Once the decision has been made to break free of addiction, you will have many treatment options from which to choose. Entering an inpatient rehab programme can give you a solid foundation for your new life. If you meet the right criteria, you may be entitled to a free NHS rehab placement, but this is not necessarily the best option. Here are 10 reasons why you might be better off investing in a decent private addiction rehab programme:
1. No Need to Delay Addiction Treatment with a Private Programme
There are only so many free rehab places available, which means they need to be ‘rationed’. This means that even if you are approved, you will still need to go on a waiting list. The fact that you would not be able to get the help you need right away is problematic as there is no guarantee that your motivation to remain sober will last. One of the benefits of going private is that you are almost certain to find a facility right away; the only exception to this would be if there were a particular facility you really want to go to but it happened to be full.
2. You Get to Choose the Right Rehab Programme for You
Addiction treatment centres can vary a great deal in the way they deal with addiction. These different approaches to recovery are required because it is now accepted that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. If you choose an NHS funded rehab, you will not have much choice as to where you are placed, which means you could end up with an option that does not really suit your requirements.
3. In Private Rehab You Can Expect a High Degree of Comfort
Looking for a rehab that offers a high degree of comfort is not about being fussy. The reality is that if you do not feel comfortable in an inpatient facility, you will not be able to get the most out of what is being offered. This means that the quality of your surroundings can be as important as the content of the programme itself. One aspect of choosing to go private is the ability to have more say about your level of comfort. Some of these facilities can offer a similar level of comfort as you might expect to find in a fancy hotel. Sometimes there is the option for things like private rooms.
4. Much Better Client to Therapist Ratio at a Private Facility
The NHS funded rehab programmes do their best, but they have to get the most out of available the resources. This means that a therapist may end up having to deal with a much higher number of clients than in a private facility. This could entail you end up spending far less time with the professional, making it harder for you to make progress. By choosing a private facility, you can usually expect to see a therapist at least once a day, and there will be plenty of other professionals around to make sure you get the most out of what is on offer.
5. Much Better Facilities at a Private Rehab
If you are bored during your time at rehab, it might increase your risk of relapse. This is because you will have too much time on your hands, which may lead to you deciding that life in sobriety is just very unsatisfying. It is vital at this stage of your recovery that you are able to see how it would be possible for you to enjoy being sober. The benefit of a private rehab is they can afford to provide clients with lots of interesting activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, aerobics, yoga, tai-chi, in-house cinema, etc. These facilities and activities not only keep away boredom, but they also offer an opportunity to explore potential activities you may want to do/try when you return home.
6. Private Rehabs Can Offer Better Aftercare Options
A quality rehab programme can provide you with a solid foundation in recovery, but you will still need help once you return to the community. Private rehabs can offer a range of aftercare options, such as outpatient group therapy or booster sessions. There is also the option to choose from advanced rehab programmes; these are for those who are already sober but want to take things to a new level. A quality private programme is not just about getting you sober and sending you home; it is all about giving you all the tools and support you will need to navigate early sobriety.
7. Private Rehab is an Investment in Your Future
It is important to keep in mind that any money you spend on addiction treatment is a type of investment. This may be the most important investment you ever make, and you can quickly enjoy the benefits of it. You are likely to save a lot of money by not drinking or using drugs. The fact that you are sober will also increase your ability to do well in your career or find employment. Even if you choose one of the fanciest facilities, you are likely to recoup this investment within a year or two at most so long as you remain sober.
8. You Can Travel Abroad for Addiction Treatment
Choosing a private programme means that you can go anywhere in the world for help. It is possible to find very reasonably priced luxury addiction treatment in places such as South Africa or Thailand. You can also choose to travel to the United States where some of the most prestigious recovery centres in the world are located. Getting sober in an exotic location can be a very enjoyable experience, and it will definitely mean a memorable start to your new life.
9. Protect Your Anonymity with a Private Rehab Programme
If you do not want anyone to know that you are receiving help for your addiction problems, you will find it easier to protect your anonymity with a private programme. This could be particularly important if you are worried about how this information could affect your career or reputation. With most of these facilities, you do not even have to use your own name – if you are well known, you can also consider getting help at a foreign rehab facility.
10. Be Treated Like a Valued Guest at a Private Rehab
The best private rehabs treat you like a valued guest; you can expect the same level of service as you would normally find at a nice hotel or resort. This level or respect is important because getting sober is all about taking charge of your life. You need to feel empowered, so by choosing a private facility you will feel more in charge of things. The therapist and other professionals working in this facility are there to help you and not to tell you what to do.
