Alcohol misuse is a major problem in the UK. In fact, it is one of the leading contributors to poor health and premature death, with millions of people regularly drinking more than the recommended guideline amounts of fourteen units per week for safe consumption.
The problem is that most of those who drink alcohol do not see it as a harmful substance. They instead see it as something to be enjoyed. And while alcohol can indeed be enjoyed in moderation, those who misuse it are in danger of developing a physical and psychological addiction that could literally destroy their life.
The good news is that alcohol addiction is a treatable illness. With the right programme of care and support, you can overcome your addiction. Having said that though, there are many obstacles to addiction recovery, one of which is the cost. The belief that alcohol rehab is something that only the rich and famous can access often prevents some affected individuals from getting the help they so desperately need. But how much is alcohol rehab, and can you afford it?
Paying for Alcohol Rehab
In the UK, there are many options when it comes to treatment for addiction, especially alcoholism. The NHS offers free healthcare for everyone and addiction services are included, so the reality is that you can get help for addiction without having to pay for it at all. The problem with this scenario though is that these services are in huge demand and, more often than not, there is a waiting list for treatment.
If, however, you are prepared to wait for a place to become available, then you do not have to pay a single penny for treatment. On the other hand, if you want to get started with treatment straight away, you will need to consider paying for alcohol rehab. So, how much is alcohol rehab? This is a question that many people want to know the answer to, but the reality is that it is impossible to give an exact figure without knowing more about personal circumstances and the type of programme the affected person is likely to need.
Many people ponder the question of whether they can afford alcohol rehab or not, but the real question is can you afford not to have rehab? Whether you choose to wait for a free programme or you plan to get started right away and pay for treatment is irrelevant. The real issue is that you make the decision to do something about your illness as soon as possible. Getting well must be your priority because failure to get treatment can mean that your current situation worsens dramatically.
The Need for Alcohol Treatment
If you are struggling to control your use of alcohol, it is vital that you get help as soon as possible. Your health, relationships with others, and your finances will be negatively affected if you fail to get help. Unfortunately, it is not possible to abuse alcohol without eventually feeling its effects – and we don’t just mean the inevitable hangover. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects almost every single cell in the body.
It has been linked to hundreds of different mental and physical illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, depression, and cancer. And know this: if you have developed an addiction to alcohol, you will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break free without some sort of help.
Your need for alcohol is also bound to be having an impact on your relationship with others. As your illness progresses, you will become consumed by the need to have the substance you crave. This need will eclipse everything else and you will probably find it difficult to maintain relationships with your loved ones.
Family members and friends will more than likely find it hard to be around you as your behaviour becomes increasingly more erratic. They will not understand why you continue to abuse alcohol when it is having such a negative and obvious impact on your life.
Having no direct experience of addiction means finding it hard to comprehend the hold that it has over you. Your family members may not understand why you cannot simply ‘stop drinking’. They will not realise that you have no choice over your compulsion to drink and that even when you do not want to, you are powerless to fight the urge.
Another area of your life that is bound to be hit hard is your finances. As your need for alcohol grows, so too will your need for more money to fund your habit. Alcoholics often end up in dire financial straits as they struggle to pay for both their habit and their monthly outgoings.
Getting treatment as soon as possible could help you to reverse many of these problems.
Should You Pay for Alcohol Rehab?
The issue of paying for alcohol rehab is one that many individuals end up struggling with. There is no denying the fact that it can be an expensive outlay to fund a private alcohol rehab programme. If you are wondering how much alcohol rehab is, you might not be surprised to find out that an average 28-day rehab programme in the United Kingdom costs between £4,000 and £6,000.
Having said that, you should consider this money as an investment in your future. Paying for treatment now could mean getting your life back on track in the shortest amount of time. And when you have managed to overcome your addiction to alcohol, you will be in the perfect position to begin rebuilding your financial situation.
Many people find that paying for alcohol rehab is a smart move. When they are no longer paying for alcohol, they can start saving the money they would have used on buying it; many will recoup the money they paid for treatment within the first year. They are then in a position to look at either returning to work, getting a promotion, or changing their career entirely.
When pondering the question of ‘how much is alcohol rehab’, there are some other things you need to be aware of. While £4,000 – £6,000 seems to be the average price for treatment, some providers charge less while others charge more. The price you pay will depend on the facility you choose and how luxurious it is. It will also depend on the length of stay required for your treatment.
You might find that some treatment providers offer payment plans to help you spread the cost; others may accept government funding if you are eligible for it. It is important to find out what you are entitled to before you commit to any programme.
Benefits of Private Alcohol Rehab
Paying for private alcohol rehab can be a costly endeavour, but the benefits afforded you will make it more than worthwhile. Perhaps the biggest advantage of private alcohol rehab is the fact that it can be accessed almost immediately.
You will usually find that private clinics can offer immediate access to their programmes if necessary. Most people can be admitted within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after their initial enquiry. This means there is little time for you to change your mind about getting the help you desperately need.
It is often the case that alcoholics who have finally accepted they need help and have committed to a treatment programme will change their minds if they have to wait any length of time before their programme begins. While they are waiting, they will be continuing to feed their habit, which can cause them to lose all motivation to change. It is generally accepted that it is best to begin treatment as soon as possible after making the decision to get help.
Another benefit of a private rehab programme is that for the most part, it will be a residential programme. Private clinics tend to offer inpatient programmes that are run over the course of four to twelve weeks, depending on the needs of the individual. These programmes are concentrated and intensive and take place in a distraction-free environment.
Many individuals find that being away from home and the temptations and triggers that go with it, gives them the head-start they need on the road to recovery. The structured programme of care will be created around your needs and will ensure that you have the best chance of long-term sobriety.
With a team of fully trained professionals taking care of you around the clock, you will have every opportunity to fully overcome your addiction to alcohol.
Accessing Help for Alcohol Addiction
If you need help for an alcohol addiction, please get in touch with us here at Middlegate. We can provide more information about how and where to access help for addiction. If you are interested in accessing a free programme provided by the NHS or a local charity, we can assist. We can also help if you would like more information on programmes provided by private clinics in your area.
If the issue of how much is alcohol rehab is one that has been holding you back, we can discuss your options with you and provide information of a private clinic that will meet your needs and fit with your budget. Please call us today to find out more about your options and how we can help you get started on the road to sobriety.