Drug rehab at Priory

If drug use is starting to feel difficult to control, you don’t have to wait until things reach a crisis point before getting help. Drug rehab provides structured support to help you stop using drugs, understand the factors contributing to your drug use and develop strategies for longer-term recovery.

At Priory, treatment can include medically assisted detox, therapy and ongoing rehab aftercare, with different options depending on your circumstances and the level of support you need. You can start with a free, confidential addiction assessment, either by phone or in person, to discuss your drug use and explore your next steps. 

With addiction treatment available across our UK network, you can also find drug rehab near you and explore the options available locally.

Drug rehab doesn't look the same for everyone. Some people need a medically supervised drug detox before beginning further treatment, while others may be able to start with therapy without detox. Treatment can take place as an inpatient, residential, day-care, outpatient or online programme.

A typical treatment journey may include:

• Assessment: understanding your drug use, physical and mental health, circumstances and treatment goals
• Detox: where appropriate, safely managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision
• Therapy: exploring the psychological, emotional and behavioural factors linked to drug use
• Relapse prevention: developing strategies for managing cravings, triggers and difficult situations
• Aftercare: continuing support to help you maintain progress after your main programme ends

What drug rehab isn't

You may have concerns about what rehab will be like, particularly if you've never experienced addiction treatment before. Some common misconceptions include:

• Drug rehab isn't punishment. Treatment is designed to support recovery, not punish you for using drugs
• Drug rehab isn't a prison. You receive treatment in a structured environment, but the purpose is to help you recover and regain control
• You don't have to reach “rock bottom”. If drug use is affecting your health, relationships, work or everyday life, it may be worth seeking help before the situation becomes more severe
• Drug rehab isn't one-size-fits-all. The right treatment depends on the substance you're using, your physical and mental health, your circumstances and your goals.

You also don't have to be certain that you have an addiction before asking for advice. A free addiction assessment can help you understand your options without committing you to treatment.

Do I need drug rehab?

It can be difficult to know when drug use has become a problem, particularly if you're still functioning in everyday life and managing work, relationships or other responsibilities.

Drug dependence, drug misuse and addiction aren't the same thing. Someone can experience harmful or problematic drug use without being physically dependent, while dependence can develop when the body adapts to a substance and withdrawal symptoms occur when use is reduced or stopped.

Some people use drugs in nightlife or sexual settings, including during chemsex. If you're concerned about your use of substances such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), crystal methamphetamine or other stimulants in these situations, Priory can assess your drug use and help you understand what treatment and support may be appropriate.

If someone has overdosed, is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, having a seizure or in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency medical help.

Drug rehab by substance

Different drugs can affect your physical and mental health in different ways, and withdrawal and treatment requirements can vary between substances. That's why it can be useful to explore information about the specific drug you're using.

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine rehab can help you understand patterns of cocaine use, manage cravings and address the psychological and behavioural factors that can make it difficult to stop.

Heroin addiction 

Heroin rehab may involve medically supervised withdrawal alongside psychological and recovery-focused support. Opioid dependence can carry particular medical risks, so treatment should be planned with appropriate clinical support.

Cannabis addiction

Although cannabis is sometimes perceived as relatively harmless, regular or heavy use can become difficult to control and may affect mental health, motivation and everyday functioning.

Ketamine addiction 

Ketamine use can become problematic and may be associated with physical and psychological harms. Treatment can help you understand your use and develop strategies for recovery.

Prescription drug addiction

Prescription medicines can become addictive, particularly when they're used differently from how they were prescribed or for longer than intended.

Choosing inpatient vs outpatient drug rehab

The right setting depends on more than how frequently you use drugs. Your physical and mental health, previous attempts to stop, home environment and level of support can all affect which option is appropriate.

These aren't rules for deciding treatment yourself. A clinical assessment is the best way to determine what level of care is appropriate.

NICE guidance recognises that treatment and detoxification should be matched to the individual's needs, including their physical and mental health, drug use and circumstances. For opioid detoxification in particular, NICE recommends considering community, residential or inpatient settings according to clinical and social needs.

Private drug rehab

Private drug rehab offers fast access to assessment and treatment, high levels of privacy and personalised support. Private treatment may be appealing if you want to access support quickly, need flexibility around work or family commitments, or value a discreet treatment environment.

At Priory, addiction treatment is delivered by multidisciplinary teams that may include consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses and wellbeing practitioners. Treatment plans are tailored around your individual needs and circumstances.

How much does drug rehab cost?

The cost of drug rehab varies depending on the type of treatment you need, how long you stay and the level of clinical and accommodation support involved. Priory offers different treatment settings and programme lengths that start at different price points. 

Private treatment may be funded personally or, where eligible, through private medical insurance or corporate healthcare arrangements.

If private treatment isn't an option for you, free or NHS-funded drug treatment is also available. You can speak to your GP or contact local drug treatment services to find out what's available in your area. FRANK also provides information and support around drugs and drug treatment.

For more detailed information, see our drug rehab cost guide.

Drug withdrawal and detox: what to expect

Withdrawal happens when your body has adapted to a drug, then you reduce or stop using it. The symptoms you experience can vary considerably depending on the substance, how much and how often you've been using it, how long you've been using it and your overall health.

The timing and severity of withdrawal varies by substance. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines, for example, can produce very different withdrawal experiences, so there isn't a single drug withdrawal timeline that applies to everyone.

Medical supervision allows clinicians to monitor your physical and psychological wellbeing and respond if withdrawal symptoms become difficult to manage. Medication may also be used where clinically appropriate to reduce or manage specific symptoms. Priory's inpatient detox programmes provide 24-hour medical and nursing support. 

What happens at a free addiction assessment?

A free addiction assessment is an opportunity to talk confidentially about your drug use and understand what support may be appropriate.

The assessment typically lasts 60-90 minutes. During an assessment, you may be asked about:

• Which drugs you're using
• How often and how much you're taking
• How long you've been using them
• Any previous attempts to stop
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Your physical and mental health
• Other substances, including alcohol or prescription medication
• Your home, work and family circumstances
• What you'd like to achieve through treatment

Your assessment can also consider whether underlying mental health or neurodevelopmental needs may be contributing to your drinking or substance use. Where clinically appropriate, Priory can arrange ADHD assessments for people who may have been using alcohol or other substances to self-medicate difficulties associated with ADHD or other neurodivergent needs.

The assessment is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. If treatment is recommended, the team can explain your options and what the next steps would look like.

Where appropriate and with your consent, Priory can also work with your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Ready to talk? Book a free, confidential addiction assessment today. 

Support for families

Family members and partners may feel scared, frustrated, helpless or unsure about how to respond to a loved one’s addiction.

Try to approach conversations without judgement. Let your loved one know that you’re concerned about them and that you’re willing to help them explore professional support when they feel ready. Setting healthy boundaries can help you support your loved one while recognising that their recovery is ultimately their responsibility.

If you're unsure how to approach the situation, our family support for addictions resources can provide further guidance.

Take the next step

You don't have to wait until drug use has caused a crisis before asking for help. Whether you're worried about your own drug use or concerned about someone close to you, a confidential conversation can help you understand what's happening and what options are available.