based approach that helps individuals connect and build a safe support system throughout their recovery.
Group therapy aims to create a safe and nonjudgmental community where each person can share their struggles and give helpful advice to their fellow participant. The collective care and work from people who intimately know the ins and outs of alcohol addiction is beneficial for everyone’s healing.
Mental health therapy groups
Addiction is technically a mental health disorder, and in most cases, people also have co-occurring mental health issues alongside it. This can be in the form of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, etc.
Mental health therapy groups help each of the participants share their unique challenges with addiction and their other mental health disorders as well. It is a valuable avenue where people can build relationships and find solace with the same people who know where they are coming from.
Individual mental health assessments and therapy
Another crucial element in alcohol addiction treatment is 1:1 therapy. Here, the therapist works with the patient in a series of appointments while in the rehab facility. The goal is to help them get to the root of their addiction, identify their triggers, and create healthy coping strategies to avoid relapse. Depending on the facility and the needs of the individual, multiple therapy approaches can effectively address their unique challenges.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Individual chemical health assessments and therapy
Chemical health assessments are done alongside a therapist in a one-on-one setup. Here, their chemical health is evaluated, and they also undergo different therapy models to help them through their problematic thinking patterns and behaviours that drive their struggles with addiction.
Medical appointments
Patients also access regular medical appointments and checkups to ensure that their overall health is well taken care of. In residential rehab treatment, the goal is to address not only their alcohol addiction but also their holistic health. Here, they are provided with medication and other supplementary checkups to monitor the progress of their treatment and if the dosage of their meds needs to be adjusted to stop completely.
Wellness and fitness activities
When alcohol addiction takes over a person’s life, they also start to neglect their physical health. And in order to help build back themselves, it’s not just their minds that need proper taking care of but also their bodies.
The best rehabs in the UK create bespoke fitness plans for their patients and provide them with regimens that are specific to their current condition. Most rehab facilities have their own gyms where they can practice this, and the best part about fitness plans is that they help people build back their self-esteem and confidence. As they improve their physical health, it also supports their mental health.
Family programme participation
Families also play a crucial role in their loved ones’ treatment plans inside the rehab facility. Their continuous love and support through visitations and encouragement are valuable for their overall healing. Some facilities also have options where the family can directly participate in the therapy process.
Another benefit is family members, and other loved ones can attend family therapy or counselling. Here, they can understand the effects of addiction in their lives and how to heal themselves as well. Addiction, after all, affects not only the person struggling with it but also their immediate loved ones as well who have seen it up close.
Nutritional assessment
Another aspect of most residential alcohol rehab treatment is personalised nutrition and dietary plans. The goal is to replenish and nourish the body back to its health, significantly when alcohol has depleted the nutrients. Here, they will be able to learn about healthy relationships with food again and also practice healthy habits to maintain their condition.
The best rehab facilities in the UK also have private chefs and high-quality produce to prepare the meals that the nutritionists have instructed in the facility. This is an excellent treatment element in conjunction with fitness plans as it builds back the body before alcohol has damaged it.
Educational and experiential workshops
For most people struggling with alcoholism, they may have neglected their education or career. Returning to everyday life without these skills may be challenging, so most facilities help them reintegrate with training workshops and other learning opportunities. Here, they can discover new hobbies or other life skills that they can use outside the centre’s safety which will help support their recovery journey.
Giving people the opportunity to learn about new things and equip them with other skills can boost their self-esteem. The learning process can be incredibly rewarding for people struggling with alcoholism. Here, they get to be more present and can confidently return to everyday life.
Spiritual care
Last but not least is spiritual care in alcohol addiction treatment. While not all patients are religious or have a spiritual practice, this can be incredibly helpful to others. Some treatment programmes provide spiritual care and dedicated spaces where patients can practice their belief systems, no matter what they are. Spiritual care promotes spiritual healing, and it can significantly benefit some people struggling with addiction to pursue their recovery.
Continuing care planning
Aftercare is another crucial part of residential alcohol rehab treatment. Here, patients who have completed their treatment can still access support groups, counselling sessions, and regular checkups from the facility for a year. It’s important to continue care after treatment in order to help people transition to everyday life better.
Remember, sobriety is a long-term process, there are no shortcuts, and it takes hard work and dedication to maintain. People can avoid relapse better when they have continuous support outside the facility. Aftercare programmes give patients a more solid foundation in their long-term recovery.
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Therapy Types in Residential Addiction Rehab
At the root of it, alcohol addiction is a mental health disorder and is deeply psychological. This is the reason why therapy is at the centre of alcohol addiction treatment. Alcohol detox only targets the physical dependence of the disorder; bespoke fitness and dietary plans help build back physical health. Without therapy, all the other treatment plans won’t hold up long-term because the psychological roots of the addiction are still not healed.
With therapy, people struggling with alcohol addiction can better understand their challenges, they get to identify the internal and external triggers that dictate their behaviour, and ultimately explore strategies to protect themselves from addiction again.
There are multiple therapy approaches, and each facility offers different models, but not all of them. If you have a specific therapy approach in mind, it’s best to ensure that the facility of your choice offers that first before deciding on one. Below, you’ll find the many therapy approaches and how each one can help with addiction.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT is an approach that focuses on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility. Through psychological flexibility, people won’t have the same kind of self-destructive thinking patterns that drive their addiction. ACT employs strategies like developing self-awareness, managing negative thoughts and emotions, and distancing oneself from triggers.
This therapy approach encourages people to embrace unpleasant emotions, sit through them, and overcome them through various strategies. By the end of this therapy, people are now equipped with strategies to navigate the pitfalls of addiction and live with a healthier outlook in life.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is by far the most commonly used therapy approach in all alcohol addiction treatment programmes because of its effectiveness. CBT not only digs deep into the core of the addiction but also the overall mental health and well-being of the person. In this therapy model, the patient and the therapist work together to explore destructive thinking patterns and behaviours.
This means that patients are also vulnerable to their challenges and past. The goal of CBT is to identify these patterns and build a mental toolkit of strategies so that the patient can cope better and avoid relapse. Thanks to CBT, people struggling with addiction can make better choices and develop mental fortitude for their overall well-being and long-term sobriety.
- Contingency management/motivational incentives
Contingency management (CM), also known as motivational incentives, is another kind of behavioural therapy founded on operant conditioning principles. Here, the emphasis is rewarding good behaviour, like regularly attending therapy sessions or passing a sobriety test.
The rewards may be financial or privilege-based, but the main reason is to encourage these actions through positive reinforcement. The same is true for the opposite; when patients fail to do their commitments, punishment is also the result.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is another therapy approach derived from cognitive behavioural therapy and combines concepts from Buddhist meditative practices. DBT offers practical mindfulness approaches like distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and acceptance. The goal of DBT is to help develop proactive problem-solving skills that ultimately can support them to live a better life free from the destructive thinking patterns of addiction.
- Interpersonal therapy
IPT is another therapy approach that focuses on relationships and attachments. The main reason is that some people struggling with alcoholism can recover when they improve their relationships. Because alcoholism can drive someone into isolation, this can be very difficult, and IPT can teach them interpersonal skills that they may have neglected. This includes communication skills, developing social support structures, and addressing challenges in relationships.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is another model that uses CBT techniques with meditative practices. MBCT, on the other hand, was explicitly designed to reduce relapse and has been shown to lower alcohol cravings for people with alcohol addiction effectively.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
MET is a treatment model that focuses on helping patients set effective goals, have a healthy outlook for the future, and plan for change. As most people suffering from alcoholism find it hard to see beyond their future, MET allows them to reframe their way of thinking and also boost their self-esteem. MET helps build internal change that helps immensely in their holistic recovery journey.
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing is used to explore the mixed emotions or the ambivalence of people in treatment. MI aims to help patients investigate their emotions without judgment and ensure that they feel safe in the process. In MI, the therapist has a more direct role in guiding the patient through a structured methodology.
- Psychoeducational groups
Psychoeducational group therapy is another approach that also employs CBT techniques but is more driven in education about alcohol addiction as a whole. It focuses on helping group participants discover healthy coping strategies, understand relapse prevention, build realistic thinking, and recognise triggers.
- Solution-focused brief therapy/solution-focused therapy
SFBT is a solutions-based therapy that focuses on exploring past solutions of the patient that they feel did not work for them. Instead of focusing on the internal problems and triggers, SFBT highlights the importance of crafting new and effective solutions specific to the person. This gives patients their own agency when it comes to choosing solutions that they are confident in.
- Medication-assisted therapies
MAT is a treatment approach that uses medication alongside therapy. It’s been found that medication used in alcohol addiction treatment is only effective when done together with therapy and not the other way around. Some medicines can help with alcohol cravings, and others help address co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Twelve-step facilitation
Twelve-step facilitation is a therapy model founded by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that follows the 12-step methodology. This therapy approach encourages people to engage with the twelve-step program wherein each step is explored throughout the alcohol addiction treatment.
This is also done by attending AAs, where people can meet with others who struggle with the same conditions and intimately know where they are coming from. Compared to other approaches, this is also ideal for people following a spiritual practice, as one of the steps requires them to surrender to a higher being.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Factors that Play a Role in Treatment Recommendations
Different factors come into play when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment, and this also determines what kind of facility you’ll eventually choose. Below, you’ll find the numerous factors and learn how each affects treatment.
- Age
Age-specific facilities are dedicated to treating an age group through personalised health plans. For one, some facilities are dedicated to helping the youth suffering from alcohol addiction and training them with skills in workshops that are appropriate to them. Age also determines the kinds of medication prescribed for individuals, as this can differ from age group to age group. - Medical history
Medical history is crucial when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment, so it can be personalised based on the severity of the condition and also address other co-occurring conditions. For one, some people with severe alcoholism will require a tapered mode of detox and medication since alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and shock the system. - Co-occurring mental and/or substance use disorders
It’s often common for people struggling with substance use disorder to experience different mental health disorders. In such cases, it’s crucial to address both and treat them simultaneously. This is called dual diagnosis, and it requires a different kind of treatment plan. For one, medication for some disorders can adversely affect other medications, so specialist care is needed. - History of addiction
The longer a person has abused alcohol and the greater the amount they have consumed, the more complicated the treatment will be. Another factor to this is that people may have used multiple drugs before, which poses unique challenges. In this situation, a regular detox may not be advisable as it can become life-threatening due to the severity of the addiction. Medication will be altered to fit their current condition, and a specialist in charge will treat them. - Social support networks available
Most people struggling with alcohol addiction often have driven themselves to isolation or have neglected their previous social support networks. They may have driven away their family members, friends, and other loved ones during the height of their addiction and may now have poor social support. In such cases, people may have difficulty recovering once they have successfully finished their treatment in the rehab facility. Poor social support networks will determine the kind of aftercare plans that will be needed and the kind of therapy to give them. - Belief system
A person’s belief system is also vital, as some people may require spiritual care or not. Some facilities have specific programmes like the 12-step programme by Alcoholics Anonymous that revolves around the belief of surrendering to a higher power to heal from addiction. And some people who don’t adhere to this belief will find it challenging to follow such a programme. This is why a belief system is an essential factor when it comes to choosing a suitable facility.
Types of Residential Alcohol Rehab Programmes
Residential alcohol rehab treatment programmes can be divided into two types. Each facility will have different kinds of therapy models to offer as well as staff and the quality of their programmes.
Residential rehab
Residential rehab is where patients reside in the facility 24/7, from day to night. Here, they are provided with sleeping accommodations and different kinds of therapy models. The advantage of a residential setup is that patients can solely focus on their treatment and recovery. This is especially effective for most people because they are extracted from the environment where their addiction has grown. They also have access to facilities like a gym, workshops for various skills training, and therapy in a safe and pleasant environment away from triggers.
Partial hospitalisation
Partial hospitalisation is sort of in between inpatient and outpatient services. Instead of sleeping and residing in the rehab facility, patients can go to the facility between five and seven days a week for their treatment and return to their homes overnight.
To access this kind of treatment, though, people are required to exhibit specific progress milestones to continue receiving the treatment. If this form of treatment fails the the patient will be advised to attend a full residential rehabilitation so that treatment can be much more effective for them.
How Long Does Residential Alcohol Rehab Take?
The duration of residential rehab differs from person to person because of multiple factors like medical history, co-occurring mental health disorders, polydrug use, and support networks. Some patients only need a few weeks to recover, while others require months. In most cases, the typical timeframe for residential rehabilitation can last between 30 to 90 days.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Advantages of a Residential Programmes
One of the many perks of residential rehabilitation is that it offers a safe, secure, and peaceful environment where people can solely focus on their treatment. This is especially advantageous for those who experience severe alcohol addiction and have found that alcohol has taken over most of their bodily functions.
A residential rehab setup allows patients privacy and confidentiality while undergoing treatment. They are also extracted from the environment where their addiction has arisen and can get intensive care without juggling any responsibilities at home, work, or with other relationships.
The emphasis is on helping people dedicate their time and energy to recovery so they can build themselves back up and also avoid the temptation of relapse through developing healthy coping skills.
Lastly, this is an ideal setup because people have access to 24/7 onsite medication and the support of specialists to take care of them. It’s comprehensive and secure and allows people to dedicate themselves to healing fully.
How Much Does Residential Addiction Treatment Cost?
Alcohol addiction treatment can be expensive, and because of the intensive care offered by residential rehab treatment plans, the rough estimate often ranges between £4,000 and £15,000 per month. This varies for every facility and is based on the kind of therapy approaches needed by the patient, medication, and medical history.
For some people, the costs can be covered by their private health insurance policy, but you’ll have to check with your provider or an addiction specialist first for a more accurate estimate of the costs per facility.
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment
and Rehab Success Rates in the UK
The success rate of residential rehab facilities differs significantly, and most patients finishing their treatment don’t usually report back to their facilities about their progress. However, there are still some rough estimates for the best-performing and worst-performing treatment centres in the UK.
In 2012, the NHS’ National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse report stated that the best-performing rehab facilities have a success rate of 60% to 80% for their patients who have finished their programmes after five years. The worst-performing facilities, however, only have a 20% success rate or lower.
It’s essential to ask about the success rate of a rehab facility first before you choose one, and seeking the advice of an addiction specialist will give you a clearer idea of your best options and which treatment plan wold suit you best.
Questions to Ask a Residential Alcohol
Rehab Treatment Centre
Trying to find the best rehab facility can be daunting and overwhelming. You need to consider many factors, and it might become too complicated. However, you don’t have to do this mindlessly. Below, you’ll find some insightful questions you can use as a checklist when searching for a suitable facility.
- Is the programme licensed and accredited?
- Are there case studies or evidence that the staff can provide?
- How long is the inpatient programme?
- Are there programmes with different lengths to suit your circumstances?
- Do they allow patients to change programmes during treatment?
- Does the programme offer specific types of therapy?
- What are the therapy approaches available in the facility?
- Can patients have the opportunity to try out different therapy models?
- What are the programme’s long-term success rates following treatment?
- Does the facility have case studies of their success rate?
- What do previous patients have to say about the programme?
- Is there support to help patients transition to aftercare?
- What aftercare treatment programmes are available in the facility?
- Does the facility accept health insurance or have financial assistance?
- Are payment plans flexible to cover the treatment?
- Can patients undergoing treatment contact their loved ones if required?
- How do visitation hours work inside the facility?
- How do visitation hours work inside the facility?
Take the First Step Today by Reaching out for Help?
Accepting that you have an alcohol problem is very difficult in the first place because of the stigma surrounding it. Getting professional help may feel daunting at first and you may try to treat alcoholism on your own.
However, alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can not only effect your physical health and mental condition but also the relationships around you and what you hold dear in your life. It’s never too late to seek professional help no matter how severe the alcohol problem is. The sooner you decide to get help, the sooner change, and healing can come to you as well.
If you feel that residential alcohol addiction treatment is better for your situation, there are already multiple high quality rehab centres in the UK qualified to treat alcohol addiction. You can seek the professional advice of your GP or an addiction specialist to help you decide on the facilities that can cater to your specific needs.
Take Control of Your Life and Get Started on the Road to Recovery and Brighter Future
If you have been a long-time alcohol user, it may seem intimidating and hopeless to get help and turn your life around. But nothing is ever too late, for with the proper treatment you can take control of your life again and not let alcohol damage it any further.
Remember, acknowledging that you need help is the first but crucial step towards recovery. If you’re already in that stage, then you’re already on the path. And if you still don’t feel ready, know that you’re not alone in this journey and help is available whenever you choose to seek it. Make the call today and let us help you get started on your journey.
FREE Alcohol Addiction Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free alcohol addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
