Our Essex Clinic
Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Essex
Step By Step Recovery’s Essex clinic, known as The Lighthouse, is a purpose-built private residential rehab centre.
Located in Southend-on-Sea, our expert clinical team delivers fully residential detox, rehabilitation and recovery programmes for drug and alcohol addiction in a calm, structured and compassionate environment, less than 90 minutes from central London.
Confidential Admissions
Single & twin Rooms
24/7 Support
Medically Supervised
Private Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Essex
Our Essex residential programme is designed for people who need intensive, immersive addiction treatment in a fully supported environment. Removing yourself from everyday triggers and temptations gives you the space and focus to make meaningful, lasting progress in your recovery.
Programmes typically begin with a medically supervised detox, lasting three to five days, before moving into a structured schedule of evidence-based therapies. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), one-to-one counselling, group therapy and family therapy, alongside holistic treatments and wellness activities.
A minimum stay of four weeks is recommended to give you the time and tools needed to build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
- Address
Southchurch Avenue
Shoeburyness
Southend-On-Sea
SS3 9BA
Contact info
- Phone Number
Getting here,
step
by step
Not sure what to expect on your first visit?
Our short video takes you step by step from arrival to the front door, so you’ll know exactly where to go before you set off.
INDEPENDENTLY RATED
Care Quality Commission Inspection Results
The Care Quality Commission independently inspects and rates services across England. Here’s what they found at The Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse
The Care Quality Commission has inspected The Lighthouse and rated us Good for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. It’s a result that reflects the commitment of our team and the care we give every day.
Published 4 November 2026
Safe
Good
Effective
Good
Caring
Good
Responsive
Good
Well-led
Good
Facilities & Environment
Every detail of The Lighthouse has been designed to support your recovery
Medical Detox Unit
Our purpose-built detox facility provides a safe, medically supervised environment for withdrawal. Clinical staff are available around the clock to manage symptoms and ensure your comfort and safety throughout the detox process.
One-to-One Counselling
Private sessions with an experienced addiction counsellor, tailored to explore the underlying causes of your addiction and develop a personalised pathway to lasting recovery.
Group Therapy
Structured group sessions in a supportive setting where clients can share experiences, build peer connections and develop the coping strategies essential for long-term sobriety.
Holistic Therapy
Complementary therapies sit alongside clinical treatment to address the emotional and psychological dimensions of addiction, supporting a whole-person approach to recovery.
Family Therapy
Addiction affects everyone close to you. Our family therapy programme helps rebuild trust, open communication, and equip loved ones with the tools to support your recovery both during and after treatment.
Aftercare & Mentoring
Recovery continues long after you leave The Lighthouse. Clients who complete a four-week or longer programme receive lifetime access to weekly in-person group therapy sessions and are connected with a dedicated mentor who has navigated their own recovery journey.
Nutritious Meals
Our in-house chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals every day, catering to individual dietary needs, because physical well-being is an essential part of recovery.
24/7 Availability
Our team is available around the clock by phone, email or live chat, ensuring help and advice is always on hand whenever you need it.
Step inside our Essex Rehab
Step inside our Private Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab and see the environment where recovery takes shape
The Lighthouse
Welcome to The Lighthouse, part of the Step by Step Recovery family.
Lighthouse Twin Room
A shared bedroom with two single beds for residents.
Lighthouse Bedroom Single Room
A private single bedroom for a peaceful night’s rest.
Lighthouse Communal Bathroom
A shared bathroom kept clean and accessible for all residents.
Lighthouse Bedroom En Suite
A private en-suite shower room attached to your bedroom.
Lighthouse Kitchen
A fully equipped kitchen for your use during your stay.
Lighthouse Laundry Room
On-site laundry facilities to keep your stay comfortable and convenient.
Lighthouse Group Therapy Room
A dedicated space for group therapy sessions during treatment.
Lighthouse Lounge
A comfortable communal lounge to unwind and connect with others.
Lighthouse Outside Garden Sitting Area
A shaded spot outdoors to relax and get some fresh air.
Lighthouse Garden
An outdoor garden space for quiet reflection or fresh air.
The Lighthouse Main Office
Where our team coordinates your care from day one.
All photos show real clinic spaces with warm lighting and welcoming environments. We prioritise transparency in showing you exactly where you’ll be staying.
What to Expect When You Arrive
From the moment you walk through our door, you’ll be greeted by a warm, experienced team who will take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions and make sure you feel completely at ease before any treatment begins.
Before You Arrive
Confidential, no-pressure first steps
Confidential First Contact
Everything you share with us is completely private. Your first conversation carries no obligation and no judgement, just honest, expert guidance on your options.
Pre-Admission Assessment
Before treatment begins, we'll take the time to fully understand your history, health, circumstances and goals so we can design a programme that is right for you from day one.
Day One
A warm, supported welcome
Your first day at The Lighthouse is about settling in, meeting the team and beginning to feel at home. There's no pressure, just a warm welcome and a clear, reassuring plan for the journey ahead.
Initial Medical Assessment
On arrival, a member of our clinical team will carry out a thorough assessment to gain a complete picture of your health, history and any immediate medical needs before treatment begins.
Meeting Your Key Worker
You'll be introduced to your dedicated key worker, who will be your main point of contact throughout your stay, providing guidance, advocacy and support every step of the way.
During Your Stay
Therapy, healing, and connection
Your time at The Lighthouse is built around a structured, personalised programme of detox, therapies and recovery activities, designed to address the root causes of your addiction and equip you with the resilience and skills to maintain lasting sobriety.
Your Treatment Programme
Every client receives a bespoke treatment plan, reviewed and adapted regularly by our clinical team to ensure your programme evolves alongside your recovery.
Therapies & Activities
From one-to-one counselling and group therapy to holistic treatments, mindful outdoor activities and creative therapies, every element of your programme supports your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Leaving Well
A clear plan for life after treatment
Completing your programme at The Lighthouse is a significant achievement, and we make sure every client leaves with a clear, personalised aftercare plan and the confidence and tools they need to sustain their recovery in the real world.
Your Aftercare Plan
Before you leave, your key worker will work with you to create a tailored aftercare plan covering ongoing therapy, relapse prevention strategies and the community support networks available to you going forward.
Mentoring & Ongoing Support
Every client who completes a four-week or longer programme is connected with a dedicated mentor, someone who has walked the same road and can offer genuine understanding, encouragement and practical guidance long after treatment ends. You will also have lifetime access to our weekly in-person group therapy sessions at The Lighthouse.
Treatment & Support Offered
Medically Supervised Detox
For many clients, treatment begins with a medically assisted detox in our purpose-built unit. Our clinical team is on hand 24/7 to administer medication, manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety and comfort throughout this critical first stage.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the evidence-based therapies recognised in UK clinical guidance for addiction treatment. It works by helping you identify and change the thought patterns and behaviours that keep substance use going, building practical tools you can carry into everyday recovery.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
DBT equips clients with practical skills to manage difficult emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviour and build healthier relationships, all central to a stable and sustained recovery.
One-to-One Counselling
Regular private sessions with an experienced addiction counsellor provide a safe, confidential space to explore the underlying causes of your addiction at your own pace and in your own words.
Group Therapy
Our facilitated group sessions bring clients together in a supportive, structured environment to share experiences, build peer connections and develop the coping strategies needed for long-term recovery.
Family Therapy
Recognising that addiction touches the whole family, our family therapy sessions help rebuild trust, improve communication and ensure loved ones feel informed and equipped to support your recovery journey.
Relapse Prevention
A core element of every treatment programme at The Lighthouse, relapse prevention therapy helps you identify personal triggers, develop robust coping strategies and build the resilience required to maintain sobriety after you leave.
FOR FAMILIES
Family and visitor information
We understand that addiction affects the whole family, and we’re committed to keeping loved ones informed, involved and supported at every stage of the treatment process.
Keeping Families Informed
With your consent, we’ll keep designated family members updated on your progress, ensuring loved ones feel reassured and connected without compromising your privacy or confidentiality.
Visiting Policy
We welcome family visits at appropriate stages of your residential treatment, with our team on hand to ensure visits are positive, supportive and beneficial to your recovery.
Family Therapy
Our structured family therapy sessions provide a safe, facilitated space for clients and their loved ones to rebuild trust, address shared challenges and strengthen relationships that addiction has put under strain.
Guidance Before Admission
Before treatment begins, we’re happy to speak with family members to answer questions, address concerns and explain how best to support their loved one through the admissions process and beyond.
Clinical Team & Safety
Every aspect of care at The Lighthouse is delivered by a skilled, compassionate clinical team committed to the highest standards of safe, effective and ethical addiction treatment.
Experienced
Clinicians
Our team of addiction specialists, therapists, counsellors and support staff bring decades of combined clinical experience. Many have a personal understanding of the recovery journey, bringing both expertise and genuine empathy to their work.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Every therapy and treatment we offer is grounded in the latest clinical evidence, ensuring clients receive the most effective and proven approaches to addiction recovery available.
Confidentiality & Safeguarding
We take your privacy extremely seriously. Everything you share with our team is handled with the utmost discretion, in full compliance with all relevant safeguarding and data protection requirements.
24/7
Clinical Support
Our clinical team is available around the clock, ensuring that expert medical and therapeutic support is always on hand whenever you need it, day or night.
Personalised Care Planning
No two people experience addiction in the same way, and no two treatment plans at The Lighthouse are the same. From your initial assessment through to aftercare, every element of your programme is tailored specifically to you: your history, your needs and your goals.
- CQC Registered
Common Questions
Our team answers frequently asked questions
Have questions about your recovery journey? In this video series, our team walks through the questions we hear most often, from what to expect at each stage to practical tips for staying on track, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Who will be looking after my loved one at the Essex facility and what are their qualifications?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsellor
Where is The Lighthouse residential clinic located in Essex and how do I get there?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“The Lighthouse is based in South Endon, Essex. We are based on the Essex coast. We are about an hour away from London. If you were travelling by car, if you were travelling by train, we’re about an hour away from central London. We can help facilitate your journey here.
Whether you’re travelling from anywhere in the UK or even outside of the UK, give the team a call today to discuss your options.”
What updates will we receive from the Essex team while our family member is in inpatient care?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsellor
“Family communication is incredibly important as part of a client’s journey here at the Lighthouse. So typically a focal counsellor will phone a family member or the next of kin on a weekly basis. We will ask for feedback via a questionnaire, and we will offer a family conference at the end of treatment.
What local aftercare support or weekly group meetings do I get access to in Essex after completing?
Speaker:
James Barrett
Recovery Worker
“Leaving the Lighthouse doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Our aftercare is completely free for former clients. Many former clients find this beneficial. It’s an opportunity to stay connected with staff and peers, speak about your recovery journey, and have an opportunity to share experiences that may help yours. For more information, please contact the admissions team today.”
What kind of food is provided during my stay and can the Essex chefs cater to my dietary needs?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“Food is a big part of your recovery journey, and sometimes it’s overlooked. Therefore, at the Lighthouse, we recognise how important it is. We have our in-team chefs who will work with you to make sure that you are catered for. Every meal is freshly prepared with well-balanced ingredients. We cater for all dietary requirements as we we feel that’s really important. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, we make sure that any conditions you have are always catered for. This allows you to put more energy into your recovery.
If you have any questions or any dietary requirements, all you need to do is let the admissions team know when you make that phone call.”
What happens on my very first day when I arrive for admission at the Essex clinic?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“It can be really scary to enter treatment and we recognise that here at the Lighthouse. When you arrive for admission, you’ll be greeted by a staff member who will start your admission process. You’ll then see the medical team to start your full medical assessment. It’s really important that from the beginning, we have your treatment plan tailored to you. We then will introduce you to your peers and show you around the building and get you comfortable with your surroundings. We don’t expect you to have everything figured out straight away, but we’re always on hand to help you. Call the team today if you have any further questions.”
What does a typical day look like while staying at The Lighthouse in Essex?
Speaker:
James Barrett
Recovery Worker
What are the onsite facilities like at the Essex residential clinic?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“The Lighthouse is more than just a treatment centre. We also have bright rooms which we use to facilitate one-to-one sessions and group therapy work. We have communal, bright, welcoming areas where we encourage you to spend time with your peers to get to know each other. We have an on-site kitchen team that will cater for all your dietary requirements. We make the most of being on the Essex coast and we go for daily walks down the beach, including mindful walks etc. If you need any more information, please don’t hesitate. Give the technical call today.”
What are our options if our family member cannot afford the private residential fees at the clinic?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“We understand that the costs can be a worry for some people. The admissions team offer free advice relating to the cost of treatment at a private residential clinic. However, different costs are attached to different treatments or different rooms you choose and, obviously, the length of stay. So, please do reach out today for more information.”
Is the Essex residential clinic fully confidential and how is our family’s privacy protected?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsellor
I live locally; what are the benefits of choosing residential treatment over outpatient care here?
Speaker:
James Barrett
Recovery Worker
How long is the minimum recommended stay at the Essex inpatient facility and why?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
How does the Essex clinic involve families in the recovery process through family counselling?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsellor
How does the 24/7 medical detox unit in Essex keep me safe and comfortable during my first few days?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
How can we arrange transport to securely get our loved one to the Essex clinic for admission?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“Yes, we can arrange transport to help you get to the clinic, depending on your circumstances and where you are based. It’s a conversation that you can have with the admissions team. So, please feel free to reach out to them today to discuss further.”
Does the Essex clinic offer 24/7 support we can call if our loved one has a crisis at home?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsello
“If a loved one is in crisis, then we would recommend that you seek help through the emergency services in the first instance, but we’d also recommend that, when safe, please do call our admissions line, and we can talk through what the options are around getting a loved one into treatment in a safe environment. If you have any questions, please call our admissions line.”
Can we visit our family or friend while they are staying at the Essex residential clinic?
Speaker:
Alex Walker
Senior Counsellor
“Yeah, we absolutely encourage visits of clients here by family and friends. The onus is on the client here to request a visit. We ask that’s done through a formal process. Risk is absolutely paramount. So anyone, any client here who’s on detox wouldn’t unfortunately be able to go for a visit. but once they are off detox, then absolutely subject to them being safe to do so. If you require any more information, please contact our admissions team.”
Can I have a private room at the Essex clinic or are rooms shared to keep costs down?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“We have a variety of rooms that you can choose from at the Lighthouse. We have a mixture of twin rooms, single rooms and single en suite rooms. The rooms are dependent on your cost and your budget. Some people prefer to have their own room, some people prefer to be in a shared room, especially having that company when you can be going through quite a challenging time. The rooms are all made to a higher spec. They’re a nice space for you to retreat to at the end of the day. Give the team a call today and they can discuss your budget and your cost and we can discuss room options.”
Can my loved one transition to your London or Birmingham clinics for support after leaving Essex?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“Yes, that is absolutely an option. When you leave the Lighthouse, you can continue your care and support at one of our London or Birmingham-based clinics. That’s extremely helpful, especially if that is somewhere where it’s more convenient for you for where you’re based. There is an additional fee attached to this. However, our team will talk you through those details if it is something that you would like to inquire further about.”
Can my loved one transition to your London or Birmingham clinics for support after leaving Essex?
Speaker:
Laura Gosling
Deputy Manager
“Yes, that is absolutely an option. When you leave the Lighthouse, you can continue your care and support at one of our London or Birmingham-based clinics. That’s extremely helpful, especially if that is somewhere where it’s more convenient for you for where you’re based. There is an additional fee attached to this. However, our team will talk you through those details if it is something that you would like to inquire further about.”
PATIENT STORIES
What people say about our Essex clinic.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of the people we’ve helped at The Lighthouse in Essex have to say about their experience with Step By Step Recovery.
I spent 6 weeks at the Lighthouse and am extremely grateful to them for helping me turn my life around. I am now 5 months clean and sober and would strongly recommend The Lighthouse to anyone who has had enough and wants to change. Thank you.
N.G.
Nicolas G.
Alcohol Rehab - Essex Clinic
The staff and I worked out a programme going forward to achieve ongoing sobriety. I follow that programme today and I’ve been sober for months. I feel very confident for prolonged success too. This achievement, I never thought possible. I couldn’t recommend this centre highly enough.
C.M.
Cheryl M.
Alcohol Rehab - Essex Clinic
I took a close friend of mine to Step by Step recovery in December and this addiction treatment centre truly changed his life. He felt seen, heard, and cared for every single day. I can’t recommend this place enough. It saved my friends life!
K.L.
Kate L.
Drug Rehab - Essex Clinic
Three specialised Clinics
Explore Our Other Clinics
As well as The Lighthouse residential rehab in Essex, Step By Step Recovery operates outpatient addiction treatment centres in London and Birmingham, ensuring expert care is accessible wherever you are in the country.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 0121 401 1700
Take the first step today
Ready to begin? Call our friendly, experienced team free on 0800 170 1222. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to listen, answer your questions and help you find the right treatment for your needs. All calls are completely confidential.
Your enquiry is completely confidential. We’re here to help, not to judge.