I trace my journey with specialist treatment centers and rehabs back to what I now see as a life-changing stroke of luck. On February 2, 1981, I collapsed on the street and was rushed into Ealing General Hospital. There, a doctor diagnosed me with severe alcohol withdrawal and insisted on immediate treatment in the addiction ward, the Max Glatt Centre, at St. Bernard’s Mental Hospital

From that day forward, I never touched another drink, and this defining moment launched me on a long, transformative path toward healing and self-discovery.

Over the past four decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit countless treatment and rehab centers, both as a guest speaker and as a visitor. These experiences have allowed me to share my story, where I was, what happened, and how I found recovery, while continuing to learn from the resilience of others on the same path.

Each opportunity to connect with people in these centers has enriched my own journey, reinforcing my commitment to growth and reinforcing the hope that our collective experiences can light the way for everyone seeking a new beginning.

Footnote:

“Max Glatt: Pioneer in the treatment of alcohol and drug addicts. UK”

In 1962 he set up a unit for the treatment of both alcoholism and drug addiction at St Bernards Hospital, in Ealing, west London, a unit that is now called the Max Glatt Centre. Both units as well as further centres, private and NHS, in which he was involved were run on group lines on therapeutic community principles

Substance Use, Treatment, and Impact in the UK

Substance use and addiction are complex, widespread issues that continue to affect hundreds of thousands of lives across the UK. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or behavioural challenges like eating disorders, the need for specialised care has never been more critical.

With over 200 CQC-regulated detox and rehab beds available throughout the UK, there is infrastructure in place to support those struggling. But are we reaching everyone who needs help?

The State of Treatment Access

Between April 2023 and March 2024, approximately 320,000 adults in England engaged with drug and alcohol treatment services. That’s a significant number, but only about half received some form of treatment. Of those, 90% were supported in community-based services (12 step fellowships or similar) rather than residential rehab.

While treatment options exist, not everyone who needs help accesses it ; and that’s a problem.

Alcohol & Drug Dependence: The Numbers Behind the Need

Alcohol

In Uk 300,000+ people are estimated to be dependent on alcohol.
In 2024, 95,000 people received treatment for alcohol use alone.
This shows that a large portion of those in need are not getting the professional help they require.

Drugs

Approximately 3.1% of adults (710,000) show signs of drug dependence.
- 137,965 people received treatment for opiate-related issues.
- 65,725 people received support for non-opiate drug problems (some also with alcohol misuse)..

Addiction continues to have a devastating toll

The Hidden Cost of Addiction

Beyond the human impact, the financial burden of substance dependence is enormous:

Over £410 million is spent annually to boost drug and alcohol treatment across England
Alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost £20 billion per year.
Illicit drug use accounts for a further £11 billion in social and economic costs.

These aren’t just numbers, they reflect the ripple effects addiction has on healthcare systems, public services, communities, and families.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/421-million-to-boost-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-across-england

A Changing Landscape: Opiates & Inequality

One of the most troubling trends in recent years is the shift toward opiate addiction. What’s more, over 50% of people in treatment for crack cocaine and/or opiates live in the most deprived areas of the UK.

This tells us two things:

Addiction and poverty are deeply linked.
Support needs to be accessible where it’s needed most.

Breaking the Stigma, Bridging the Gap

Far too many people still don’t seek help because of stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access. As a society, we must shift how we talk about addiction, not as a moral failure, but as a treatable health condition.

What Can You Do?

Educate yourself and others about the reality of addiction.
Support local charities and services providing treatment and recovery resources.
Speak out against stigma, especially in workplaces and communities.
Encourage policy change that improves access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas.

*Substance misuse doesn’t discriminate it can affect anyone. But with the right support, recovery is possible. Let’s work together to ensure help is within reach for everyone who needs it.

Improving Access to Treatment and Rehab Services

There is a wide range of treatment centers and rehabilitation facilities available for individuals seeking help in their recovery journey. Some programs cater to those with insurance or the financial means to afford private services, often offering comprehensive, specialized care. However, there are also more affordable or publicly funded options—such as those supported by the NHS—that provide equally capable and evidence-based support. It’s important for anyone considering treatment to explore different types of programs, assess their specific needs, and seek professional guidance. By ensuring affordability, accessibility, and individualized care, treatment centers and rehabs can better help people access the support they need for a sustained, successful recovery.

Rehabs UK

Addiction Recovery – Support & Advice

Our mission is to ensure that every individual facing addiction or mental health challenges receives the support, guidance, and care they need to begin their journey to recovery.

We are dedicated to helping our clients and their families make informed, confident decisions about treatment. Drawing on our expert knowledge and extensive experience, we carefully match each client with the most suitable rehab or treatment option—considering factors such as location, budget, and therapeutic approach.

By creating tailored treatment plans, we provide each person with a personalized and effective path forward, offering them the strongest possible start on their road to recovery.

Contact Details : 03300 589367 https://rehabsuk.com/ INFO@REHABSUK.COM

Founder: Lester Morse

The Forward Trust

Mike Trace CEO 07771 500219

Andy Jackson Head of Residential Services

Andy.Jackson@forwardtrust.org.uk 07771 353475

www.forwardtrust.org.uk 02038 815 525

Another life is possible

We believe that everyone can live a fulfilling life, whatever their past. If you’re affected by drug or alcohol issues, past offending, homelessness or unemployment: help is out there!

The Forward Trust delivers services commissioned by NHS England, including the RECONNECT service and psychosocial substance misuse services, meaning they do take NHS patients.

RECONNECT is a care after custody service that seeks to improve the continuity of care of people leaving prison or an immigration removal centre (IRC)

Broadway Lodge

Charlotte Thorpe Marketing Officer

charlottethorpe@broadwaylodge.org.uk

Telephone: 01934 812319 Direct Dial: 01934 818030

Broadway Lodge is one of the leading and most respected abstinence-based addiction treatment centres in the UK. Since 1974, our multidisciplinary team have helped to transform the lives of thousands of people, supporting them in their recovery from addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, gambling, sex and gaming. We know that rehab is not somewhere you or your loved one had in mind when growing up. But we also know that it’s the best way to get your life back. At Broadway Lodge we want to make sure that you not only get the best help, but that you maintain your recovery for the rest of your life.

Steps Together

Chantelle Bradshaw

pressandmarketing@stepstogether.co.uk

chantelle.bradshaw@hotmail.co.uk

07842 426002

Hedi Said hedi.saidi@stepstogether.rehab

www.stepstogether.co.uk ┃ www.rainfordhall.com

For years, Steps Together Addiction Rehabilitation Centre has been providing a winning combination of residential and outpatient addiction services, and our outstanding clinical and therapeutic treatment services transform the lives of all those living with addiction and poor mental health.

Promis Clinics

Lucy Britton Head of admissions

l.britton@promisclinics.com 07540 807292 Robin Lefever Managing Director 07785231817 https://promis.co.uk/ 01275402758

World-Class Treatment Redefine your future, free from the confines of mental health, addiction, and trauma. Achieve enduring recovery under the guidance of seasoned clinicians, innovative technology, and an individually tailored combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies.

Castle Craig

Victoria McCann Communications Director and Marketing for Castle Health Group 0808 231 773 https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/ 0808 303 0187

Castle Craig is a leading residential alcohol rehab located in the Scottish Borders serving people from across the UK, including Scotland. We provide treatment for alcohol addiction, accessible through private funding, private health insurance, and NHS referrals.

Kenward Trust

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/ 01622 814187 Hetty Palmer Head of Marketing & PR hetty.palmer@kenwardtrust.org.uk 07801 966986
Natalie Parrish Marketing & Fundraising Assistant Natalie.parrish@kenwardtrust.org

Founded in 1968, Kenward Trust is a charity based in Kent that saves lives every day from alcohol and drugs, homelessness and crime. We help people to transform their lives and create a new future away from their addictions. Our work spans from sessions in schools delivering early education and interventions, through to residential rehab and providing a home for residents to settle back into the community to continue their journey of recovery. The Kenward Trust accepts referrals from community alcohol and drug services, including those within the NHS. Individuals can also self-refer to their services, where they would pay for them privately.

The Priory

Matt Rowlands UK Director of Marketing Rebekah Cresswell CEO. UK Priory At Priory, we don’t just offer treatment – we provide whole-person, end-to-end care, offering guidance, reassurance and ongoing support to help people rebuild their lives. Everyone’s journey to support is different, which is why we offer tailored advice based on your needs. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone else, we’re here to guide you through the process and find the right treatment

Rehab Clinics Group

John Gillen 0330 0414 748 Info@eulasclinics.com 03301 596 494

Rehab Are you looking for a reliable private drug and alcohol rehab treatment provider with a proven track record in effective addiction recovery? Rehab Clinics Group can help Through the use of our residential treatment centres located throughout the UK and Spain, we can provide effective evidence-based rehab and detox programmes that look to heal your mind and body for true long-lasting addiction recovery. All our centres provide quality accommodation with the very best facilities and friendly staff to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, meaning you can fully focus on your recovery. Find out now why Rehab Clinics Group are one of the leading private alcohol and drug rehab & detox providers in the UK by getting in touch with our friendly team.

Steps2Recovery

Mark Jones Programme Manager info@steps2recovery.org.uk 0207 923 1364 07949 245 334

Dean Steele Director

Steps2Recovery’s treatment programme includes group therapy, one-to-one counselling, Steps 1-3 of the 12 Step programme, workshops, lectures, alternative therapies, mentoring and group outings. As it’s an abstinence-based programme, regular drug and alcohol testing takes place to ensure the safety of the house.

Providence Project

Paul Spanjar CEO paul@providenceproject.org Lisa Taylor Administrator 0800 955 0945 info@providenceproject.org www.providenceproject.org

AFFORDABLE PRIVATE REHAB CENTRE Reclaim your life and overcome addiction Established in 1996, The Providence Projects is the leading affordable private alcohol and drug rehabilitation in the U.K. At The Providence Projects, we believe in the transformative power of compassion and personalised care. We’re committed to providing a best-in-class sanctuary where individuals can reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. They accept clients funded by the NHS and those who are privately funded.

Mount Carmel

Ruth Allonby CEO info@mountcarmel.org.uk https://www.mountcarmel.org.uk/ 020 8769 7674

A centre of excellence for alcohol treatment Mount Carmel is a rehab in South London for people who want to overcome their alcohol dependency. We provide a safe, supportive and inclusive setting for men and women to begin their recovery. Our many successful clients not only stop drinking, but they also change their lives. The Mount Carmel states they offer care at “very affordable prices for both private and public funders,” indicating they are open to working with NHS funding.

Hope and Vision Community

Tony Attwood CEO 07887 746614 tony@hopeandvision.org.uk https://hopeandvision.org.uk/ Hope and Vision Communities provides supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation. The initiative offers services and activities centred around learning, social prescribing, and community support. These may include: Drop-in sessions for practical advice and support. Training and development sessions. Lived experience/peer support groups. Physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing activities. “Hope in the Community” works in conjunction with the NHS, offering services that can complement NHS care and support. *Of the people seeking treatment within the public sector 20% homeless or have housing problems

Delamere

Rehab & Detox

0333 323 3716 https://delamere.com/

People stay with us when alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs or addictive behaver have become a problem in life. We believe that with the right support anyone can permanently break the addictive cycle.

Investing in paying for luxury rehab treatment with Delamare is not just a lifesaving experience but a life changing one.

Gladstones Clinic

https://gladstonesclinic.care/ 0808 168 2435

Gladstones Clinic offers dependency, mental health problems and self-destructive behaviours treatment services in a private, residential setting located in the beautiful Cotswolds, easily accessible from London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff. While technically possible to get NHS funding for privately run rehab clinics like Gladstones, in practice, NHS patients aren’t typically referred to residential rehab until other avenues have been explored, according to Gladstones Clinic

Beacon House: Adult Trauma Clinic

Home

Chichester: 01243 219 900

Cuckfield: 01444 413 939

Beacon House offers a specialist trauma and attachment service for adults who have survived trauma, loss and disruption.

There are three clinical difficulties that we assess for, and treat:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Complex Post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)
Dissociative Disorders

Beacon House, a mental health service provider, does accept NHS referrals for their services, including those for children, young people, families, and adults experiencing mental health difficulties.

ASSIST… Trauma Care

https://assisttraumacare.org.uk/ 01788 551919

Working together from Trauma… To recovery

ASSIST Trauma Care employs experienced therapists trained to work with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the after-effects of trauma in line with current evidence-based practices.

ASSIST Trauma Care is a specialist Third Sector (Not-for-Profit) Organisation offering therapeutic help to adults and children, individuals and families, affected by a wide range of traumatic occurrences.

Smart TMS

https://www.smarttms.co.uk/ 03452225678

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), also known as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment,

TMS is widely understood to be “magnetic therapy for depression”, yet it can be used to treat much more than just depression. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain, which also means it can relieve the symptoms of depression, OCD, addiction and other mental health conditions.
TMS is a brain stimulation therapy, meaning it only treats the brain circuits involved in your condition, rather than flooding the brain with chemicals. And unlike medication, there are very few potential side effects.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment in the UK, and its availability on the NHS is very limited.

Eulas Clinics

John Gillen 0330 0414 748

0169 862 8178 Info@eulasclinics.com

At Eulas Clinics, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based ketamine-assisted therapy that empowers individuals to achieve lasting mental well-being.

We are committed to delivering safe, patient-centred care through innovative treatments, continuous research, and a supportive therapeutic environment. Our goal is to help every patient reclaim their life with dignity, respect, and hope.

Vision Statement: Make this therapy accessible to everyone who needs it. Expand services internationally and, if other psychedelic substances become legal, incorporate them into treatment. In the long term, the goal is to offer these therapies worldwide and become a recognised training provider.

Eulas Clinics cater to private patients, offering a range of treatment options. Also explicitly states that they provide services for NHS-funded patients.

The CNWL NHS Health Charity

Teresa Wirz teresawirz@cnwl.nhs.uk

CNWL press office on 020 7685 5453 or via the email cnwl.communications@nhs.net

Footnote

The Association of NHS Charities, operating as NHS Charities Together, is a network of over 230 charitable organisations that support the devolved National Health Service, their staff, patients, and communities in the United Kingdom. https://omaze.co.uk/

Upon further investigation, I discovered that NHS rehabilitation centres are widely accessible throughout the UK, typically located within larger hospitals, community health centres, or dedicated rehab units. These centres offer a broad range of services, including physical rehabilitation, mental health support, addiction recovery, and post-operative care. The most reassuring aspect is that all NHS rehab services are free of charge for eligible UK residents. To access these services, you can speak with your GP, who can assess your needs, provide detailed information about the most suitable local options, and make a referral directly to the appropriate facility on your behalf.

The Elephant in the Room

P.S. In every rehab facility, there’s this giant, tap-dancing elephant nobody wants to mention. The secret? For the entire time you’re there, whether it’s a few weeks or months, you’re essentially sealed inside a sobriety bubble, like rehab’s own version of Wi-Fi lockdown, except it’s your addiction that’s out of range. No access, no temptations, no sneaky sips or secret stashes.

Problem solved, right?

Well, not exactly, because once that protective bubble pops, the real work begins. But that’s the truth most places don’t exactly blast from the rooftops.

There is a big difference between truly wanting recovery and just wanting the consequences of the behaviour to stop. A lot of people say they want to quit for their kids, their job, their health, but deep down, they’re still holding onto the thing that’s destroying them. Because it gives them something. Comfort, escape, control… even if it’s killing them.

The “real desire for recovery” often doesn’t show up until the pain of staying the same is worse than the fear of changing. It’s not just about removing the substance or behaviour it’s about learning to live without it, learning to sit with yourself.

The Negative Elephant in the Room

Let’s be honest, the real question is this: Do I desire recovery, or do I just want the pain of addiction to stop?

Recovery asks for everything—honesty, patience, pain, surrender.
Relief just wants the noise to quiet down, the ache to fade, the guilt to disappear…fast.
And the truth is, some days I don’t know which one I’m chasing.
I say I want to heal, but part of me still wants the shortcut.
Still wants the comfort without the cost.
But I’m learning that healing isn’t relief it’s resistance.
It’s choosing the hard thing, over and over, until it’s no longer hard.
And maybe that’s where real freedom lives.

That’s why I choose recovery. I want to truly live.

Disclaimer

We provide information about specialist treatment centres and rehab facilities to help individuals make informed choices. While we do our best to ensure all content is accurate and up to date, nothing on this site should be considered medical advice, a diagnosis, or a guarantee of outcomes. Every recovery journey is unique; what works for one person may not work for another.

We do not receive compensation from any of the centres or services featured. This means our content is not influenced by financial incentives, and we remain fully committed to offering honest, impartial, and helpful information.

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about treatment or recovery. Our goal is to inform and support, not to replace expert advice.