Drug Rehab
A Safe Space to Heal from Drug Addiction
When you’ve lived with drug addiction – whether it’s been months or decades – you start to carry more than the substance itself. You carry the fear that you’ll be judged. That no one will understand. That rehab will feel like punishment, or worse, like failure.
At Abbington House, we built something different.
Our centre isn’t clinical and cold – it’s calm, private and safe. It’s a place designed to help you feel human again, even if you’ve forgotten what that means. We understand that drug use isn’t the whole story. It often starts as a way to cope with trauma, stress, emotional pain or simply a world that feels overwhelming. Over time, that coping mechanism can take over, until it’s no longer a choice.
We don’t believe in shaming people for that.
We work with people and their loved ones who’ve reached their limit, people who are still high-functioning on the outside but crumbling on the inside, and people who aren’t even sure if they “deserve” help. You don’t have to prove anything to come here. You don’t need to hit a certain level of addiction. You just need to be willing to accept that you need help. We will meet you with the compassion you deserve.
Our approach is trauma-informed, meaning we don’t just treat the symptoms of addiction – we look at the why. We give you the space and support to unravel the deeper story. That might mean starting with rest and nutrition. It might mean learning to feel safe in your own body again. It might mean your first real conversation in years where you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.
Recovery begins with safety. At Abbington House, safety means more than just physical detox. It means emotional safety, confidentiality, and non-judgemental care every step of the way.
You’ve likely been through enough already. Let this be the place where healing begins, not with shame but with care.
What Is Drug Rehab - And Do I Really Need It?
What Is Drug Rehab - And Do I Really Need It?
That’s often where rehab begins: not with certainty, but with a question. At its core, drug rehab is a structured, therapeutic environment designed to help you recover from addiction in a safe, supported way. But at Abbington House, it’s more than that. Rehab here isn’t just about stopping drugs, it’s about understanding why you started, learning how to live without them, and rebuilding the parts of yourself that addiction dimmed or buried.
You don’t need to be at your “worst” to need help.
One of the biggest myths about rehab is that you have to hit rock bottom first. The truth is: you deserve support the moment drugs begin interfering with your life, your health, your relationships, your work and most importantly your self-worth. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using every day or just trying to stop weekend binges. If you’re caught in a cycle you can’t seem to break, that’s enough.
What if I’m not sure it’s “real” addiction?
We hear this all the time. People worry they’re being dramatic, or that they’re not “bad enough” to ask for help. But addiction isn’t a moral category. It’s a spectrum of behaviours and consequences that gradually strip away your freedom. If drugs feel like something you can’t control, or if they’re becoming something you rely on just to get through, that’s a sign.
You don’t need a label to get support.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Rehab isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about finally giving yourself the space to explore the questions. Whether you’re feeling stuck, scared, ashamed, or just exhausted, there is no “right” way to arrive here. The only thing that matters is this: you’re ready for something to change.
And we’re here to help you make that happen on your terms, in your time.
What Happens in Drug Rehab?
If you’ve never been to rehab before, the unknowns can feel overwhelming. What will it be like? Will I be able to cope without using? Will I be judged? These are natural questions and at Abbington House, we aim to replace fear with clarity, structure, and support.
Private drug rehab is not a one-size-fits-all process. At Abbington House, we tailor everything to you, your history, your needs, and your pace. But most people follow a general path that gently unfolds in stages:
Step 1: Gentle, Supportive Admissions
From your first contact with us, you’ll speak to someone who listens without judgement. We’ll ask about your current situation, any past treatment, your goals, and what kind of support you might need. If you decide to come in, we’ll guide you through every step of the admission process – whether that’s arranging transport, explaining what to pack, or simply staying on the phone with you while you decide.
Step 2: Detox (If Required)
For some drugs - like opioids, benzodiazepines or other prescription medications - a medically monitored detox may be the safest place to start. We’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, surrounded by staff who understand the physical and emotional realities of withdrawal. If you don’t need detox, you’ll move straight into therapeutic care.
Addressing Our Clients' Medical Needs
Addressing Our Clients' Medical Needs
- Dr. Olalekan Otulana
Step 3: Daily Therapy & Support
Once you’re settled, we begin the deeper work. Each day includes a combination of:
- 1:1 counselling to unpack the emotional roots of addiction
- Group therapy to reduce shame and build connection
- Holistic therapies (yoga, sound, art) to support emotional regulation
- Education sessions to help you understand addiction and recovery
Step 4: Preparing for Life After Rehab
Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave. In fact, that’s often when it begins. Throughout your stay, we’ll help you create a personal aftercare plan that feels realistic for your life - whether that’s ongoing therapy, family support or local recovery meetings in Hertfordshire and beyond.
We don’t expect you to have all the answers. Our job is to support you while you start asking the right questions and rediscover who you are without drugs controlling your life.
Drugs We Commonly Treat at Abbington House
No two people experience drug addiction the same way and no two substances affect the mind and body in exactly the same way either. At Abbington House, we’re experienced in supporting people through a wide range of drug dependencies, from high-intensity stimulant use to long-term prescription reliance and complex poly-drug patterns.
Whether you’re struggling with a substance that’s widely known or something you’ve kept entirely private, you’ll be met here without shame.
Cocaine Addiction
Often high-functioning on the surface, but deeply destructive beneath. We help you address both the crash-and-crave cycle and the underlying emotional triggers.
Heroin & Opiate Addiction
We provide a stabilising environment for those physically and psychologically dependent on heroin or other opioids, often including detox and long-term therapeutic care.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Including painkillers (e.g. codeine, oxycodone), sleeping tablets, or anti-anxiety meds like diazepam. We understand how easy it is for a prescription to quietly become a crutch.
Cannabis Dependency
Often underestimated but deeply impactful for those using daily. We focus on emotional regulation, trauma recovery and motivation rebuilding.
Benzodiazepines
Such as Xanax, Valium, and other sedatives. These require careful handling and often medically managed detox, particularly if dependency has lasted months or years.
Stimulants & Amphetamines
Including speed and ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin. We support you in breaking free from overuse while building healthier focus and stress coping tools.
Poly-Drug Use
Many people don’t fit neatly into one category. You may be using multiple substances together (e.g. alcohol and cocaine, opiates and benzos), sometimes to balance or come down. We’re here for all of it, with care that adapts to your recovery journey.
No matter what substances you’ve used or how long you’ve used them, you don’t need to justify your pain to us. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just lost, we’ll meet you exactly where you are.
Therapy & Treatment: How We Help You Rebuild
Addiction doesn’t just affect your bod – it affects your mind, your emotions, your relationships, and your life purpose. That’s why recovery at Abbington House is more than just stopping drugs. We believe true recovery means rebuilding who you are at a deep, lasting level.
Trauma-Informed Care
The foundation of our treatment is trauma-informed care. We understand that addiction is often a way to cope with past pain, trauma, or loss. Whether you’ve experienced abuse, neglect, loss, or simply been caught in a cycle of emotional turmoil, our therapists are here to help you explore these deep-rooted experiences without rushing or pushing you beyond your limits. You’ll never be asked to confront what you’re not ready to face.
Personalised Therapy Plans
Every person who walks through our doors has a unique journey. Our team works with you to create a personalised therapy plan that suits your needs and goals. Whether you need intensive one-on-one therapy or group work to help you feel less isolated, we’ll tailor our approach to work for you.
Key Therapy Modalities We Offer:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify negative thought patterns that fuel addiction and replace them with healthier behaviours.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Focuses on building emotional regulation and coping skills, especially if you’ve struggled with intense emotions or self-destructive behaviours.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Aimed at those whose addiction stems from past trauma, helping you to heal from emotional wounds and start rebuilding trust in yourself and others.
Group Therapy
Group sessions create a supportive community where you can share experiences, offer and receive empathy, and learn from others who are walking the same path.
Holistic Therapies
Sound Therapy, Yoga, mindfulness and art therapy are integrated into your recovery to help restore balance to your mind and body.
Family Therapy
Addiction affects families too. We involve loved ones in your healing process to rebuild trust and strengthen your support network.
Relapse Prevention Planning
We’ll work together to build coping strategies, lifestyle changes, and triggers management that will help you stay grounded and sober long-term.
Ongoing Support
We’re with you for the long haul. Even after rehab, the journey doesn’t end. Aftercare planning is a vital part of your treatment here. Whether it’s local therapy, 12-step programs, or connecting with recovery networks in Hertfordshire or throughout the UK, we’ll help you integrate your recovery into your day-to-day life.
Our goal is simple: to help you rebuild a life that’s fulfilling and free from the grip of addiction. We’re not here to ‘fix’ you; we’re here to guide you as you rebuild a life that aligns with who you truly are.
In addition to our aftercare programme, clients who complete 28-days of treatment will automatically have access to our Alumni events programme, a recovery community made up of ex-clients at Abbington House.
Why Choose Abbington House?
At Abbington House, we believe recovery isn’t just about treating addiction - it’s about healing the whole person. We offer a unique approach to drug rehab that combines professional expertise with personal care and compassion. Here’s why choosing Abbington House is the first step toward lasting recovery:
Personalised Care with a Focus on You
We’re not a large corporate chain or an impersonal centre. At Abbington House, you’re treated as an individual from day one. Our approach to treatment is highly personalised, with a team that’s dedicated to understanding your specific needs and tailoring your recovery plan accordingly. Whether you’re seeking support for your first step or have been through rehab before, we ensure your journey is guided with empathy, respect, and support every step of the way.
Trauma-Informed and Non-Judgemental Care
At Abbington House, we meet you where you are, with no shame or judgement. Our trauma-informed care ensures that we recognise the emotional pain and experiences that may have contributed to your addiction. We don’t just treat your substance use – we treat the reasons behind it, whether those stem from trauma, mental health struggles, or emotional pain. You are a person who needs support to heal, and that’s exactly what we provide.
Experienced and Compassionate Team
Our team of therapists, counsellors, and medical professionals are not only highly qualified – they are compassionate and deeply committed to helping you recover. We know recovery is challenging, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our staff are not just experts in addiction treatment; they are passionate about guiding you toward lasting change (and many of them are in recovery too).
Holistic and Comprehensive Treatment
We offer a holistic approach to rehab that includes not just therapy and medical care, but also lifestyle support, art, yoga, and mindfulness. We recognise that drug addiction impacts your body, mind, and spirit, and we focus on restoring all of those areas to bring you into balance. True recovery is about finding harmony within yourself, and we’re here to help you achieve that.
Private, Peaceful Setting
Abbington House is located in a tranquil, private setting, offering the perfect environment for healing and reflection. The peaceful surroundings provide the space and privacy you need to focus entirely on your recovery, without the distractions and triggers of daily life.
Long-Term Support and Aftercare
Your recovery journey doesn’t end when you leave our doors. At Abbington House, we provide ongoing support to help you transition back to your everyday life. From aftercare therapy and relapse prevention planning to community support and sober living resources, we’re committed to your long-term success. We help you build a network of care that extends far beyond rehab, ensuring you have the tools and support to maintain your recovery.
Accessible from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, London and Surrounding Areas
Whether you’re local or coming from further afield, Abbington House is easily accessible, offering a convenient location for those seeking effective, compassionate rehab care. Our centre is situated to ensure that no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll be able to find the support you need, close to home or beyond.
Worried About Someone Else?
It’s never easy to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. You might feel frustrated, scared, helpless or unsure of how to even begin helping. If someone you care about is struggling with drug addiction, you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Abbington House, we offer support not just for the individual but for their family and loved ones too. Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it affects everyone in a person’s life. That’s why we work to build a support network that includes you.
How We Can Help
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s drug use, we’re here to guide you through the process. We offer confidential, no-pressure consultations where we can:
- Discuss your concerns: We’ll listen to what’s going on and help you understand whether your loved one might be struggling with addiction.
- Offer advice and guidance: We’ll help you navigate the options for support, whether that’s approaching your loved one about rehab or learning how to set healthy boundaries.
- Provide family support: Addiction is a family issue. We offer family therapy and support to help you heal together and rebuild trust.
Supporting Someone in Rehab
If your loved one is already at Abbington House, you can rest assured that they are in good hands. We’ll keep you informed about their progress and ensure that you’re included in the recovery process. Through family therapy and aftercare planning, we work with you to ensure a strong support system when your loved one returns home.
If They’re Not Ready for Rehab
It can be difficult when someone you love isn’t ready to seek help. If this is the case, we can help you navigate this tricky situation with compassion and understanding. We don’t push anyone to enter rehab before they’re ready, but we do offer tools and strategies to help guide them when they are.
You don’t need to carry the weight of addiction alone. Whether you’re supporting someone in recovery or struggling with how to talk to someone about getting help, we’re here for you. No one should feel isolated when addiction is at play.
Start Your Recovery Today
Taking the first step toward recovery is never easy, but it’s the most important step you can take. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out. At Abbington House, we’re here to help you find your way back to a life of peace, health, and freedom from addiction.
What You Can Expect When You Call Us- A compassionate conversation: Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or a loved one, we’ll listen without judgment. We’ll talk about what’s going on, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps.
- Confidentiality and privacy: We understand how important your privacy is. All conversations and information are kept strictly confidential.
- Immediate assistance: We’ll guide you through the process of admissions and give you the support you need to make the right decision for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is drug rehab?
Drug rehab, short for rehabilitation, is a structured treatment program designed to help individuals struggling with drug addiction or substance use disorders. It focuses on detoxification, therapy, education, and support to help you break free from addiction and rebuild a healthier, sober life.
What happens during rehab?
Rehab at Abbington House typically starts with an assessment, followed by a medically supervised detox if needed. Once detox is completed, you’ll participate in individual and group therapies that focus on healing both emotionally and psychologically. The process is designed to provide both immediate care and long-term solutions, including ongoing support through aftercare planning.
How long does drug rehab last?
The length of rehab can vary depending on your needs and the severity of your addiction. Most programs last between 28 days and 90 days. However, some individuals may require longer stays to fully recover, while others may transition into outpatient care sooner. We tailor our programs to fit each person’s needs.
Do I need to detox before going to rehab?
Can I bring my family to rehab?
We encourage family involvement in the recovery process, as addiction affects not just the individual but their loved ones as well. Family therapy is available to help rebuild trust and communication. We also provide resources to help family members better understand addiction and how they can support you during and after rehab. At Abbington House, family visitation is allowed on Sunday evenings.
What happens after I complete rehab?
Rehab is just the beginning of your recovery journey. At Abbington House, we help you create a personalised aftercare plan that includes relapse prevention and support groups. We’ll also connect you with local recovery resources to help you stay on track as you transition back to your daily life. For clients completing 28-days of treatment, our alumni programme forms an essential part of the recovery process.