A specialist addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre in Chelmsford

At Chelmsford, we are able to provide established treatment for a range of substance and behavioural addictions, including:

Alcohol addiction rehab

Alcohol addiction, commonly referred to as ‘alcoholism’ or ‘alcohol use disorder’, develops as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, to the extent that you become physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol in order to function effectively on a daily basis. Without comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment, alcoholism can cause a range of devastating physical and psychological problems, and can even result in death.

Drug addiction rehab

Drug addiction is characterised by repeatedly administering or taking drugs, whether these are illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin or ecstasy, or legal prescription drugs. People usually develop an illegal drug addiction as a result of peer pressure or curiosity, whereas a prescription drug addiction often develops after consuming a certain drug for a legitimate medical reason. Regardless of the type of drug addiction that you have developed, continued use of these substances can become a serious problem and can lead to a range of serious long-term consequences.

Cocaine addiction rehab

Cocaine is a dangerous stimulant drug which is typically snorted in powder form, although it is also possible for this drug to be injected. Cocaine causes users to experience intense euphoria which can be very addictive for some people and lead them to develop a high tolerance to the drug, and a harmful addiction.

We also specialise in supporting those who are abusing drugs such as crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and/or gamma butyrolactone (GBL), and do so when participating in sex. This is a phenomenon known as ‘chemsex’.

Priory Hospital Chelmsford offers its own standalone addiction treatment unit; our 28-day, residential Addiction Treatment Programme is based in its own dedicated building on-site, The Lodge.

Addiction treatment at Chelmsford is developed by expert psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses and therapists, all of whom are highly experienced in supporting patients through addiction recovery, in a safe and compassionate environment. You will have your own designated consultant psychiatrist for the duration of your treatment journey, as well as access to our full clinical care team, including your own allocated key workers. Treatment is guided by best practice addiction treatment and rehabilitation, structured within NICE guidelines.

Seven-day, medically assisted detox in Chelmsford

If you are struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, it may be necessary for you to undergo an intensive detoxification or ‘detox’ process, before commencing with comprehensive inpatient addiction therapy. During detox, all traces of harmful substances are removed from your body in a controlled, clinical environment, and our expert detox team are able to use medication to control anxiety and any other withdrawal symptoms that you may experience. Detox at Chelmsford is a rigorous seven-day process and is led by a specialist team of consultants and other highly experienced mental health professionals. You will also have access to 24-7 mental health nursing care, on hand to support you every step of the way towards becoming physically stable. You can read more about our alcohol detox and drug detoxification programme on the detoxification pages.

Residential addiction treatment

Once all traces of addictive substances have been removed from your body during our detox programme, you will be ready to progress to comprehensive inpatient (residential) treatment and therapy. This form of treatment provides you with round-the-clock support, a structured programme of therapy, and also ensures that you are removed from your usual living situation in order to eliminate any temptations or negative influences that may be exacerbating your addiction. Inpatient addiction treatment at Chelmsford includes regular meetings with your allocated consultant psychiatrist, as well as access to therapists, nurses and a medical doctor.

We deliver a wide range of tried and tested therapy methods during the residential addiction treatment at Chelmsford, and we also provide access to a full programme of 12-Step fellowship meetings which are specifically selected according to your needs. One of the main areas of focus during addiction treatment is to equip you with the tools and coping strategies to improve your lifestyle and help to ensure a positive, addiction-free future.

At Chelmsford, we understand that the thought of residential treatment can be quite overwhelming, not just on a personal level, but also within the competing demands of family, work and daily responsibilities. However, you can be assured that the treatment that you receive at Priory Hospital Chelmsford is of the highest standard, and we ensure that you receive the dedicated care and attention that you need in order to make a strong recovery and return to a positive way of life.

At Priory Hospital Chelmsford we offer a dedicated, multidisciplinary care team which includes highly trained and experienced addiction therapists as well as your own designated consultant psychiatrist and key workers.

During addiction treatment at Chelmsford, you will also benefit from peer supporter input. Our peer supporters are ex-addicts who have been through the Chelmsford Addiction Treatment Programme themselves, and who have been in recovery for at least five years. These individuals attend addiction therapy groups in order to provide inspiration and hope to current patients, share their own experiences and offer a different perspective.

We use a diverse range of tried and tested addiction treatment techniques at Chelmsford, all of which have proven success in addiction treatment and recovery.

Therapy formats

Therapy can be delivered in a number of different formats including:

• 1:1 therapy
• Group therapy
• Family group therapy
• Couples therapy

Types of therapy

Examples of the therapeutic techniques that we use as part of our Addiction Treatment Programme include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Relapse prevention therapy
• Workshops for anger management, relationship problems and co-dependency
• Psychoeducational sessions on topics such as shame, guilt, vulnerability and resilience
• Holistic therapies such as yoga and relaxation groups
• Written assignments and projects

We also deliver specialised treatment to the LGBTQIA+ community, who are struggling with addiction and recovery issues.

You can read more about addiction treatment on our approach to addiction treatment page.

You can contact Priory Hospital Chelmsford directly to enquire about our Addiction Treatment Programme and to arrange your free, no-obligation addictions assessment.

For further information on how Priory Hospital Chelmsford can help you to overcome your addiction, call us today on 0800 144 8969, and our dedicated experts will be able to advise on the next steps to receiving treatment. For GPs and referrers looking to make a referral, please click here.