Recovery, led by people who truly understand addiction.
We provide private residential support for people across the UK who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, grounded in lived experience and professional care.
We are focused on understanding people, relationships and the real-life patterns underneath addiction.
- Safe, supported environment
- Human-led care
People often come to Abbington House feeling frightened or overwhelmed. These are some of their experiences.
EXCELLENT Based on 81 reviews Posted on Edward HeardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is a rehabilitation centre that gets it right. The framework is that of the 12 steps, the teaching is that of attention to detail directed to the clients needs, carefully uncovered by your therapist throughout your step work. But importantly firstly you are greeted, welcomed and invited to change by the fellow recovering patients, and the members of the team. And I really truly mean, you are welcomed. In choosing to risk our livelihood and choosing our addictions, or sometimes having no control of our predicament, the members of the team make it clear to us that we will be better, IF, we pay attention to what is provided to us. The 12 steps. This dedicated one to one therapy, welcoming group sessions, amazing beautiful holistic practices, and creative therapy practises such as art, music and mindfulness works if you let it. I did exactly this. And tomorrow 7th February 2026, I will have completed 28 days of help that I was unable to put in to practice alone. This I admitted to myself, my family and friends and the phenomenal team here. And so I helped myself to their support. And I couldn’t be more proud of myself for taking that first step to follow the next 12 steps ahead of me. If you are feeling how I did… scared, no where to go, lost, terrified… phone abbington house. Turn to them. Ed HPosted on Tom WoodmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A place of solitude when there was no other place to provide this. I came to Abbington House with a connection to some of the staff who worked there. At the time it didn’t matter what facilities were on offer and any mod-cons that might or might not be provided. As it turns out it had everything needed and more both in both the staff that I didn’t know, the staff that I did know and facilities on offer. Raw, real recovery for those who need it in their darkest hour. If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired then truly and honestly I would not recommend anywhere else to start over and give yourself a second chance at lifePosted on david bevanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Abbington House is a class act! Abbington has helped my Son immensely. I am so glad he found Abbington and threw himself into the program to immense benefit. What is exceptional about Abington? It is well run and coherent, the senior staff and owner are on site at the coalface. All the staff from top to bottom have lived experience of addiction and recovery. The Therapists are skilled and committed to helping each client as an individual. They provide a really solid grounding in the Twelve steps and encourage and facilitate participation in that program after discharge. They foster a true therapeutic and supportive client community which is difficult to pull off with a constantly changing client group. They involve families and loved ones from the start and support them with a weekly online group which we have found enormously useful. The thrice weekly aftercare groups are outstanding as is the ad hoc access to Abbington all clients can use. Finally the emphasis on the client's actions and routines in the real world after discharge and the emphasis on personal responsibility underpins the greatest chance of true recovery. As a retired healthcare professional I am hard to impress but impress me they surely have.Posted on Jeff PoveyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They say that sometimes things happen for a reason. Getting a family member into Abbington House came about through an exceptional set of circumstances. It started off as an enquiry and ended up saving a life. That sounds dramatic but without Abbington's care, their concern, their patience and the fact that they have a doctor on call, this would have been a very different story. My son stayed for four weeks at Abbington and now, nearly a hundred days of sobriety later it's a revelation. All the way from the brink of oblivion to the person I know he truly is. He has the tools, the aftercare, the fellowship and the backing to aid him on a new chapter in his life. I think the main thing with Abbington is they know how to offer the right help because they've been there themselves and found a way out. They know the pitfalls, the remorse, the guilt, just as much as they know there can be a life where it does and can work out for you. I couldn't be more glad that I made that enquiry.Posted on Alex MacfarlaneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff, very supportive, the property itself is outstanding and they really help you with all your needs. Highly recommend.Posted on C SadlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I don’t think “thank you” will ever be enough for what Abbington has done for us. The day I dropped him off, I honestly couldn’t see an end. I felt like I was just going through the motions, ticking off another item on an endless list of things that weren’t going to work. I truly believed I was going to get back the same person I dropped off. But within a weeks, everything changed. His mindset shifted in a way I honestly didn’t think was possible. I truly believe it’s the combination of therapies, activities, and—most importantly—the fact that the therapists genuinely understand addiction because they’ve lived it. That understanding makes all the difference. From the moment you walk in, it feels like a home rather than a rehab. That was one of my biggest worries, but there’s nothing cold or clinical about Abbington House. The team never once made me feel like I was facing this alone. I always felt welcome, supported, and listened to. Knowing I could pick up the phone at any time, and having the weekly family meetings, carried me through those 28 days. Sitting with other families and hearing their stories of hope and successful recovery. It’s incredible what can be built in just 28 days when the right foundations are laid. Abbington didn’t just help him — it helped me heal to. I will be forever grateful, and I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend Abbington House.Posted on NikTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently was admitted to Abbington House during mid November to mid December. I honestly felt so scared and overwhelmed as I had never experienced going into a rehab before. My presumption to what I thought a rehab was, was what was putting me off going but what I can say about Abbington is that it felt like Home, and I quickly felt so comfortable and loved. ALL THE STAFF were amazing so easy to talk to as they could relate to you which then made you feel you safe, they were always checking in on you. The group work provided was very beneficial along side the activities such as yoga, breath work, sound baths etc and attending meetings whether that was in house or off site, getting you ready to beat this disease on the outside world. The food was amazing, I suffer with AFRED and am quite fussy around food but Marion the chef was so accommodating nothing was too much to ask. So I just want to say thank you to Abbington House because if I did not go here, I would not be where I am today, I know I’ve only been out in a short time but by the tools I have learnt and the preparation for the outside world, I wouldn’t of had the confidence to leave Abbington House and take myself straight to a meeting, get myself a sponsor and continue to work my 12 step program.Posted on Henry AldridgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have to say that coming here is the best decision I have ever made. All the staff have been there snd done it and it is that empathy that sets this place apart. I came here isolated and afraid. I now have more friends than I ever have and a renewed vigour for life. I have been given the tools to succeed and it is through Abbington house that this has become possible. Thank youPosted on F MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coming to Abbington House was probably the best decision I ever made. I came here because I couldn’t manage myself anymore and felt powerless to drugs and alcohol. I’m leaving with a solid foundation for my recovery journey and friends for life. The support network you create here is like nothing I could have imagined. It has been such a breath of fresh air to talk to people who think the same way as me and feel no judgement and also no longer feel alone. All the staff are the most amazing, genuine and talented people who instantly made me feel welcome and at home. I would encourage anyone who is debating going to Abbington to bite the bullet and go for it. I have learnt so much and had the best time simultaneously. I’m going to miss Abbington so much but I will be back to visit. Thank you so much to everyone that has been a part of my journey ❤️Posted on Tom MillerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve struggled with alcohol addiction my whole adult life and the consequences had been getting worse and worse. At the start of December I finally admitted I need proper help in a residential rehab. Through a friend I found Abbington House and coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have just finished a 28 day stay. Following the AA 12 step program I’m leaving with a better understanding of myself and my addiction and laid the foundations to live a life in recovery. My first few days included a safe medical detox off alcohol whilst settling in and attending sessions including yoga, sound therapy, art therapy and much more. The counselling team are all very knowledgeable and your journey here is tailored to the individual whilst following the 12 steps of AA. The place is kept clean and there’s a real sense of community which includes aftercare groups. I know I have ongoing work to do to live a happy life in recovery but Abbington House has got me sober and given me the tools to live the sober life I have wished for. Tom (38)Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Built by People Who Understand Recovery
At Abbington House, we recognise that addiction is about more than alcohol or drugs.
It’s often about what sits beneath; things that people have been carrying for years. Unspoken grief, constant tension, learned self-reliance, the feeling of always being on edge. Substances don’t create those struggles, but they temporarily mask them until they stop working.
That’s why we work with clients as whole individuals, not problems to be fixed. We start by understanding what’s been happening in someone’s life, not just what they’ve been using.
Our focus is on supporting people by attending to emotional, psychological and practical needs and by creating space for reflection and connection.
Completed Treatment*
In the past year, 98% of people who started treatment at Abbington House completed their programme. 17% chose to extend their stay, feeling that additional time would support their recovery.
*Completion refers to individuals finishing their agreed treatment programme. Recovery outcomes vary for each person.
Completed Treatment*
In the past year, 98% of people who started treatment at Abbington House completed their programme. 17% chose to extend their stay, feeling that additional time would support their recovery.
*Completion refers to individuals finishing their agreed treatment programme. Recovery outcomes vary for each person.
Who We Help

Who We Help
At Abbington House, we understand that turning point. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the willingness to reach out.
Although we are based in Hertfordshire, Abbington House supports individuals and families from across the UK, with many people choosing to travel for residential treatment to gain space, privacy, and the chance to step away from everyday pressures. People come to Abbington House for many different reasons, including:
- Drinking or using more than they planned and finding it harder to stop
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or unable to cope in the same way anymore
- Using drugs to manage pressure or stress
- They’re family members who are worried about a loved one.
There’s no single path that brings someone to Abbington House. Some people come after months or years of trying to manage on their own. Others arrive because someone close to them has drawn a line. What unites them is the sense that continuing as they are has become unsustainable.
Trauma-Informed and Neurodivergent-Aware
At Abbington House, we know that many people come into recovery carrying experiences that have shaped how they feel and think.
Some people are sensitive to pressure. Some feel easily overwhelmed. Some are neurodivergent, newly diagnosed or have spent years trying to function while masking how difficult things feel inside.
We take this seriously. The way we work is paced, respectful and responsive to each person as an individual, not just a set of symptoms. People are supported to move at a speed that feels safe for them, with space to be understood rather than pushed.
If You're Considering Treatment

If You're Considering Treatment
How We Work

How We Work
The residential structure here is designed to reduce noise, not create it.
A Calm, Structured Setting
Consistent care, a steady environment and clear expectations help reduce uncertainty and support a sense of safety from the very beginning.
A Real Home, Not a Hospital
Abbington House is a quiet, welcoming place that feels like a home, somewhere people can slow down, feel at ease, and take time away from everyday pressures.
Real Stories of Recovery
At Abbington House, recovery is something people live through every day, in different ways and at different paces.
These stories are shared by people who have spent time here and wanted to reflect on their experience. They offer a sense of what recovery can feel like in real life and a reminder that you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
They’re shared to offer reassurance, connection and a sense of possibility, not as examples to follow, but as human experiences.
We’re Here to Listen
Reaching out for help can feel difficult or overwhelming. Many of us at Abbington House understand how hard that first step can be.
When you get in touch, you’ll speak to someone who has the time to listen, without judgement or pressure. You won’t be rushed into any kind of decision.
Whether you’re calling for yourself or someone you care about, the conversation can start wherever you need it to.
Michael Williams - Treatment Manager



