What
Residential programmes offer somewhere to escape from drugs and your usual influences to rebuild life skills and confidence.

Who
People committed to abstinence and free to 'disappear' for a while.

Like
Supportive retreat where you can focus on getting control back in your life.

Dislike
Sometimes unforgiving rule-based approach, variable cost and long waiting lists.

Tell me more...

Rehabilitation (rehab) services – also known as therapeutic or residential communities – are normally aimed at people who have detoxed and are attempting to live without drugs. Reflecting the abstinence-oriented nature of these programmes, rehab is often surrounded by a stringent set of rules, including zero tolerance attitudes to any drug use. This can be off-putting to some.

Programmes last from a couple of months to over a year, so waiting lists can be long. As they are usually residential, if you are employed and/or have children or other dependants, you may need to think carefully about some of the practicalities before embarking on your journey here.

Programmes last from a couple of months to over a year, so waiting lists can be long. As they are usually residential, if you are employed and/or have children or other dependants, you may need to think carefully about some of the practicalities before embarking on your journey here. Residential centres are often found in rural areas, providing a safe haven away from the reality of life in which people can build both skills and confidence. Some offer a halfway house stage, providing linkage between the programme and the return to reality.