According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists NI, there is a demand for more community-based detox addiction services in order to combat Northern Ireland’s tragic record on alcohol deaths.
Community-based detoxes are treatment programmes which do not require a residential stay but are instead delivered in the form of a day programme from local treatment centres. This helps those suffering with addiction to learn how to cope in their day-to-day lives, facing the same everyday challenges.
This proves to be more useful than getaway retreat style rehabs as these types of facilities are far away from the challenges many people face in their everyday lives. Once attendees return back home, they are faced with the same challenges as before and struggle to transfer their skills from an isolated retreat back to their usual lifestyle, often resulting in a relapse.
Not only are community-based detoxes very effective, they are also an alternative option to a hospital admission, therefore reducing the demand on inpatient beds and helping to lower waiting times (which is currently over two months due to the pandemic.)
Whilst there is access to inpatient addiction services for all Trusts, availability is low due to the limited bed numbers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and unfortunately, not every Trust has access to community based detoxes.
According to the latest statistics, the number of alcohol deaths reached a record high in 2019, with 336 alcohol related deaths, an 18% increase from 2018 and over 33% higher than ten years ago, costing the public purse around £900m annually. The death rate is also notably higher in more deprived areas of Northern Ireland.
As a result, RCPNI is calling for a regional plan to increase access to community-based assisted withdrawal services across the country in order to combat the high death rate and vacate hospital beds.
Community Based Detox with Acquiesce
At Acquiesce, we use an urban recovery model that provides a discreet, highly supported and safe environment within the community. Whilst not being hidden from the real world this allows individuals to gain all the tools and experience necessary whilst maintaining a carefully monitored level of autonomy and responsibility over their own recovery. This makes any transitional period from treatment a much smoother process resulting in a more sustainable recovery journey.
Alternatively, there is the residential rehab programme that targets the root issue which you may be experiencing by offering a combination package that includes the 12 steps and cognitive behavioural therapy based approaches as, at Acquiesce, we understand that alcohol, drugs and gambling are commonly a method of coping with negative experiences or feelings.
This type of treatment offers a recovery focused code of behaviour in which to live whilst teaching new skills and offering resources that help to treat the addiction in day to day life on a practical level. Our social and leisure activities allow you to have fun during your rehabilitation and can help you to make friendships with others in recovery.
If you think you or a loved one may be showing signs of an addiction, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free, confidential consultation with one of our helpful team members at Acquiesce. The team at our private rehab clinic will be happy to discuss our community based residential rehab programme with you or find more help and advice here.
