The Role of Impartial Advice in Choosing the Right Rehab Centre

September 1, 2025

5:51 am

Choosing the right rehab

As with anything in life these days there is choice, and this is particularly so with accessing treatment for addiction. Choosing the right rehab can significantly impact your journey.

Having treatment at home or in a rehab centre, there are a plethora of options. Making an informed decision, armed with the right information is imperative.

Don’t make a hasty decision! Addiction takes times to take hold. It can be years before someone has the courage to come forward and ask for help.

At Find Me a Rehab we have a number of experienced addictions clinicians who provide Free Clinician Drug Advice. For 24 Hour Addiction Help, completely free of charge, call.

Families and loved ones will be anxious to ensure someone caught up in addiction gets help. Sometimes, in order to reduce their anxiety they will want the person to get help as soon as possible.

While this is understandable, it is not advised. The addiction sector is full of referral agents who work on commission. They will sell you a dream that simply won’t be delivered.

From deciding where in the country you want to go to, what type of therapy model is followed and how long you want to go for, every aspect needs to be closely examined when choosing the right rehab.

Sometimes there are centres very close to you. In the UK centres tend to be clustered meaning there are some parts of the UK where there is very little provision.

If possible, a centre close to home is always preferable. As all centres offer a minimum of a years aftercare, living locally means you can attend weekly groups.

Some clients engage the same therapist they had in treatment for outpatient sessions so being close by makes this possible. Being linked in with local recovery networks is also more straightforward if you receive treatment locally.

Many centres offer transportation to and from the centre within a certain radius thus reducing additional costs.

Treatment Programmes and Approaches

Making an informed choice about the type of treatment you wish to receive is essential. A lot of centres use a traditional 12 step model, whereas others use a SMART approach or even a eclectic mix, which can be crucial when choosing the right rehab.

Aside from this essential element of group therapy (which every centre in the world operates around) a lot of centres will offer additional therapies such as:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Trauma focused therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Art therapy

Depending on the needs of the individual client these additional treatment modalities can be very effective in addressing underlying triggers and go a long way to reduce cravings and relapse.

Many centres also offer bolt on treatments such as yoga, mindfulness and acupuncture. Research has shown that these approaches can promote recovery.

At Find Me a Rehab we have a number of experienced addictions clinicians who provide Free Clinician Drug Advice. For 24 Hour Addiction Help, completely free of charge, call.

Staff Credentials and Experience

Medical, nursing and therapy professionals within the addiction sector are regulated professionals working in centres that are, themselves, registered. As such, there are in built protections.

Some centres have an consultant psychiatrist addictions specialist as their medical lead, others a GP with special interest who often has the same addictions qualifications as consultant psychiatrist.

Others may use pharmacists or nurses with prescribing licences working on their own initiative or under the supervision of a medical doctor. Always ask when speaking to the centre.

The therapists engaged to provide services will also be highly trained and regulated. The centre website will provide details and you can cross reference with the respective regulatory bodies.

When you know that those who will be providing your treatment are highly trained and experienced you will be more relaxed and focused.

Their experience will enable them to draw up a collaborative treatment plan which is focused entirely on your recovery, addressing relapse prevention and managing cravings.

Understanding staff credentials is one of the keys to choosing the right rehab.

Facility Amenities and Environment

The aesthetics of the centre, a rural or urban setting, both things to consider when deciding where to get treatment. There are converted country houses, purpose built centres and other configurations to explore.

Some centres provide a full hotel service, while others are based around a group living ethos where residents prepare food and help with chores. A full service provision need not cost any more and there are plenty of full service low cost centres.

Many callers ask about gyms. Some centres have a limited space with equipment. None have a swimming pool, for very obvious reasons!

Firstly, for those detoxing, a swimming pool would be extremely dangerous. Secondly, the cost of such facilities would simply be passed on to the client.

Exercise is very important in recovery as it can help with craving avoidance, reducing stress and anxiety and replace the pleasure gained from drug use.

However, you don’t need expensive equipment, a leotard or sweat bands when choosing the right rehab.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of treatment may not be anywhere near as much as you might think. A 28 day stay with detox and rehab can be arranged for around £7,500.

For those who have insurance, it is important to check your policy as, in the UK, addiction treatment is usually an add on which most people do not opt for.

A lot of centres will allow residents to pay in stages, while in residence so please do not hesitate to ask. How long you stay for is a matter of personal choice.

The only caveat being that if you need a detox, there may be a minimum stay requirement for safety. For example, an opioid detox is usually no less than a month.

Alcohol programmes are, an absolute minimum of a week, but tend to be at least 10-14 days: Depending on how much you drink, how long you have been drinking and your medical history, it is essential when choosing the right rehab.

Some clients may be able to have treatment at home. This is not available for all circumstances and tends to be for those who have a moderate alcohol dependency or cocaine. It is not available for opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, pregablin, etc.

We Can Help You Choose the Right Rehab

Making the decision to get help is a very bold and brave step. The key is not to rush into a decision. It may have taken years to get to this point so there really is no rush.

While it is important to get into treatment in a timely fashion, simply picking up the phone with a credit card handy is not the best way forward.

It is essential to find a centre that can provide the treatment you need in surroundings you will find comfortable.

A centre that has the treatment services that will enable you to recover and maintain sobriety and abstinence is crucial in choosing the right rehab.

Can my friends and family be involved in my treatment plan?

YES! Having family, friends and loved ones involved in your recovery is a sure fire way to bolster your recovery.

They will be invaluable in providing a sense of belonging while you recover. Through their support you will be motivated to get sober and remain abstinent.

At Find Me a Rehab we have a number of experienced addictions clinicians who provide Free Clinician Drug Advice. For 24 Hour Addiction Help, completely free of charge, call.