How does alcohol rehab work? A complete guide 

April 7, 2025

1:10 pm

drinking problem

Do you need alcohol addiction rehab treatment? Are you looking for alcohol rehab centres near me? Here at find me a rehab our clinicians can help you to access alcohol addiction help UK. Our advice is free, confidential, impartial and available to all. You may be concerned about a loved one, spouse, friend, relative, employee or yourself: It matters not.  

What happens when I get to rehab?  

Effective treatment starts with thorough assessment and careful treatment planning. A thorough pre-admission assessment is essential in ensuring a safe and meaningful treatment plan. All admissions are pre-planned, perhaps at short notice, but a client’s medical history will have been assessed, and further information sought (if necessary) before admission is agreed and arranged. Many centres have virtual tours so a client can see around the centre from the comfort of their home, some allow pre-admission visits. Clients will need to take any prescribed medication with them and ensure they have an adequate supply for the duration of their stay. As centres are private, they cannot provide free NHS prescription medication and, while they can provide medication, in certain circumstances, should a client run out, this might come at a charge to cover costs.  

On arrival, staff will welcome the client and show them around, and go through the local protocols and timetable, if the person is physically able to do so. Some clients, due to the amount of alcohol they have been drinking, will need 24-48 hours before they are able to focus on therapy and other aspects of their stay.  

Will I need medication to safely detox?  

For those who need a detox, a clinician will assess the client and prescribe medication that allows a safe detox. This medication may not be able to start immediately if there is a significant amount of alcohol in the client’s bloodstream as this would be contraindicated. A simple breathalyser test will determine this.  Should this be the case, as soon as the level is below a recognised threshold, detox medication will commence. High potency vitamin B replacement therapy is also essential as well as detox medication.  The length of the detox will, ordinarily, follow national guidelines usually starts with (detox) medication four times a day, reducing in amount and frequency until discharge. Usually, the detox lasts around 7-10 days but can be shorter or longer. Vitamin therapy is ongoing and may continue post discharge (these can be purchased without a prescription).  

What will I be expected to do at rehab? 

All residential rehab centres work around a group therapy model: Whether it is 12 step or SMART, it really doesn’t matter too much. What will be expected is attendance at every formal group. Clients will be given a timetable, that covers seven days a week. Some of the activities are compulsory: some are not. All clients sign up to a therapy agreement along the lines that they will arrive for groups on time, take part (where appropriate) and abide by other protocols local to the centre. There may be “homework” to be completed in the evenings or weekends. Some centres have fitness equipment and other complementary/bolt on therapies which are outside of the main therapy focus, but built into the timetable should clients wish to make use of them. Weekends are usually quite relaxed, perhaps with some outdoor activities (where appropriate), however there will still be meetings that all clients are mandated to attend.  

Can I work while at rehab? Take my phone and or laptop?  

Some centres allow clients to take in mobile phone and laptops, with the understanding that they must be turned off during therapy groups and no pictures can be taken. Others allow equipment in but must be kept by staff and handed out at certain times, usually in the evenings.  

How are discharges planned?  

This is one of the most crucial parts of the process. It is essential that effective discharge planning is thorough and places the client into a safety net of ongoing support, whether that is with a 12-step group, SMART, a private specialist therapist or local authority services.  

Can I get free advice from one of your clinicians?  

Absolutely: Yes! If you, a loved one, relative, friend or employee needs an alcohol centre near me one of our clinicians can help you to access alcohol addiction help UK. Alcohol addiction rehab treatment is available, throughout the UK, at affordable cost. Call and speak to an experienced addictions clinician for free, independent and confidential advice.