Alcoholism, also known as an addiction to alcohol, is a serious condition where individuals abuse drinking. The extent of this drinking is to the point where a dependency on alcohol is created in order for their bodies to function.
It is harmless for most people to have an alcoholic beverage or two on occasion. But for those suffering from alcoholism, drinking is a frequent, damaging behaviour that creates an extreme addiction.
One of the ways to help yourself or a loved one suffering from alcoholism is to go to rehab. These programmes are designed to provide assistance and alternatives to eliminate dependency on alcohol.
Amersham in Buckinghamshire, England, is no stranger to the effects that drug and alcohol consumption can have. Addiction (also referred to as substance use disorder, or substance abuse) is not limited to specific demographics.
While it may significantly affect those who face more disadvantaged, addiction transcends class, wealth, race, beliefs, and more.
From 2017 to 2018, it was estimated that around 38 per 100,000 people succumbed to alcohol-related deaths in Amersham and the rest of Buckinghamshire.
Furthermore, the rate of admissions for mental and behavioural disorders – as a result of alcohol abuse – was 43 per 100,000 people.
Residents of Amersham were particularly at risk of developing an addiction or substance abuse due to their high risk of suffering from loneliness. It is estimated that around 7% of children in Amersham are living in poverty, making them more susceptible to developing an addiction in the future.
The rate of adults receiving treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Amersham was 97.7 per 100,000 people. 40% of all years lived with ill health in Amersham are due to smoking, inactivity, unhealthy diets, and alcohol misuse.
According to the same study, 22% of respondents to a survey claimed that their alcohol consumption levels had increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
In Buckinghamshire including Amersham, the demand for addiction treatment centres increased by 15% throughout 2020. Clearly, alcohol abuse has become more prominent in these areas.
Drug crime is also a significant issue in the area. It is estimated that 1.9 per 1,000 people in Amersham commit drug offences. Aylesbury, near Amersham, had over 200% of the rates of violent crime, sexual assaults, and drug crimes when compared to the rest of England.
From 2019 to 2020, Buckinghamshire including Amersham saw a total of 759 new presentations entering a rehab facility in order to receive addiction treatment.
Of these entries, 20% were parents or adults who were living with children whereas another 34% were parents or adults who were not living with children.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
Because addiction affects the brain and the body in many ways, it is officially recognised as a neurological disorder and a brain disease. When someone prolongs and increases their levels of drug or alcohol consumption, chemical changes can occur in the brain.
These chemical changes lead to a drastic alteration in the reward pathways of the brain of the person who frequently consumes their addictive substance.
The more that they consume their addictive substances, the more dependent the subject will become on their substance of choice.
When someone consumes their addictive substance, their tolerance will also increase.
This will mean that subjects will have to consume much higher levels than previously in order to reach similar levels of euphoria, which will eventually lead to levels of consumption which exacerbate their addiction and can lead to overdosing and potentially even death.
Because addiction can affect people physically and psychologically, its symptoms can come in many different ways.
Some subjects may experience physical withdrawal symptoms more than psychological symptoms, whereas other subjects may even experience both.
Physical withdrawal symptoms are associated with physically addictive substances such as alcohol and heroin, for example.
Its symptoms can manifest in the form of headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, muscle cramping, vomiting, trembling, and even seizures. Physical withdrawal symptoms can also lead to fatality.
On the other hand, patients who are addicted to cocaine, cannabis, or other psychologically addictive substances experience psychological symptoms.
These include hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and more. It is important to recognise that alcohol, as well as other substances, can present both physical and psychological symptoms.
The effects of addiction go beyond its consumer, however. Indirect effects of addiction can have a monumental impact on communities in Amersham, the United Kingdom, and all over the world.
Those who are addicted to either drugs or alcohol, or even suffer from behavioural addictions (e.g. sex, gambling), for example, will also suffer from a range of effects including relationship breakdown, social isolation, financial insecurity, housing insecurity, and so on.
Furthermore, friends and family members of the addicted person can suffer from profound emotional stress and trauma when it comes to witnessing their loved one battle a vicious disease.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
If you require assistance because you may be suffering from substance dependence, we encourage you to take the necessary steps in order to stop addiction early. The longer that addiction has to fester, the more difficult a recovery will be to achieve.
By calling us at 0800 140 4690, you will be taking the first step towards overcoming your addiction. At Rehab 4 Addiction, our purpose is to help you overcome addiction and return to a life of optimal health and sobriety.
With our assistance and your desire to return to a healthy life, we can achieve long-term recovery together.
There is no better time to initiate your journey towards recovery and sobriety than today. The sooner that you act, the more likely your recovery journey will be swift and successful.
Sometimes, the addicted subject may be too reluctant to seek assistance because they are either worried about the stigmas surrounding addiction or they might overlook the severity of their addiction. If this is the case, we can help you stage an intervention at Rehab 4 Addiction.
An intervention can be useful for subjects who are suffering from addiction but are too reluctant to seek the support that is necessary.
Rehab 4 Addiction can refer friends and family members to a local interventionist in Amersham and other areas of Buckinghamshire in order to facilitate an intervention.
The objective of an intervention is to guide a subject towards seeking addiction rehabilitation. The intervention will take place in an environment which promotes non-judgemental discussion where relevant members will have the chance to explain to their loved ones how their addiction is affecting them.
CRAFT Intervention, which stands for Community Reinforcement and Family Training, is a popular method of intervention because it takes into consideration the well-being of the family.
Not only is the person who is addicted affected by addiction, but friends and family members must also suffer from a range of consequences associated with addiction.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
Undergoing treatment at a residential rehabilitation in Amersham as an inpatient is thought to be the most effective form of treatment.
This is because patients will undergo an intensive treatment programme at a medically supported facility which is designed specifically in order to help patients recover.
At a residential rehab, patients will be under medical supervision throughout their stay. They will have constant access to care and support from an experienced team of professionals.
They will also receive medication from an addiction physician in order to overcome any withdrawal symptoms that may hinder their recovery.
Undergoing treatment as an inpatient allows patients to recover without worrying about factors unrelated to addiction.
For example, they will not have to worry about occupational responsibilities or social and environmental factors which may present relapse triggers. Instead, they will spend their entire time at rehab focusing on recovery.
Residential rehab is also referred to as private rehab. At a private rehab, patients will often undergo a personalised recovery programme.
This means that their treatment provider will create a personalised recovery plan which is entirely based on the information that they provided during the admissions process.
A personalised recovery programme can address problems and requirements which are distinctive and special to a specific patient. This is as opposed to using the same recovery programme for multiple patients battling addiction.
While it may arguably be the most effective form of recovery, patients will be expected to pay to undergo treatment as an inpatient at a residential rehab.
The price is location-dependent and will vary according to a number of factors such as luxury, reputation, experience, facilities, and so on. The price for a 28-day stay at rehab in Amersham will vary from around £4,000 to £40,000 depending on the rehab.
Undergoing treatment as an outpatient at a public rehab facility appeals to many subjects because it is free of cost and it requires a lower level of commitment.
Patients undergoing treatment as an outpatient will be required to attend a few hours of therapy per week, or more, depending on the level of care that they require.
Therapy sessions will be similar to that of a residential rehab facility, however, the intensiveness and level of personalisation will be far less. This is because free services are often in high demand and struggle to accommodate individual needs and requirements.
However, patients will be able to maintain their employment while they are undergoing treatment at an outpatient facility.
Additionally, they will be able to undergo a home detox. This means that they can assume the same responsibilities, whether social or occupational, as they did before they entered rehab.
On the other hand, outpatient recovery is not necessarily suitable for many patients, especially those who are suffering significantly from addiction.
If a patient is suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, relapse potential, mental health complications, or is without a safe recovery environment, they will be highly advised to enter residential rehab as an inpatient.
Outpatient treatment has been criticised due to its lack of intensiveness and personalisation when it comes to treating patients. Without these crucial aspects, those who suffer from a higher level of addiction will struggle much more when it comes to recovery.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
There are many ways that a rehab facility or treatment provider can approach addiction treatment. To only use one form of therapy would be reductive and sub-optimal for recovery.
Addiction requires a treatment programme which covers a wide range of issues.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular forms of therapy when it comes to substance addiction treatment, as well as treatment for other conditions such as depression, PTSD, behavioural addiction, and so on.
CBT is a form of individual therapy which is implemented in order to address a range of unhealthy habits. Patients suffering from addiction also typically suffer from many negative thoughts and behavioural patterns which inevitably worsen their addiction.
Similarly, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) treats patients who display self-destructive traits. However, what makes DBT stand out is that it is specifically tailored toward patients who display strong feelings and emotions.
It is also used to treat patients who suffer from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and other psychological issues.
DBT focuses a lot on self-acceptance, change, stress management, and more. It attempts to merge the ideas of acceptance and change for patients, which can seem to be contradictory.
However, its purpose is to help patients accept who they are before refining some of their traits in order to become more rational and constructive.
In order to successfully recover from addiction, patients will need to deal with a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural problems that they display before.
These self-destructive patterns are what typically exposes a patient to addiction. Therefore, they need to be addressed in order to prevent a relapse from taking place.
Motivational Interviewing is a goal-oriented form of therapy which is designed in order to facilitate behaviour change.
One of the most difficult aspects of addiction for patients is finding the motivation to recover. Motivational Interviewing’s objective is to help patients find intrinsic motivation in order to strive toward change.
This form of therapy has been proven to help patients adhere to treatment methods in order to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
By developing the readiness to change and overcome addiction, patients will become more engaged in the therapeutic approaches which are presented in their addiction rehabilitation programme.
While individual and group therapy such as CBT, DBT, Family Therapy, and so on are effective in treating drug and alcohol addiction, a holistic approach towards treatment can have many benefits on a patient’s recovery journey.
Holistic therapy is often implemented in order to help patients improve their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. While DBT may address intense feelings of anxiety, for example, holistic therapy will address many issues.
The mind, body, and spirit are intricately connected, and one can have a profound effect on the other.
Examples of holistic therapy include but aren’t limited to tai chi, yoga, art therapy, equine therapy, movement therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and many more.
These examples can promote mindfulness, physical exercise, stress management, relaxation, and many other benefits which will improve the patient’s overall health.
Just as we’ve previously mentioned, the effects of addiction are not confined to one person. The family of the addicted person will experience a range of negative effects which can have significant ramifications on their quality of life.
There are many examples of family therapy, and some examples include:
These examples will address toxic behaviours which exacerbate and may have even caused addiction, address root problems that families have which may have led their loved one to develop an addiction, develop communication and problem-solving skills which will help the addicted person achieve recovery, and so on.
This will further reinforce the support network of the patient because those who are around him or she will learn more about their condition and what is required in order to recover.
Much like family therapy, there are many benefits which can come from group therapy sessions. A group therapy session will be led by a licensed therapist, and patients will take part in sessions with other patients undergoing addiction rehabilitation.
When paired with individual therapy, group therapy can help patients find a supportive environment which can further facilitate their recovery.
Patients will also experience a sense of identification with other patients who are facing similar problems and are going through a similar journey.
Social reinforcement is also a strong component of group therapy which will then further reinforce positive lifestyle changes. It also combats social isolation which affects many people facing addiction.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of psychological and behavioural therapy which places emphasis on developing mindfulness and acceptance.
It is similar to CBT and DBT, and the theory is that ‘psychological flexibility’ can help patients navigate aspects of life, whether positive or negative, without the need for intoxicating substances.
Rather than resisting their own thoughts and feelings, patients will be taught to accept them. Then, patients can work in order to overcome them and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Contingency Management is a form of behavioural therapy which encourages positive forms of behaviour with incentives. In this case, positive behaviour includes abstaining from drug or alcohol consumption, attending therapy, and so on.
Examples of positive reinforcement in Contingency Management therapy can include awarding prizes to the patient who is showing signs of improvement in their recovery.
Entering a rehabilitation facility in Amersham to overcome drug addiction is a similar process to overcoming alcohol addiction. Some substances in particular, such as heroin, will present very similar symptoms to alcohol.
Other drugs may present different symptoms and require a slightly different process to facilitate recovery, on the other hand.
Drug addiction may also require a medicated detox just as an alcohol addiction would. This is particularly the case for those who suffer from extreme physical withdrawal symptoms, and this can happen to patients suffering from heroin addiction or addiction to opiates, for example.
Whatever form of detox phase the patients undergo, they will still be required to undergo psychological and behavioural therapy in order to combat drug addiction.
Just like with alcohol addiction, drug addiction can cause a range of cognitive, mental, and emotional complications which will not only hinder their recovery but decrease their quality of life.
Patients will also need to learn how they are able to manage their recovery in the long term. They will be taught about the process of relapse prevention planning.
Once they leave their rehab facility in Amersham, they will have the ability to sustain their recovery with independence.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
Undergoing a recovery programme as an inpatient typically lasts for around a month for those recovering from either drug or alcohol addiction. However, it may last longer depending on the severity of their addiction.
This will leave the addiction counsellors, therapists, physicians and supervisors enough time to allow the patient to recover through a range of treatment methods.
Patients may undergo a medicated detox during this time, and then they will undergo a range of sessions involving therapy, relapse planning, and more.
On the other hand, outpatient treatment at a public or free rehab facility may last longer, but this is because they are spending less time undergoing treatment on a week-to-week basis.
Rather than spending a few hours per day undergoing treatment as an inpatient would, outpatients will spend a few hours per week attending treatment sessions. This requires them to remain consistent for a longer period of time.
However, recovery doesn’t necessarily end once the patient’s time at the rehab in Amersham comes to an end, whether the patient is an inpatient or an outpatient.
Recovery is an ongoing process, and patients will continue to receive support in the form of an aftercare programme, where they will continue their recovery as an outpatient.
Rehab and treatment providers will ensure that they maximise the patient’s likelihood of sustaining sobriety by providing them with relapse prevention planning and also an aftercare programme post-rehab.
While the detox process helps patients get rid of harmful substances from their bodies, they will need to do more in order to prevent a relapse from taking place. This can be done by learning about relapse prevention strategies.
HALT, which is an acronym for ‘Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired’, for example, is a popular method adopted by many rehab facilities. With HALT, patients will learn about how they can manage cravings, whether they are physical, mental, or emotional cravings.
Relapse triggers can be associated with negative situations. For example, when subjects are facing hardship, suffering from loneliness, are under a lot of stress, and so on. they may seek euphoria from an intoxicating substance.
On the other hand, relapse triggers can be associated with ‘positive triggers’. An example of this would be particular songs or events which evoke nostalgic thoughts and feelings for the subject which makes them want to consume their drug or alcoholic beverage of choice again.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
Once the patient leaves their addiction rehabilitation facility, they will continue to undergo treatment as an outpatient in Amersham.
Their rehab facility will have provided them with an aftercare programme which they can undergo in order to hone their skills and knowledge when it comes to maintaining recovery.
Patients will gain access to new forms of support networks in the form of a fellowship group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, for example.
Here, they can continue to undergo their recovery by attending support sessions with other patients while undergoing the 12-Step Facilitation Programme.
The 12-Step Facilitation Programme is noted for its effectiveness when assisting subjects in their quest for long-term recovery. It teaches subjects to accept addiction as a chronic disease, and it enhances individuality and spiritual growth.
To be a member and undergo the programme within a fellowship group, the only requirement is that subjects have the desire to abstain from their addictive substance.
Studies often show that former patients who attend fellowship meetings regularly (2 to 4 times per week) are far more likely to abstain from their intoxicating substances.
There are several signs that rehab is a potential choice for someone with alcohol addiction. If there are physical health concerns as a result of alcohol use, or relationships among family and friends have become highly tense or strained, rehab would be a good option.
If alcohol becomes a necessity every day, and you’re valuing it over other responsibilities, causing school or work to suffer, you would benefit from attending rehab.
Other signs that rehab would be a good choice are legal concerns over your use, denial, or lying about alcohol consumption. Being absent from important obligations is another.
Lastly, if your loved ones are concerned that you’ve tried but failed to stop drinking before, rehab is one course of action to consider.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
It’s essential that medical assistance and staff are present during the detox period and inpatient rehab processes. Medical professionals know how to properly conduct alcohol detox in a safe, more comfortable manner.
Those undergoing detox with medical help are also given support, and monitoring, and have the peace of mind knowing that if they need it, intervention is there.
Private, inpatient rehab facilities are often able to deliver quality medical care throughout the stages of alcohol rehab, but especially during the detox phase. Detoxification is necessary and helpful, but it can be very damaging if done incorrectly or without medical professionals.
Beginning the search for an alcohol rehab centre can appear daunting at first; however, it does not have to be an insurmountable task. Asking the right questions is the key to making the right decision for you or your loved one.
First, ensure the rehab centre treats alcoholism, as there are several forms of rehab facilities for any number of disorders. Next, enquire about the kinds of therapies the facility conducts, like counselling, family therapy, group programmes, or more holistic treatment methods.
Ask about the kinds of options and support provided by the facility for living sober after the rehab is complete.
Check the credentialing and licencing of all facilities you look into to make sure that you’re working alongside professional, high-quality programmes.
During an inpatient programme for alcohol rehab, there are a number of processes and treatments that may take place. First is the detoxification process, which is crucial to the remainder of the treatment as it clears the body of alcohol to allow for engagement with subsequent therapies.
Detoxification for alcoholism usually involves certain medications to reduce the desire or need for alcohol. Experiencing extreme withdrawal from alcohol can be potentially deadly without medication, which means you shouldn’t do it alone.
There are both group and individual therapy sessions typically, where you can share experiences and bond with others.
Clients are often offered fitness or wellness options to create healthy self-esteem and promote fitness during rehab processes.
Alongside fitness, there is also nutritional support to make sure you’re eating the right things. Should participants choose, spiritual concerns and development are options as part of a holistic method of treatment for alcoholism.
Other care involves various workshops that are designed to engage individuals in both experiential and educational ways. Rehab is a multi-faceted process that takes care to involve every aspect of participants’ lives to create a whole, healthy life post-intervention.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
Alcohol rehab is a time commitment; however, it is more than worth it to live a life that is unfettered by a harmful addiction. Typically, inpatient rehab lasts for one month, but the NIDA states that treatments lasting for about three months are typically more effective.
In Amersham, participants can expect to stay at a hospital site for approximately 28 Medically-assisted detoxification will be performed if needed, and then you will undergo both personal and group therapy for alcohol addiction.
Our Amersham rehab facilities use the widely-acclaimed 12-Step method from the AA organisation. Our approaches are fitted to personal circumstances and needs, while also aligning with NICE guidelines.
You can also expect family or couple counselling, then aftercare and family support for one-year post-treatment.
To begin your recovery journey today, call our 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 140 4690
To prepare for alcohol rehab, it’s important to understand that anxiety and stress are very common feelings before beginning treatment. While they may seem uncomfortable, rehab staff and processes are trained to care for you even while feeling these emotions.
Before starting treatment, make certain that you have taken care of familial or workplace responsibilities for the duration of rehab.
Complete any financial tasks necessary, or arrange for these to be taken care of while you’re in treatment. Bring only the essentials with you during the rehab process to ensure you’re adhering to guidelines and allowed items.
Enjoy your company, reach out to your friends and family to let them know what’s going on, and tell them how much you appreciate their support, even if they don’t ask. While in rehab, bring a journal or diary to record feelings and track progress.
Be sure to relax as much as possible, avoid unnecessary stress, and clear your head to prepare for rehab. Engaging in rehab for alcoholism is a brave decision that will assist you to lead a more balanced, healthy life without addiction.
Rehab 4 Addiction officers a range of addiction treatments in Buckinghamshire, including Milton Keynes, High Wycombe, Buckingham, Aylesbury and Amersham.
Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic disease. While it isn’t technically curable, it can be treated.
To take the necessary steps and ensure that you receive treatment before your addiction becomes too severe is to ensure that you are more likely to recover from your condition.
Rehab 4 Addiction can help you navigate the seemingly overwhelming process that is getting help.
While it may initially be intimidating, we can help with your transition into recovery and help you re-establish a life of sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.
Thinking of quitting drugs or alcohol once and for all? Get in touch on 0800 140 4690.
[1] Full Report 2020 – Heart of Bucks https://heartofbucks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/buckinghamshire-uncovered-full-report.pdf
[2] Amersham Community Board – Health and Well Being in Buckinghamshire https://www.healthandwellbeingbucks.org/Resources/Councils/bucks-public-health/local-profile/2021/Amersham_CommunityBoard.pdf
[3] Parents with Problems: Alcohol and Drug Use in England and Buckinghamshire https://www.ndtms.net/resources/public/Parental%20substance%20misuse/South%20East/SE_Buckinghamshire_2019-20_Parental_substance_misuse_data_pack.html
[4] What Does It Mean When We Call Addiction a Brain Disorder https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2018/03/what-does-it-mean-when-we-call-addiction-brain-disorder
[5] Family Approaches to Addiction Treatment: CRAFT, Intervention and Al-Anon https://www.mentalhelp.net/addiction/treatment/craft-intervention-and-al-anon/
[6] Residential Rehab for Alcohol Use Disorder https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/alcohol-rehab/residential
[7] Cognitive Behavioural Therapy https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-addiction
[8] Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for Addiction https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-addiction
[9] Understanding Motivational Interviewing https://motivationalinterviewing.org/understanding-motivational-interviewing
[10] Holistic Psychotherapy https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/holistic-psychotherapy
[11] Family Therapy for Addiction https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/family-therapy-addiction
[12] Group Therapy for Addiction https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/group-therapy-addiction
[13] Acceptance and Commitment Therapy https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/acceptance-commitment-therapy-addiction
[14] Contingency Management Treatment for Addiction https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/contingency-management
[15] Focus: Addiction: Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/
[16] 12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programmes for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753023/
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