Drug Rehab

Drug Rehab, drug addiction is still widely misunderstood and subject to social stigma and judgement, even from close friends and family. At Serenity Drug Rehab centre, we are proud to have helped thousands of clients to turn their lives around with professional treatments to help them tackle drug and other addictions. We combine a supported approach of abstinence along with the psychological support that helps to tackle the underlying causes of the addiction.

Who is our drug rehab program suitable for?

If you want to become free from drug addiction and ready to prepare for a life of sobriety, then our drug rehabilitation programme is your ideal choice, delivered at our private clinic on an inpatient basis. On drug rehab, you will go through a full supported detox and withdrawal programme that is expertly managed and monitored by our professional team. At the same time, you will focus on learning new skills, tools and personal awareness that will set you up for success when you leave and return to your home. We also offer urgent care for those who need immediate treatment.

What can I expect once I have successfully completed drug rehab?

• The aim is for life-long sobriety
• You can re-enter society and play a valuable role in the world around you
• You can rebuild relationships with loved ones, let go of unhealthy relationships that don’t serve you well and start new relationships that are free from addiction.
• You can lead a productive life that allows you to use your talents, energy and abilities to achieve new goals.
• You can start to enjoy life again!

The challenges that drug addicts face

• Social stigma – drugs represent a serious moral dilemma for many people and their usage clearly falls foul of the law. At Serenity Drug Rehab centre, we look beyond these issues and reach out to help the individual – respecting the courage that it takes to make that first step towards overcoming addiction.
• Legal difficulties – many clients are worried that, by admitting to their drug problem, they may find themselves in trouble with the law. But we operate on a confidential basis and follow strict procedures that put the privacy of our clients first.
• Fear of drug rehab – the prospect of drug rehab can be a frightening one, particularly if you haven’t been ready to admit that you have a problem with drugs. But rest assured, our approach is extremely supportive, effective, kind and person-led. We use a range of approaches to suit individual needs, from detox through to psychotherapy to deal with the underlying issues of drug dependency.
• Fear of admitting up to problems – we understand that most people struggling with drug dependency have underlying troubles. We are not here to judge – we are here to do everything that we can to help you to regain your life.
• Fear of becoming known as an addict – many addicts are highly adept at covering up their problems. However, when you are ready to go through drug rehab, we offer a completely confidential approach at a well-established, private centre where you will be supported in a private environment.

Why does drug rehab need to be done within a clinic?

Drug rehab needs to be delivered on an inpatient basis at our clinic because of the intensive nature of the detox process and the need to escape the drug lifestyle itself. Most addicts find themselves increasingly drawn into a drug culture where they are surrounded by sources of their addiction and people who do not want them to overcome their dependency. A fresh and supportive environment is essential to avoid temptation and to access the necessary support in a way that is as painless and smooth as possible, with healing therapies and positive people that are there to help.

We understand the challenges of drug rehab

There is a great deal of confusion and misconception around drug withdrawal and detox. Many people think that it is simply a case of keeping an addict away from their drug for long enough for the physical withdrawal to take place. However, in most acute drug dependency cases, there are underlying factors that must also be addressed because the drug merely provides a sticking plaster for these issues. This is why we focus on therapies that get to the heart of unresolved issues and help clients to understand, become aware and tackle their problems for the longer-term.

Our drug rehab counsellors have walked the walk

We make sure that all of our counsellors complete a drug programme themselves so that they truly understand the processes involved and the experience of being a patient on the programme. This helps our caring and committed team to find the right approach for each client.

What can I expect from my drug rehab programme at a Serenity Drug Rehab centre?

We offer:

• An urgent admissions process
• Free advice to help you to make the right decision for your needs
• A holistic approach to drug detox, which combines the physical detox with the psychological support, tools and techniques needed to make a lasting change – all delivered by professionals that truly care and are ready to support every patient.
• A private room with a full range of clinics available.
• Tailored treatments and programmes available at each clinic with supporting services and facilities.
• Access to offsite experiences such as swimming, equine therapy, exercise and life skills trips. All are supervised and accompanied to help give patients confidence as they first navigate their drug-free new world.
• The right length of time for the most effective programme – typically 60-90 days for the best results and chance to experience long-term recovery
• Access to individual and group therapies to meet other supportive people and to learn about activities such as journaling and meditation
• A hugely experienced and qualified team of professionals that include doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, dieticians, acupuncturists, herbalists, trauma specialists and equine specialists.
• Detox and therapeutic treatment programmes that are fully approved by the Care Quality Commission, which independently regulates all of the health and social care services in the UK.
• 24/7 care on our inpatient drug rehab programme
• Family programmes on a bespoke basis, to ensure that family and friends are ready to support each patient in the right way as they undergo change.
• Treatment programmes that also tackle co-occurring process additions such as co-dependency, gambling and sex.
• Guided visits for friend and family
• Exercise under supervision within each individual’s care plan schedule
• Full information about funding your drug rehab, either via private medical insurance or private payment.

What does the detox phase of drug rehab involve?

When an addict takes drugs, the pleasant experience leads to psychological dependence – as well as physical dependence, which creates powerful sensations of illness and pain when the drug exits the user’s system. The first step is to tackle the physical addiction which is the most immediate and pressing of the two dependencies. Detoxification is also known as medically-assisted withdrawal and it works on an inpatient basis at a Serenity Clinic.

The harmful drug is temporarily replaced – under thorough medical supervision – with a medication that helps to reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the associated feelings of anxiety that will occur during the process. This happens under round-the-clock supervision, as part of a tailored detox plan which is designed around individual needs, particularly where other medical conditions are present. The prospect of undergoing the physical detox is often the most daunting for our patients, but the team of clinic experts are there to make the process as manageable as possible. Our aim is to help every patient to completely give up the drug that they are addicted to as a vital step in rediscovering their lives and getting back on track.

What does the psychological / therapy-led stage of drug rehab involve?

This vital phase tackles the underlying issues which led to drug addiction in the first place. Every patient will have a tailored programme based on their own personal needs-assessment. This could include:

• Daily individual and group therapy sessions, including talk therapy and journaling
• Support to help build relationships, communicate and navigate vital life and interpersonal skills in a drug-free world
• Self-esteem and positive attitude work and techniques
• Complementary family-based therapies to support education, awareness and preparation to support the individual as they embrace their new drug-free life.

How do I know that I am addicted to drugs?

There are many varied symptoms that suggest that an addiction has occurred. These include a range of physical and lifestyle indicators, such as:

1. Physical withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not present – such as sickness, seating, diarrhoea, shaking
2. Mental withdrawal symptoms such as tiredness, depression, irritability and anxiety. Feelings of isolation and guilt.
3. No longer taking part in usual life activities – neglecting studies, work, family and friends and social life
4. Constantly seeking out the next source of drugs
5. Needing to take more of the drug in order to secure the same high

Think that you might have a drug addiction? Steps to follow

1. Identify the signs of addition described above
2. Speak to someone you trust about your habits and concerns
3. Assess your social circle and identify any negative sources of influence
4. Review your living arrangements. Are they supportive and positive overall?
5. Remove yourself from any bad situations or sources of temptation as quickly as you can
6. Contact us for free information about drug rehab and treatment programmes. We offer urgent treatment for those who need it most.

Helping loved ones to face drug rehab

It is never too late to get help for a loved one who is suffering from a substance addiction. We offer free advice and can stage urgent interventions where circumstances demand an immediate treatment programme. We make sure that no one has to suffer alone with drug addiction and that includes the family and friends of those addicted. If you think that a relative or friend may have a drug addiction, they may demonstrate a range of signs, including financial difficulties, problems with relationships, difficulty functioning in their everyday lives and seemingly changing personality traits.

Spotting the signs of drug dependency or addiction in a loved one

• A change in personality or behaviour. If the sufferer has an underlying issue such as stress, depression or anxiety, drugs can make it worse and even lead to violence.
• If the user hasn’t had their drug for a while, they may be shaky, volatile, anxious, nauseous and fatigued
• Sweating without apparent reason (such as physical exertion) and complaints of feeling clammy
• A rapid change in weight – either loss or gain depending on the drug being taken
• Dehydration causing headaches
• Insomnia due to nausea or headaches
• Inability to concentrate or to carry out usual activities
• Lack of interest in friends, family, activities, study and/or work
• Change in spending habits
• Change in physical appearance
• Social isolation
• A sudden change in social group or a sudden isolation from usual friends

The symptoms of drug withdrawal

One of the first questions that our patients have when they enter drug rehab, is what the withdrawal symptoms will be when they begin the physical detox. This entirely depends on what drug or drugs you have been taken, for how long, and whether you have any other health concerns. Your body adapts to the presence of drugs and other stimulants in your body and you will experience symptoms when you significantly decrease or completely stop your use of the drug. It’s important to know that the withdrawal process is only temporary, but the side effects can be challenging and it is vital that you are supported by professionals who can manage and reduce these symptoms using medication so that you are comfortable and safe as you undergo detox.

Typical symptoms tend to start from 2-12 hours from your last ingestion of the drug and can last for several days to a few weeks depending on your length and frequency of use. They include:

1. A powerful craving for the drug/s you have been taking
2. Abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Bone and muscle pain
5. Exhaustion, often combined with insomnia
6. Vivid and frightening dreams
7. Restlessness and a feeling of agitation
8. Depression, paranoia and anxiety

These symptoms will all be managed and eased by your professional drug rehab team at Serenity Health.

The importance of undergoing professionally monitored drug rehab

If you have been using drugs heavily, for a long time and in a chronic way, then it can be dangerous to attempt to undergo a physical detox on your own. Where drug addiction is severe, rapid withdrawal can lead to extreme confusion, an elevated temperature and heart rate, shivering, shaking and seizures. These are sometimes referred to as the ‘DT’s – or delirium tremens. These can pose health risks in an immediate way and also push you back towards the drug you are trying to detox from, with highly intense cravings that can easily overcome even the strongest will. The following feelings of guilt and shame can lead to an even bigger drug problem and make you believe that you cannot successfully overcome your addiction. This simply isn’t true – you just need the right help, professional support, tailored programme and environment in which to do it. At Serenity Health, we manage the process for you, making sure you are comfortable, safe and supported at every stage. We can also dispense prescription medications that will help to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and protect your health at the same time. The accompanying therapeutic support will also help you to ready yourself for a new drug-free life and give you extra tools, guidance and support as you move away from drug use.

Treatment for common drugs

Heroin

Heroin is derived from morphine and is most commonly injected, although it can also be smoked, inhaled or snorted. It rapidly kills pain and is one of the most addictive drugs known to man, with addiction setting in rapidly, as well as tolerance, which increases rapidly, leading to heavier usage and serious health issues. These include Hepatitis and HIV through needle-sharing. Chronic users can suffer from kidney and liver disease, collapsed veins, heart lining and vale infections and other problems. Users tend to eat little and can end up suffering from malnutrition. Heroin is so addictive that withdrawal can kick in after just a few hours. Heroin addiction will almost certainly need to be managed via a professional inpatient detox programme under specialist guidance. Contact us for free advice and remember that we are trained and able to carry out emergency interventions where necessary.

Cocaine

This is a dangerous and powerful stimulate drug which can become rapidly addictive. The effects are short-lived but intense and pleasurable. Long -term usage can lead to depression, paranoia, panic attacks and anxiety. It is possible to withdraw from the drug with the right drug rehab programme and lifestyle changes.

Cannabis

Many people mistakenly view cannabis as being less of a ‘problem’ drug because it is associated with feelings of calm, tranquillity and relaxation. It can be smoked or cooked into foods, and the use of cannabis is being legalized in certain circumstances. However, just like other legal drugs, it can be misused and eventually form an addiction. This is often the case with people who are suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues or for those who struggle in certain everyday situations. However, a dependence on cannabis can be treated successfully as part of a managed recovery journey.

MDMA

Also known as ecstasy, MDMA is powerful and a synthetic party drug which greatly alters perception and mood. It can be taken as a powder, snorted, smoked or rubbed into the gums – or mixed with other substances and sold as tablets. The drug forces the brain to release its natural feel-good chemicals which lead to sensations of intimacy, extreme energy, happiness and euphoria. It’s commonly used amongst clubbers and party-goers for these reasons, but tolerance can build rapidly and create a psychological dependence, even if MDMA isn’t physically addictive. Long-term health effects include confusion, risky behaviour, paranoia, hallucinations, poor judgement and even self-harm tendencies and suicidal thoughts. At Serenity Health we offer bespoke treatment plans for each individual’s needs and we can help you to withdraw from the drug and look forward to a life without the need for drugs.

High-quality outcomes

We operate an extremely high-quality approach to our patients’ care:

• Our programmes are completely tailored and based entirely on evidence
• Entirely flexible programmes about unique needs
• Integrated services
• Defined metrics to assess patient outcomes against original goals of treatment
• We continue to invest in the training and development of our staff as part of their ongoing professional development.

The goal of our drug rehab programmes

At Serenity Health, we are here to help you to support giving up drugs entirely, rather than simply cutting down. Our expert team are all here to help you to attain true abstinence for the long-term and to look forward to a high-quality life free of dependency. We know that it is entirely possible for our clients to enjoy a drug-free future and we have many testimonies from happy clients who have gone on to do just that, knowing that the Serenity team are here to help them when they need it.

Addiction relapse

Although it is possible to overcome drug addiction entirely and to look forward to a life free from dependency, the path is difficult and can come with a number of challenges, even after you have been sober for many years. This is why we deliver our physical detox programmes alongside psychological and therapeutic treatments to provide the tools, skills and self-knowledge needed to stay sober. Although you can kick a drug addiction, you will always be continuing to work on your path to sustained sobriety in your life. It is essential that you, and your loved ones, understand that relapse is always a possibility and that it comes with a number of risks, especially when you are newly sober.

Part of the transition to a drug-free life involves admitting that you have a drug addiction and that your lifestyle needs to adjust in order to prevent relapse. As every drug addict’s situation is completely different, the therapy process will help to understand situations, contexts and triggers which are particular problem areas. By understanding individual triggers, patients are prepared to plan ahead- knowing that they need to avoid situations, places and people which may challenge their ability and resolve to stay away from drugs.

How to avoid drug relapse

As part of your drug rehab, you will gain insights, tools, techniques and skills in order to understand your personal triggers and to allow you to prepare to lead a sober life. Successful former addicts who remain sober tend to find that a number of factors must be addressed for their life after drugs to be successful.

1. Avoid people who will not support your resolve to remain sober. Cut ties with these individuals. Sobriety is certainly the responsibility of the individual, but it is far easier to follow the path by avoiding negative influences.
2. Take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing as stress is a key trigger for a relapse
3. Look after your physical health and exercise, eat well and sleep properly in order to stay well and to enjoy balance and good health.
4. Follow your treatment programme support plan and engage with support services that exist within your community to help you succeed.
5. If you do relapse, stay calm and be kind to yourself. Relapse is common and you can still achieve the sobriety that you want so much.
6. In this instance, contact the team at Serenity Health immediately and ask for advice. It is far easier to treat an early relapse than to re-enter a full rehab programme again after a spiral into a full-blown drug addiction.

Drug rehab interventions

At Serenity Health we deliver drug interventions with family, friends and loved ones to assist drug addicts who desperately need help to engage in the drug rehab programme that they need. An intervention occurs when a small gathering of close people comes together with the individual suffering from drug addiction. Together, these supportive and close friends and family can work together to get their loved one onto the programme that they desperately need. An intervention is often the only way to encourage someone to treat heavy drug abuse when that individual’s health and safety is severely compromised and the drug addiction is heavily impacting on the lives of those around them.

If you feel that you need to stage an intervention for a loved one, it is important to know that it is completely normal to have a range of heavily conflicting emotions about the process. Guilt is a particularly common one as it can be an emotional time and the addict is likely to be angry and resentful at first. But as drug addiction is progressive and degenerative, proper treatment is the only way to see your loved one helped back from the brink and to a healthy, happy life once again.

How to stage a drug rehab intervention

1. Consider which people you will include for the intervention. These should be very close individuals to the addict, and just a small group. Make sure each of these people are ready to play a role in the ongoing care and recovery of the individual suffering from drug addiction.
2. Ask each person to be prepared to share personal thoughts with their loved one during the process and to speak sincerely and openly on the topic as you stage the intervention.
3. Ask that each person asks the individual to go into drug rehab in a supportive and non-critical way
4. Know that there is likely to be resistance and anger. The process can be challenging for everyone concerned as it forces a difficult and daunting change.
5. Get professional advice. At Serenity Health we are highly experienced at staging drug rehab interventions and we can advise on the different models and approaches that can be used in different situations with the best effect. Contact us for advice and guidance and we will be happy to help on a completely confidential, supportive basis. Remember, we do offer urgent admissions.

Talking about addiction treatments with loved ones

It can be difficult to begin a conversation about drug addiction treatment with a loved one, especially if there has been no prior conversation or understanding that there is a drug problem in place. Here are some good tips to follow to make the process easier:

• Find out about the substance that your loved one is taking and inform yourself of its effects and health risks. This will give you valuable insight.
• Speak to your GP or a local drug support group to find out what treatment or support options exist.
• Contact Serenity Health for free advice on different treatment programmes and options to get a sense of the approaches which are likely to work best.
• Speak to other close family members or friends who feel the same and who want to help.
• When speaking to your loved one about their drug addiction and options for help, focus on their needs, remain empathetic and reassure your loved one that you feel compassionate about their situation and want to see them get better. Do not criticise where possible and listen carefully.
• Suggest treatment options and offer support for practical matters, such as going to appointments and consultations with them. Remember, the prospect of drug rehab can be very daunting for an addict as it is entirely an unknown.
• Get professional help from Serenity Health and don’t walk away if your well-intended approach doesn’t work. Remember that we can stage a supportive, caring intervention when needed to ensure that your loved one gets the treatment that they need and to treat the addiction before it spirals further. We also offer urgent admissions.