Last Updated:
June 24th, 2025
Rehab Treatment | Rehab Packages and Programmes
Recovering from addiction can be a scary, overwhelming prospect but Britain has some of the best rehab centres and programmes in the world. Effective rehab treatment involves a range of therapies and holistic approaches for physical, emotional and psychological healing. Countless people across the UK have successfully regained control over their lives through rehab treatment, breaking their dependencies and building strong foundations for recovery. The crucial first step is admitting you need help, deciding to seek it, and understanding the available rehab treatment options.
What is rehab treatment?
Rehab treatment, or rehabilitation, involves a detailed addiction treatment plan aimed at achieving lasting sobriety. The rehab treatment process differs between centres and programmes, but the most effective rehab includes a wide range of therapies, group and individual sessions, education about addiction triggers and management strategies and comprehensive aftercare. All of this is intended to help participants understand their addictive behaviours, so they gain control over them.
What is treated at rehab?
There are rehab programmes available for various kinds of substance and behavioural addictions, including:

Alcohol rehab
Alcohol rehab treatment focuses specifically on helping patients overcome alcohol addiction. It typically includes detox, followed by various forms of counselling and therapy designed to address why the person has become reliant on alcohol and the people, places and feelings which trigger their drinking.
Alcohol rehab

Drug rehab
Drug rehab treatment is aimed at those struggling with illicit drug addiction, such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. It often starts with detox to break physical dependency. Then, it uses a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, and sometimes medication-assisted treatment to help stop drug use and prevent relapse.
Drug rehab

Prescription drug rehab
This addiction treatment addresses dependencies on prescription medications like opioids, benzodiazepines or antidepressants. Rehab treatment usually includes a medically assisted detox, followed by counselling and therapy to overcome emotional and psychological dependency while managing the symptoms of withdrawal safely.
Prescription drug rehab

Behavioural rehab
Behavioural rehab treatment is for addictions that do not involve substance use, such as gambling, sex or internet addiction. Therapy focuses on altering harmful behaviours and helping patients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Behavioural rehab
How does addiction rehab work?
Behind every addiction is a personal mixture of causes, triggers and struggles. Rehab treatment programmes thoroughly explore these through therapy and complementary treatments. For example, someone may become addicted to drugs or alcohol because they have used them to cope with stress or personal issues.
Addiction treatment helps them to understand that their drug or alcohol use is a symptom of these underlying causes and will then work through the issues at root. From there, the person can learn how to resolve, accept or manage the triggers of their substance use so they don’t cause a relapse.
Similarly, certain personal relationships, living situations or social lives can contribute to addictive behaviours. Rehab treatment can identify these negative influences so the person can then decide which parts of their life they need to change for a sober future.
Rehab treatment can take various forms, but it often involves a framework like the 12-step programme with additional evidence-based and holistic therapies. Most importantly, it should take a comprehensive approach so that no stone is left unturned and no problem is left unresolved to maximise recovery chances.
How long is addiction treatment?
The length of treatment for addiction can vary from person to person depending on things like their health, how long they have been addicted and how well they take to treatment. However, as a general rule, the longer someone is dedicated to rehab treatment, the better the chances they will succeed in the long term.
The best rehab treatment centres, such as aftercare programmes and Alumni services, provide long-term support. It is very important to check which services are provided when choosing the right alcohol or drug addiction treatment centre for your recovery.
What types of rehab treatment are available?
The first decision for anyone looking to start addiction treatment is whether to enter an inpatient or outpatient programme. Outpatient rehab treatment is available through the NHS in the UK, while you will need to enter a private addiction treatment centre to take part in an inpatient programme.
Most experts in the addiction treatment field agree that inpatient rehab treatment is the better option because it is more immersive and, therefore, usually more effective. However, for some people with a lot of support from friends and family and whose addictions are not too severe. Here are the key differences between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment:
Inpatient rehab treatment |
Outpatient rehab treatment |
|
General: | 24/7 care in a dedicated alcohol and drug addiction treatment centre, removed from everyday stressors and triggers. | Treatment sessions that allow patients to return home each day. |
Intensity: | A high-intensity addiction treatment programme with structured days filled with various therapies and activities. | Less intense with scheduled treatment sessions throughout the week. |
Detox: | Immediate medically-assisted detox upon arrival. | Detox potentially available when a bed becomes available in an inpatient addiction treatment centre. |
Duration: | Typically lasts from 28 days to several months, depending on the person’s needs. | Can range from a few weeks to several months of periodic engagement. |
Support: | Continuous medical and psychological support available. | Limited to session times, though some programmes may offer emergency support. |
Cost: | Generally more expensive due to the cost of accommodation and round-the-clock care. | Less costly compared to inpatient treatment, sometimes covered by the NHS in Britain. |
What to expect from addiction treatment?
A day in inpatient rehab treatment typically begins with a nourishing breakfast, setting the tone for a day filled with therapeutic activities. Mornings will likely be dedicated to various forms of therapy, followed by a relaxing lunch break. The afternoon may offer a mix of therapy, educational sessions on addiction management or hands-on projects like the 12-step programme or Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book study.
Some rehab treatment programmes will also schedule activities like nature walks, exercise or yoga to help participants relax and heal holistically. All of these sessions will be interspersed with ample breaks for personal reflection and downtime with peers and staff.
How therapies help addiction recovery
The best rehab treatment programmes offer a mixture of addiction treatment therapies to address and resolve different aspects of addictive behaviour and substance abuse. Some of the most commonly found in UK rehab centres include:
Finding addiction treatment near me
Struggling to find the right rehab programme? We’re here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance in choosing the best treatment centre for your needs. Take the first step toward recovery with confidence, our team is ready to provide the advice and support you need.
Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.