Rehab Access Guide
On this page you’ll find advice about how to get help with drug and/or alcohol use for you or someone you know, and how to access residential rehab.
Contact a Drug and Alcohol Support Service
If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of someone you know, the first thing to do is get in touch with your local drug and alcohol service.
You can find your local drug and alcohol service by:
Using the FRANK service finder.
Searching your local council website for 'drug and alcohol support'.
Contacting your local council and asking where to get help.
Speaking to your GP, who can help you find local support.
Be Open and Honest
You might feel nervous about asking for help, especially if you have never spoken to someone about your alcohol or drug use before, or if you have children.
These services are free, confidential and there to help, not judge. They can provide advice, support and information about the treatment options available to you, and will explain how your information is used and protected.
They will talk to you about what is happening in your life, explain the different types of support available and help you work out what might be right for you.
If you think residential rehab would help you, ask about it.
Ask Questions
It’s really important that you know what advice and support your drug and alcohol service suggests, and why they are suggesting it. If you can we recommend you bring someone with you to appointments, take notes or record the conversation (with permission).
Most importantly, it’s always okay to ask questions if you don’t fully understand what is offered or why it has been offered.
For example, if your local service says residential rehab isn’t right for you, it’s important to ask why and find out what you might have to do to qualify.
Frequently-Asked Questions
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Residential rehab is a place where you stay for a period of time to get treatment and support with drug and alcohol problems.
It gives you time away from everyday pressures, so you can focus on your recovery in a safe and supportive environment. For some people, residential rehab offers the additional structure and support needed to address a range of challenges affecting their recovery. Read more here.
Different rehabs offer different programmes, approaches and types of support. Browse rehabs here.
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No. You can contact a drug and alcohol service while you are still using drugs or drinking alcohol. You do not need to have stopped before asking for help. The service will talk to you about what is happening and help you understand the treatment and support that may be right for you.
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Someone will contact you to talk to you about your situation.
They may ask about your drug and alcohol use, your health and other things happening in your life. This helps them understand what support you might need.
They will then tell you what treatment options may be available to you.
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For many people, treatment and support can be provided while they continue living at home. For some people, residential rehab may be the right type of help. It depends on your circumstances and what level of support you need.
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Some people pay for residential rehab, but it can also be paid for with public funding. This is often called state-funded rehab.
How funding is arranged depends on where you live.
You do not need to understand how funding works before asking for help. Your local drug and alcohol service can explain it to you.
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There are residential rehabs across England offering different types of treatment, programmes and support.
Our directory can help you see what is available, where the services are based and what each rehab offers.
Which rehabs are available to you through public funding can depend on your needs and the arrangements in your local area. Your local drug and alcohol service can talk to you about your options.
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There is no single waiting time for state-funded residential rehab. How long the process takes can depend on where you live, your circumstances, the assessment and funding process, and whether there is a suitable place available.