Rehab options for expats in the UK

June 4, 2025

9:00 am

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Rehab options for overseas citizens is a growing phenomena. The world is not as large as it used to be. When it used to take weeks to get to Australia, Perth can now be reached on a single flight from London . People move and businesses migrate. Companies post employees in different countries and industry, banking and commerce in the UK would not exist without a wealth of overseas talent. People from all over the globe make the UK their home while others will come to benefit from the world class rehab facilities available. The stress and strain of a high flying career, coupled with being in a overseas environment can push people into addiction. For some, they have experienced problems before and the move, together with their work, has pushed them into relapse.

We provide 24 hour addiction help, as well as 24 hour rehab advice. Call Find me a Rehab and speak to one of our experienced addictions clinicians for free, independent and impartial advice in total confidence.

Rehab options for overseas citizens

Why do people choose to come to the UK for treatment?

While drugs are illegal in the UK, penalties for personal possession tend to be low level, with many police forces taking a liberal approach to some drugs. Alcohol is available everywhere, from the newsagent to the motorway service station. It may be an offence to be drunk in the street in the UK, but the worse case scenario is a night in the cells and a £100 ticket. For those in other countries, the penalties can be far more severe. Even asking for help from a private physician can have implications. While employers in the UK may be sympathetic and even assist with the cost of treatment (or provide it through a workplace health insurance scheme) those in other countries may have an obligation to inform the authorities which can lead to a whole host of problems. It is not uncommon for those abroad to come to the UK, under the guise of a holiday, to get treatment.

Rehab options for overseas citizens

Anyone can come to the UK and access private rehab treatment as many do. Thanks to video conferencing and email, it is possible to enquire and have a pre-admission assessment before flying in. Sometimes, it is necessary for medical information prior to admission. However, we understand that, for some, this is simply not something they would be willing to provide for reasons of confidentiality. People come, from all over the world, to the UK for medical treatment on a daily basis. Some use their own private jets and arrive with bodyguards and an entourage, others simply come on their own as it can be more cost effective than to pay for treatment at home. Fees can be paid in cash or by credit card. Bank transfers are also welcome.

We can arrange any necessary blood tests, scans, etc before admission once the client has arrived in the UK. Usually, these can be done the same day. Personalised transport can also be arranged to meet the client at the airport, in total confidence and, at the end of treatment, we will provide transport back to the airport. After all, anything that can reduce the stress and strain is a bonus. Rehab options for overseas citizens need not be complex.

Can admission be arranged quickly?

Usually, yes. Depending on availability, a next day admission is usually possible. Same day can be arranged, but the earlier in the day it is requested the more likely it can be done. Pre-admission assessments can be done over the phone/video conferencing, with an interpreter if necessary. A complete list of current medication will be needed to assist with the assessment. While, usually, admissions are midweek, weekend admissions can also be arranged. Centres operate 365 days of the year.

Does it have to be a high cost/luxury centre?

No! Private centres in the UK are available to all, from low cost offerings to the finest country house style luxury rehabs equipped with spas set in acres of manicured grounds. All centres provide, if needed, a detox which, for some, will be imperative. The nucleus of rehab is group therapy , with individual therapies built around this. Adjunctive/complimentary therapies are also used in conjunction with a tailored treatment and recovery plan.

If you need 24 hour rehab advice, call Find me a Rehab and speak to one of our experienced addictions clinicians. We can help you with all aspects of treatment and assist with 24 hour addiction help. Our advice will always be free, impartial and totally confidential.

Here at Find me a Rehab we have addiction clinicians with decades of experience and we provide, not only 24 hour rehab advice, but also 24 hour addiction help. Our advice is free, impartial and in total confidence.

Can I work while in rehab?

Yes! While some centres actively discourage people in treatment from working, we understand that there are those who need to keep on top of things in order for a business to continue: Other peoples livelihoods can depend on it. Many centres will ask people in treatment to surrender their phones and laptops and provide them for use for a short period in the evenings. Other centres allow residents to keep their devices upon them on the strict understanding that they are switched off during group and individual therapy time. High end centres provide work desks in executive rooms with state of the art broadband so that video meetings and laptops can function seamlessly.

If you are looking for a centre where you can get treatment while still engage in business activities, this can easily be arranged. While there are some elements of the timetable that are non-negotiable, for executives, there is a degree of flexibility available. On the whole, because therapy can be emotionally draining, there are large gaps in the day already around which meetings and phone calls can be planned. One of the aspects of rehab is that the timetable runs to the second. Therefore, if a session is due to finish at 11:00AM and there is a gap on the timetable until 12:00 you could schedule a call/online meeting for 11:10 with ease.

Obviously, there are those who are in treatment because of the stress and strain of their work. While it would be ideal for them to be totally removed from that while getting treatment, there is also the school of thought that a total removal is counterproductive as they will be returning to that environment at the end of treatment meaning rehab is a “false reality”. Therefore, being able to work while having treatment can actually be useful.

Does anyone need to know that I have had treatment in the UK?

Absolutely not: no! You choose who you want to tell. While we would always encourage those in treatment to inform their family physician we completely understand why they may be reluctant. As for informing colleagues, board members, etc, again we would recommend honesty and openness. However, as with concern around informing your personal physician we understand why, for some, informing business associates could be counterproductive and career ending.

Is having private treatment in the UK going to be expensive?

That depends where you go but, no, not necessarily. There are some low cost options where you will still be able to work while there are other high end offerings with full office functions available. Treatment in the UK is very significantly lower cost than it is in Europe. Short term admissions are available (where clinically viable) and there can be flexibility around length of treatment outside of the standard programmes.

Rehab options for overseas citizens: Can I have treatment in the UK at my home?

Yes, this can be arranged. There are some instances where this can be more challenging or precluded, but with advance notice and careful planning, it is usually possible to arrange this. It can, on occasion, incur costs that are higher than those for admission to a residential centre yet can provide an environment where someone can work, with minimal interruption, while getting the treatment they need.

Here at Find me a Rehab we have addiction clinicians with decades of experience and we provide, not only 24 hour rehab advice, but also 24 hour addiction help. Our advice is free, impartial and in total confidence.