Is there any point in going to rehab?

Going to a residential addiction rehab centre in the UK is expensive but the reality is that if you want to try rehab in this country you are unlikely to get it funded by the government / local authority. So you will probably need several thousand pounds to go. If you can get this amount of money together to pay, the big question is: will it work? Is it worth it?

Private rehab – the change starts with you

The answer is that it certainly can and will work if you really want it to and are ready to go to any lengths in order to get and maintain your recovery. You need to be prepared to change and work very hard. Being open to advice, getting help, and learning how to change your way of thinking is essential too. You will need to be open to leaving behind your old friends (if they are a risk to your recovery) and getting a whole new life.

Rehab is not a holiday, nor is it a spa treatment, nor a relaxing time away from the stress of your alcoholism and addiction. If you could get well by having a relaxing time away from the stress of it all or by going to a health club, spa or gym, then you would probably have got well a long time ago. You are unlikely to experience palm trees and sandy beaches at rehab. In contrast you may even have to get involved with so called therapeutic duties. Cleaning up after yourself, possibly cooking!

Expect an array of different emotions

It is likely that while in rehab you will experience all the emotions you have within you. You may experience guilt and shame, remorse, injured pride, low moods, anger, sadness. As well as hope, laughter, optimism, love and a return of your self worth and learning to like yourself again. A good rehab experience will involve all of these emotions. Your family may take part by contributing to the information your counsellors have. And by making sure you hear how it has been for them witnessing your self-destruction.

Rehab can work and can be the best money you have ever spent. It is life changing and life saving. Every week, my days are made considerably happier by messages from people who have been through this clinic who are now well. Today, for example, I heard from someone almost a year clean and sober. Last week I received the following card:

‘Dear Sue and everyone at The Haynes Clinic. As October 20^th approaches and the start of my 4^th year clean, I am reminded of the huge gratitude for the support and care I received from you in 2017. Thank you all, you are all FANTASTIC. J’. As I sit here I am surrounded by cards like this.

Getting well requires effort

However, the darker side of working in a rehab clinic is that there are inevitably tragedies. In the last month, 2 patients who have been at this clinic this year have died due to their addiction. Both were young men with their lives ahead of them. Most often people die from addiction because they cannot live with their substance of choice be it alcohol or drugs. Nor can they live without it. So they take their own lives. They leave behind devastation, loss and grieving families.

So addiction rehab can and will work. But only if you really want it to and are prepared for some very hard work and significant change in the way you have been leading your life. A good life is waiting for you if you are ready and willing.

If you require help with your addiction or would like to talk to someone about it, call The Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414.