Do all Rehab Clinics Operate the Same Way

You may have noticed that there are a fairly large number of addiction recovery referral services operating online. These services specialise in offering free counselling and referrals to private rehab clinics located throughout the UK. Some of them even have connections with clinics overseas. The reason these services are so vital to addicts and their families comes down to one simple thing: not all rehab clinics operate the same way.

In the old days, drug and alcohol experts believed it was possible to develop a 'one-size-fits-all' treatment applicable to every addiction. And for several decades, clinics operated under that assumption. However, it turns out that there is no treatment solution that works for everyone. Therefore, different clinics operate in different ways. The organisations offering referral services take the time to learn about the various alcohol and drug rehab clinics - how these operate, and what they offer. They can then make referrals based on matching up a client with the most suitable clinic.

Different Rehab Approaches

Looking into rehab clinics reveals how differently they approach the recovery process. For example, there are a number of Christian-based organisations offering drug and alcohol rehab from a Christian perspective. One does not need to be a professing Christian to enrol at one of these clinics, but all of the therapies and treatments used will be from a Christian perspective. Someone attending a Christian clinic would likely be involved in exercises like organised prayer, Bible study, and counselling with a Christian counsellor.

For every religious-based approach, there is also a secular approach. Secular drug and alcohol rehab clinics still approach the issue with the understanding that addiction involves both the body and the mind, but they tend to leave off spiritual component. Their psychotherapeutic treatments include things like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interactive group therapy.

It is interesting to note that a large percentage of the clinics in the UK use some form of the popular 12-step approach regardless of their philosophy on religious versus secular recovery. The 12-step programme was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s and focuses on one's responsibility to a higher power, whatever that might be. Various adaptations of the original 12-step programme now exist to serve the needs of organisations with different rehab approaches.

Different Accommodation Levels

One of the other big differences we see in private rehab clinics is a level of accommodations offered by each one. For instance, a budget-sensitive clinic may offer dormitory accommodations and only a few, necessary amenities on site. The other end of the spectrum would be a luxury clinic providing private accommodations and a full range of amenities including swimming pools, fully equipped gyms, and so on.

Some argue that different levels of accommodations separate recovery according to financial class and status. Others say that offering different levels of accommodations is the only way to serve the greatest number of those in need. In the end, it comes down to whether or not a clinic is devoted to helping clients achieve complete recovery.

The differences between drug and alcohol rehab clinics suggest individuals and their families need to look at every available option before deciding on a clinic. However, because there are so many choices, looking around can quickly become overwhelming. Referral services make the job easier by doing all of the legwork ahead of time. Today, an addict or concerned family member can make one phone call to get the necessary help. And that's a good thing.