Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol rehab isn’t just for people who’ve hit “rock bottom”. It’s for anyone stuck in a cycle they can’t break alone. Whether you’re drinking more than you used to, struggling to stop once you start, or waking up every day telling yourself “never again”, alcohol rehab is a way to get unstuck.
At Abbington House, we help people of all ages, backgrounds and professions recover in a way that feels human, personal and hopeful. Located in the peaceful surroundings of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, we offer a private, medically supported programme tailored to your mental health, history and goals – not just your drinking.
This guide will walk you through what alcohol rehab actually is, how it works, how long it takes, who it’s for and how to know when the time is right.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
- Stop drinking safely
- Understand why they drink
- Build a new, more stable life in recovery.
Making a decision to take control of your drinking is incredibly brave and the team at Abbington House are here to support you today - call us to discuss your options and learn more about our programme offering.
Most rehab programmes like ours – combine:
- Detox: Medically supported withdrawal if you’re physically dependent
- Therapy: 1-to-1 and group sessions to address the root causes
- Skills-building: Emotional regulation, communication, relapse prevention
- Aftercare planning: Providing you with the tools to remain sober once you leave treatment.
Rehab isn’t about surviving without alcohol, this can be difficult to explain to someone who is using alcohol to cope. Alcohol rehab empowers you to transform and live a life that you feel in control of.
Many of our clients at Abbington House experience that moment of clarity – typically within the second to third week of treatment – when they begin to experience the positive benefits of taking back control of their drinking.
Do I Need Alcohol Rehab?
If you’re asking the question, it’s usually a sign that something’s not right.
We often speak to people who don’t think they “qualify” for rehab. They might be holding down a job, caring for family, or going days without drinking – only to binge again at the weekend or when stress gets too much. Addiction isn’t defined by how often you drink, it’s defined by how drinking affects your life and how hard it is to stop.
Here are some signs alcohol rehab could help you:
- You’ve tried to quit before but couldn’t stay stopped
- Drinking is affecting your sleep, mood or relationships
- You hide or lie about how much you drink
- You feel anxious, shaky, or low when you stop
- You use alcohol to cope with stress, trauma or boredom
- Loved ones have expressed concern
- You feel scared about what might happen if you don’t stop.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. Most people who get help wish they’d done it sooner.
If you’re still unsure, we have created the following resources to help you make an informed decision:
Related: Signs of Alcohol Addiction →
Related: When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction →
Alternatively, you can call us to arrange an assessment today on 01438 583222
Who Is Alcohol Rehab For?
Who Is Alcohol Rehab For?
- Professionals managing high-pressure careers
- Parents who’ve started drinking to cope with stress or loneliness
- Retirees who’ve slowly become dependent
- Neurodivergent adults (including those with ADHD)
- People who’ve tried community support but need more intensive help.
We support people at all stages - whether this is your first time getting help or your third attempt at rehab. We’re here to meet you where you are, not where you “should” be.
How Does Alcohol Rehab Actually Work?
Rehab is a step-by-step process:Assessment & Admission
We start with a private phone assessment to understand your situation, goals and any medical or mental health needs. This helps us shape a care plan that’s tailored to you - not a one-size-fits-all programme.
At admission, we take time to get to know you in person and ensure you feel safe and supported from day one.
We’ll discuss:- Any current medications or diagnoses
- Whether you need medical detox
- What kind of therapy feels right for you
- Your support system and family context
- Your hopes, fears and boundaries
Detox (If Required)
If you’re physically dependent on alcohol, the first stage of rehab will involve a medically managed detox. This typically lasts 5–10 days, depending on your drinking history, health and symptoms.
At Abbington House, detox is monitored by our clinical team and medication may be prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms like:
- Sweating or shaking
- Anxiety or insomnia
- Nausea or irritability
- In rare cases, seizures or hallucinations
Under our team, you will be safe and supported throughout. We’ll walk you through every stage and make sure you’re never alone in the process.
Therapy & Emotional Recovery
Recovery is more than Quitting Drinking
Recovery is more than Quitting Drinking
Costa Chacholiades - Senior Therapist
Admissions and Cost
We know that entering rehab is a big step. That’s why we offer:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast admissions (often within 24–48 hours)
- Free initial assessment
- Flexible stay lengths depending on your needs
The cost of alcohol rehab treatment depends on your length of stay. We’ll explain all costs upfront with no pressure or obligation. If you’re comparing options, we’ll even help you make sense of other providers because getting help matters more than where you go.
What Does a Day in Alcohol Rehab Look Like?
Many people imagine rehab as clinical, rigid, or even institutional. In reality, a day at Abbington House is structured but nurturing-designed to help you feel safe, supported, and focused.
Here’s an example of what a typical day might look like during your stay:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00am | Medication |
| 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 10:00am | Group Work / Sound Therapy |
| 12:30pm | Medication / Lunch |
| 2:00pm | Therapy / Art Therapy / Gym / Family Visits |
| 3:30pm | Swimming / Walk |
| 5:30pm | Dinner |
| 7:30pm | In House Meeting / Games Night / Movie Night |
| 9:30pm | Wind-down time / Medication |
| 10:00pm | Lights out or quiet hours |
No two clients are the same, so we adapt each day to your energy, needs and therapy plan. Some days will feel intense. Others will feel freeing. But every moment is a step closer to who you are without alcohol.
Types of Alcohol Rehab: What Are Your Options?
There isn’t just one kind of alcohol rehab. Choosing the right format depends on your needs, your safety and your environment.
Inpatient Rehab (Residential)
You live full-time at the rehab centre – like at Abbington House. This is often best for people who:
- Have moderate to severe alcohol dependence
- Need a safe space to detox and stabilise
- Struggle with trauma, anxiety, or neurodivergence
- Need time away from home triggers or unhealthy relationships
- Have tried outpatient support before but relapsed
Outpatient Rehab & NHS Options (Non-Residential)
You attend scheduled sessions during the day or evening, but live at home. It may be suitable if you:
- Have a mild drinking problem but strong home support
- Don’t require detox
- Are transitioning from inpatient care
- Can maintain structure and sobriety outside of rehab
While outpatient rehab can be valuable, many clients we support tried it before coming to us. Inpatient care offers full immersion, which is often needed to reset deeply embedded habits and patterns.
Compare options: Private vs NHS Alcohol Rehab →
How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Take?
How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Take?
- 7–10 days: Detox only (usually not enough for long-term recovery)
- 14 days: Detox + light therapy foundation
- 28 days: Detox + full therapeutic programme + aftercare planning
- 6–12 weeks: Extended care for deeper emotional work or repeated relapse.
What Happens After You Leave?
Rehab is the start of recovery, not the end.
Leaving treatment can feel exciting and scary. That’s why we help you build an aftercare plan that makes sense for your real life, not just the time you spent with us.
Aftercare support can include:
- Weekly aftercare group therapy
- Connection to local or virtual peer groups
- Return visits to Abbington House for check-ins
- Family support workshops
We’ll also help you plan for:
- High-risk situations (e.g. work stress, social pressure)
- What to say to friends or employers
- Rebuilding routines, purpose and identity in recovery
What Makes Abbington House Different?
- We're small on purpose. Fewer than 30 clients at a time. You’re not a number here.
- We’re trauma-informed and neurodivergent-aware. Clients come to us with ADHD, anxiety, or complex trauma.
- We don’t shame or pressure. We focus on individual, whole-person healing
- We’re independent and personal
- We’re based in Hertfordshire. Discreet, close to London but without the noise.
Alcohol Rehab FAQs
How do I Know If I Need Rehab?
If you’ve tried to cut back or stop drinking but find yourself returning to it, especially in response to stress, boredom, or emotional pain – rehab can help. You don’t need to be “out of control” to qualify. You just need to recognise that something needs to change.
What happens when I arrive at rehab?
You’ll be welcomed by our team, shown around the centre and given time to settle in. We’ll guide you through a medical assessment and, if needed, begin detox gently and safely. Every step is explained. You’re never rushed or left in the dark.
Will I have to talk in groups?
Group therapy is a core part of rehab, but you’ll never be forced to share before you’re ready. Many people are nervous at first and surprised by how quickly they begin to feel safe, seen and understood.
Can my family visit?
Yes. We encourage family involvement, where appropriate, and can support you in rebuilding strained relationships. Visits are structured, respectful and always led by your comfort level. Family visits are on Sunday at Abbington House.
Can I bring my phone or laptop?
Yes, with boundaries. You’ll have time offline to focus fully on recovery, but we don’t enforce total disconnection. We’ll support you to find healthy boundaries with tech, work and communication.
What if I relapse after rehab?
Relapse doesn’t mean failure. We’ll equip you with a plan, coping tools and aftercare support so you know exactly what to do during those difficult times. There is no shame in reaching out to us if you struggle post-rehab, in fact, the sooner you do, the sooner we can help you to take the right action.