Detox is phase one of drug withdrawal – the process of getting off the drugs or alcohol. Without a thorough alcohol or drug detox there is the possibility that the person will go back to using the drug after rehab.

Depending on the facility you choose for detox treatment, it can be accomplished through many methods. Treatments to alleviate physical symptoms of withdrawal to alcohol or other drugs are provided by most detox centres.

To decrease the chances of relapse a good detox program will make counselling available during the drug and alcohol detox and help with the physical effects as well. A successful drug and alcohol detox program will also make an effort to get to the root cause of the person’s addiction.

3 Stages of Detox

Medical Detox: Medical withdrawal needs to be supervised by a medical doctor. This is to protect the client as they complete phase one safely and with the least possible complications. This process can take several days.

Physical Detox: Developing a quality health regime will be an important part of your detox stage. There are various methods of physical detox and each centre has its own protocol. We recommend detox centres that use a drug-free and natural detox method.

Emotional Detox: Counselling during detox is extremely important to your emotional health. As you go through detox you will need emotional support due to the fact that you are eliminating something from your body that has been a necessary part for so long.

Addiction can be overcome and we will help you. Detox is an important part of your recovery.

Contact one our counsellors for free information regarding detox programs today.

The centre of a night out

The social drink is fundamental to how we all socialise in western society. It is often the lubricant that makes socialising easier. But it comes with its own dangers. For a start, alcohol effects how we function. Therefore it can be dangerous if we are driving, operating machinery or taking medication. It may also be used as a “social crutch” too often. While this is a benefit in the early stages, it may lead to long term problems if the individual only deals with some situations with the aid of a bottle of beer or a gin and tonic.

Watch out for the warning signs

Hazardous drinking – this is the stage where there maybe the first signs of alcohol abuse. Medical practitioners have found that if an individual is drinking too many units of alcohol per week on a regular basis, it is likely to affect their physical health. Men are advised to drink no more than 21 units per week, and women no more than 14 units per week. It has been found that it increases the risk of developing diseases such as cirrhosis (liver damage), damage to the pancreas, certain cancers, heart problems, and sexual problems. The more you drink the greater the risk. For example, if a man drinks five units each day (not greatly over the recommended limit) then, on average, he doubles his risk of developing liver disease, raised blood pressure, some cancers, and in some cases fatal consquences. The earlier the patient seeks out help with their problem the better.

A Question of Control

This is recognised when you are causing harm to yourself or to your friends, family and indeed society around you. As well as doing harm to yourself physically, your behaviour through having too much to drink is causing stress, because you are not able to function normally in life due to its on-going effects. This may put your job at risk and family relationships in jeopardy. You may find yourself taking risks that you would not normally take. You maybe spending money on alcohol at the expense of the necessities in your family life. Sufferers may not necessarily be dependant on alcohol at this stage and with the right kind of treatment can in a lot of cases be helped through this with effective counseling and understanding from those near to them. But it is a pre-cursor to alcohol dependence.

When dependence calls for Alcohol Rehab

This final stage, alcohol dependence can be truly called alcoholism. This is more than just binge drinking, using alcohol as a social support or, out of control drinking. The problem has gone one stage further. Not only is the individuals mind held captive but his/her body has become physically dependant upon alcohol intake.

Now not only does the patient drink to compliment situations or as a support in the here and now, he will take drink to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Just as we feel the pangs of hunger when we need food, or the sting of dehydration when we are deprived of water, the alcoholic’s body suffers when deprived of alcohol and he is caught in a vicious cycle. The only way to relieve himself of the severe pains he feels when he is withdrawing from alcohol is to continue to take it. Unfortunately, the body will become tolerant to the effects of the alcohol over a period of time and so the addict will need to take more alcohol to get the same highs, and even more alcohol to prevent the terrifying withdrawal symptoms. In the UK, about 2 in 100 women and about 6 in 100 men are alcohol-dependent.

It is at this stage that addicts seek out the help of alcohol treatment through alcohol rehab centres . Treatment can be given at home through the proper medication and medical supervision but a rehab centre offers the extra positives of moving the alcoholic away from their normal environment, giving constant professional support, addiction counsellors, peer support and the introduction of an environment which is focused on abstinance.

The other important element which most rehab centres offer is an alcohol detox. It is highly likely that due to the acute illness, the patient will need to be admitted while still very much under the influence of drink. Before any therapy or treatment can take place there needs to be a period of detoxification to get all alcohol out of the system.

Many people think that once you have eliminated the addiction that is causing the chaos and devastation in your life and theirs ‘that’s it, problem solved’, unfortunately it’s not that simple. For most people living with any addiction, the substance is only a symptom of the many issues they may have.

These issues may have been buried deep for many years, the substance allows the person to bury these issues further, and it allows that person to block out any true emotions and hide behind anything that maybe too uncomfortable to face.

Recovering From Addiction

Whilst in treatment the person is allowed to explore, probably for the first time, the problems that have been covered up by their using. This process can sometimes be painful, as once the substance has been taken out of the equation they are only left with themselves, and recovery is all about looking at yourself, something you may not have done for a long time.

Addiction leaves you in your own little world, the recovery process in treatment will include many group therapy sessions where you will be encouraged to interact with your peers, giving input into their recovery and them giving input into yours.

Most treatment centres will be staffed by people who are actually in recovery themselves and have many years of experience behind them, they will have been in your position once and will fully understand, they will not be phased or shocked by anything you tell them.

No “Quick Fix” for Recovery

There is no quick fix for instant recovery, taking the substance away is obviously the start, but the recovery process is about the person as a whole. People with addictions seem to be quite unique, they come from all walks of life, there are no set rules, and addiction can affect anyone, at anytime in their lives.

By the time you have finished your stay at the treatment centre, you will be equipped with all you need to go out and apply what you have been taught on a day to day basis.

Within a short space of time family and friends will see a difference in you, way before you actually see it in yourself. You will be offered ongoing support from the centre and you will have met a new set of people who understand you and think the same way as you.

Be the Person You Were Supposed To Be

Recovery is so rewarding, you will see things for what they are, you will appreciate small things that occur in your life, and notice things that have been kept at bay by the fog you were living in. You will have patience and tolerance around situations, and you will stop and think before you act.

You will begin to feel well and have more energy than you know what to do with, you will sleep at night and you will be able to eat. Slowly but surely things that you never dreamt were possible become achievable. Most importantly your life can be free of fear, paranoia, chaos and devastation.

Life can be as normal as you wish it to be. Recovery is precious, and once you have found it, you will not want to let go of it.

Below are some of the most common cravings that an addict faces long after the initial detox and addiction.

The Ten Most Common Dangers of Craving

1. Being in the presence of drugs/alcohol or places you used to use in.
2. Negative feelings, particularly anger, sadness, loneliness, guilt, fear and anxiety.
3. Positive feelings that make you want to celebrate.
4. Boredom.
5. Getting high on any chemical.
6. Physical pain.
7. Listening to euphoric or war stories or just dwelling on getting high.
8. Suddenly having a lot of cash.
9. Believing that you’re cured.
10. Peer pressure or group pressure.

Home Detox provides a safe, discreet and comfortable detox in the privacy of your own home. We offer a total abstinence program.

There’s no need to travel great distances, or no need for anyone else to know about it. Imagine how different an alcohol or drug-free life would be?

You’ll have peace in your life, clarity of mind, and be more motivated.

Detoxification is the controlled withdrawal from alcohol that has resulted in physiological and/or psychological dependence.

It is a procedure that aims to minimize withdrawal signs and your discomfort, and prevent the risks associated with suddenly stopping drinking or taking drugs that has resulted in dependence.

Detoxification is a carefully planned procedure that follows a complete assessment of the client, yet it is not a separate form of treatment for addiction in its own right. Detoxification is one step of a continual process; it needs to be supported by a period of aftercare for you to produce long-lasting changes in behavior.

Home Detoxification is a Much Less Costly

Home Detoxification is a much less costly alternative to residential detoxification. Every patient is different and our effective detox treatment plan is designed to suit your needs.

Home Detox

If a home detox is considered not appropriate, then other forms of treatment can be discussed.

Post detoxification treatment will be recommended by the Personal Care Counsellor to enable continuity of care, as Home Detox should be seen as a first stage, towards longer term alcohol and drug recovery.

Our team is based in the Hertfordshire area and we work with a select group of therapists throughout the UK and make referrals to those we think most able to respond to your particular needs.

Our team of therapists offer a one-off assessment service for anyone who thinks they might benefit from some sort of therapeutic input such as one-to-one counselling or residential treatment.

An assessment lasts around 45 minutes and will give you a clear idea of what sort of treatment plan might be of benefit to you.

Rehab Clinic Counselling Services

Counselling is an opportunity to explore difficult issues and change destructive behaviors within a supported and safe environment.

We know that making the decision to change can be difficult but our team is here to offer help and support to you or your loved ones when you feel ready. If you would like to talk to somebody about the possibility of having some counselling, please call one of our team.

We cover areas of:

• Psychiatric assessments, dual diagnose
• We treat poly substance misuse
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Gambling and Internet
• Stress anxiety
• Family breakdowns
• Sex and love addictions
• Eating disorders
• Shopping addictions
• Relationship breakdowns
• Prescription drug addiction
• Counsel for relations of addicts
• Private one to one counselling

All Types of Counselling Offered

We offer individual, couple and family counselling on an individualized, one to one basis. The sessions are conducted by highly trained and credentialed clinical staffs, which have multiple years of experience in substance abuse treatment as well as marriage and family therapy.

Private and individualized care on a one to one basis. This level of care is very useful for people who have completed a Residential or Day Treatment Program but still wish to have the ongoing support and accountability of one to one counselling.

One to One Counselling

One to One Counselling is also appropriate for people who may not be willing, interested and/or appropriate for the more intensive levels of care, so we provide one on one private, confidential and individualized counselling session, which is designed to address their specific needs.

Clients are not required to identify themselves as addicts or alcoholics nor do they need to meet any other admission requirements.

Services are offered in counselling packages of 6 or 12 sessions, which can be extended if, deemed clinically necessary. Anyone interested in receiving one on one counselling is encouraged to contact ourselves and will be assessed and assigned to the most appropriate counsellor.

Clients are able to take advantage of this service as long as is clinically appropriate.

Day Session Addiction Counselling

You might be ready to embark on a regular weekly counselling journey. We offer day counselling packages of 3 or 6 days, a typical day is three hours and we have morning, afternoon and evening sessions, these are group and non group. Confidential counselling sessions to anyone who is concerned about their drinking or drug use.

Anyone interested in receiving counselling is encouraged to contact ourselves and will be assessed and assigned to the most appropriate counsellor.

Clients are able to take advantage of this service as long as is clinically appropriate.

Group therapy, Single sex and Mixed groups

Group therapy sessions can be extremely helpful to many struggling with addiction, and group sessions or groups which are educational in nature, which are moderated by professionals. Group sessions, whether for support or as a clinical therapy have several benefits.

Learning that there are others who share your problems, or problems like yours. While their addictions may not be the same as yours, you’ll find that there are a lot of similarities to how you and the other members of the group experience addiction – meaning that you can learn valuable coping strategies from each other.

You will probably have the opportunity to see someone with the same problems as you who have come farther along through the recovery process that you’ll realise that there is hope for you; which will give you additional incentive to stay in recovery.

Being able to get some things off of your chest can be a big help towards getting you closer to recovery. We are by nature social animals and having a group to share your troubles with can make your burdens easier to bear. Group sessions are a great way to build your social skills.

Addiction therapy groups which are guided or moderated by a therapist or other professional offer even greater benefits to those battling drug and alcohol addiction.

These groups tend to be smaller. The information divulged in this context is far more likely to remain confidential. The therapist or other health professional moderating the group session will likely be very helpful in examining the dynamics of the group and helping the individuals in it to understand their own behaviours. Like any group sessions, the benefits are most readily apparent after having participated for some length of time.

Eating Disorders

Many people with an eating disorder use the eating disorder as a way of controlling their lives. We can help find the right treatment and support at specialised eating disorder clinics.

What most people don’t realise is that it isn’t them in control of their lives; their eating disorder takes control of their lives. An eating disorder develops for many reasons and as well as treatment for the eating disorder, you will need specialist help to deal with your feelings inside which play a big part in your eating disorder.

There are many different interpretations of addiction; we like to keep it simple:

Once the benefit of excessive drinking has been out weighed by the cost then the slide into ‘problem drinking’ has been made.

Problem Drinking

You do not have to drink or use everyday to necessarily be an alcoholic or addict, alcoholics and addicts can stop drinking for a period of time, its staying stopped that is the problem.

Problem drinking can slide quickly into alcoholism or addiction which is a disease and needs clinical treatment to overcome.

The disease is often progressive and fatal and is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol or drugs, use of alcohol or drugs despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.

Alcohol or drugs are usually the symptom of the problem but not the actual problem, the real problem of addiction is how someone thinks and feels which is so unpleasant that alcohol and drugs are consistently used to ‘numb’ or anesthetises this experience.

Once an ‘emotional re-arrangement’ has taken place and an individual feels entirely different and begins to see the world and themselves from a much more positive point of view then the desire to drink and use drugs is removed and a far more productive and successful way of living is entered into.

Alcoholics or addicts are not bad people; they are sick people who need treatment.

Ask yourself the following questions?

1. Have people commented on or criticized your drinking or drug use?
2. Have you tried cutting down or stopping and failed repeatedly?
3. Have you woken up feeling confused, frightened or depressed on a regular basis after drinking or using?
4. Have you dropped hobbies or interests because of your drinking or drug use?
5. Do you use drink or drugs to self-medicate your feelings when you feel uncomfortable, frightened or insecure?
6. Is your alcohol or drug use becoming more frequent or the amount you use increasing?

If you answer yes to 3 or more of these question then you may have a problem with alcohol or drugs and should seek professional advice.

Alcohol Interventions

In many cases it has been the intervention of family and loved ones that has turned the situation around. Unfortunately, a family intervention alone is often not enough. It’s not always successful.

But our experienced intervention specialists who really understand drugs and drug abuse and alcoholism – and what the person is going through – know exactly how to reach someone who is addicted. They know how to get through to them so they reach for help.

Physical recovery can sometimes take as little as ten days, but the Central Nervous System takes longer. This results in extremes of moods like really happy and spiritual one minute and so sad and negative soon after.

2) Cravings are stimulated automatically if recovering person experiences situations that were associated with patterns of former drug/alcohol use. They can include emotions, people, places and things.

3) Gradually being exposed to cravings situations and not using with strong support is a way to weaken cravings (if you do not act, it will pass)

4) Complete Abstinence – which means not getting high on anything, is the surest and quickest way of reducing cravings.

5) Certain old patterns that have not been dealt with, such as loss, childhood issues and destructive relationships can evoke old habits in an otherwise solid recovery.

A house full of people with holes in themselves’ such as rejection, abuse and old patterns of behavior will lead to craving.

6) Determination and will power is a poor defense. Changing your lifestyle is a good one.

7) Even though cravings are a natural after-effect of addiction, remember you have the power of choice. You can take steps to conquer it or remain its slave.