Drug & Alcohol Rehab Kent
Kent Addiction Treatment: Detox, Rehab & Therapies
Addiction recovery starts with the correct treatment. Everyone is different and in Kent, there is a variety of treatment options local and near, to help people overcome alcohol and drug addiction and dependence.
Effective Addiction Treatment In Kent
Access to effective drug and alcohol rehab in Kent can make all the difference for people struggling with addiction. Treatment options across the county range from residential detox and therapy to outpatient support and aftercare planning. While the landscape can feel overwhelming at first, the key is finding care that suits your personal circumstances, medical needs and long-term recovery goals. Addiction doesn’t just affect one part of life. It reaches into work, relationships, physical health and mental wellbeing. Recovery, then, needs to be equally thorough. A good rehab service recognises that. It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about stable, evidence-based interventions that create space for lasting change.
How Addiction Is Treated In Kent
Drug and alcohol treatment in Kent typically starts with an assessment, whether its private, free rehab or NHS or local council provided. This helps identify not just what substance is involved, but what else might be driving the dependency. That could be trauma, mental illness, social isolation or physical pain. It’s rarely one thing on its own.
Addiction Services in Kent usually offer a mix of treatments: Alcohol detox and drug detox, often using medication like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or buprenorphine to manage withdrawal. They can also offer residential rehab for round-the-clock care in a structured, drug-free environment. There are psychological therapies, including CBT, trauma-informed care and relapse prevention services both in-patient and outpatient.
Plenty of group therapy and mutual aid exists in the county, such as AA or NA and there’s also aftercare support to help maintain progress once you get primary treatment, and this varies from service to service. Each treatment provider approaches things differently, but most follow the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines on treatment for harmful use and dependence.
Private Rehab vs NHS or Local Authority Services in Kent
Kent offers a mix of private and public sector options. Both have their benefits, but the experience can be quite different. Private rehabs tend to be faster to access. There’s no long wait. You can often start treatment within days. They also offer more personalised care, better staffing ratios and a calm setting away from home. Many people find this essential for getting a clear head. NHS and charity-run services like CGL (Change Grow Live) are free, but demand is high and resources can be limited which can lead to waiting times. Access to detox beds can take time but it’s definitely worth going to see your GP or contacting them directly to find out what the local addiction teams offer. You may be referred to a local service or office for an initial appointment ands assessment. Therapy sessions are often limited to weekly appointments via the NHS and local services. That said, they’re a lifeline for many people who cannot afford private care.
Alcohol treatment services in Kent
If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. That’s why alcohol detox in Kent should be medically supervised. Depending on your health and circumstances, you might detox at home via the NHS or local addiction team, usually with daily visits and prescriptions arranged through a local prescribing team. Local government or NHS residential rehab or inpatient units, where you’re monitored day and night, have limited resources but are available. For alcohol detox. the most commonly used medication in alcohol detox is Librium, which helps reduce the risk of seizures and serious complications like delirium tremens. Sometimes diazepam is used, and more rarely lorazepam. A proper detox plan should include a pre-detox health checks, a clear dose and tapering schedule, nutritional support, especially thiamine and B vitamins, and emotional and psychological support should be given during withdrawal. Some local service providers also use non-pharmacological support like guided relaxation, light exercise and sleep regulation to ease the process. Once detoxed, whatever rehabilitation route is taken, it usually should be significant, whether inpatient or outpatient, and be ongoing. Contact us for advice on how to stop drinking and how to stay stopped.
Drug treatment services in Kent
People addicted to opiates or opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants or prescription drugs usually require a structured drug detox, if abstinence is the goal. In Kent, many local services offer abstinence as well as harm reduction treatment. This is available both privately and through community drug teams. Methadone and buprenorphine (Subutex) are the main medications used in opioid detox. For benzodiazepine dependence, a long-acting alternative like diazepam is usually prescribed and slowly reduced. Some clinics offer tapering regimes for sleeping pills, painkillers such as pregabalin and gabapentin as well as even high-dose antidepressants. This kind of withdrawal needs clinical input to be safe. Stimulant detox is less about physical withdrawal and more about psychological symptoms, including depression, irritability and cravings. Supportive medical and psychological therapy is often the main approach. Ongoing rehabilitation is essential as well as adopting new habits and lifestyle change. How this is done varies across services.
Residential Rehab in Kent
Inpatient, or residential rehab, is where you stay away from home and get all treatment including food and accommodation at a facility. Residential rehab gives you time and space to step back from your environment, which can be essential if your home life is chaotic, violent or triggering. Residential centres in Kent offer 24-hour care, usually for stays ranging from 7 to 28 days. Some programmes extend to 90 days or more if needed. During a stay in residential rehab, you’ll usually follow a structured timetable that includes (or should) one-to-one counselling, group sessions, daily routine and responsibilities, educational workshops, physical wellbeing activities like walks, yoga or fitness classes. Staff often include therapists, nurses, keyworkers and recovery or peer mentors.
Private Rehab For Kent
Alcohol Rehab Treatment At Step By Step
If you’re based in Kent and looking for private alcohol rehab, Step by Step Recovery provides effective, compassionate care just a short journey away. Located in a quiet residential area near the Essex coast, our CQC-registered residential rehab clinic provides tailored treatment for people struggling with alcohol addiction – whether it’s a long-term issue or a more recent dependency.
Our private alcohol rehab gives you immediate access to support when waiting isn’t an option. Our admissions team can arrange same-day or next-day admission in many cases and treatment begins with a full clinical assessment followed by a medically-managed alcohol detox. Stopping drinking quickly can be dangerous and this first stage of detox ensures a safe withdrawal process, especially for those with a high tolerance for booze or a long history of drinking. Our medical and therapy team closely monitor symptoms and provides medications like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) to reduce withdrawal-related risks and discomfort. Our detox process is safe, comfortable and is a great way to start recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Detox For Kent
After detox our clients move into structured psychological therapy and recovery planning. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Our treatment plans are individualised and include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), trauma therapy and 12-step support. All our therapy takes place in a calm, homely setting at our clinic in Southend on Sea in Essex. We have a high staff-to-client ratio that allows for plenty of one-to-one attention as well as small, supportive group sessions.
We know that alcohol use often develops in response to deeper emotional pain, trauma or chronic stress and anxiety. We help our clients explore the root causes, while also building practical skills to cope with cravings, manage stress and rebuild relationships – all part of our treatment philosophy.
Although our rehab centre is just outside Kent, many of our clients travel from all across the county – Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Dartford and from further afield. Our reputation, small client numbers and location are ideal. Being coastal, our clinic offers space to recover, away from local triggers, but close enough for family involvement and accessible aftercare.
Free Alcohol Recovery Aftercare Service
All clients who attend our rehab clinic also receive up to 12 months of aftercare support that includes relapse prevention, ongoing therapy check-ins and access to our alumni network. Recovery doesn’t stop at discharge – and neither does the support from us.
If you live in Kent and are considering alcohol rehab, Step by Step Recovery provides the professional care, personal support and safe environment needed to start again. Why not speak to one of our team today and take the next step toward a healthier, alcohol-free future?
Drug Detox and Drug Rehab Kent
A short hop from Kent to Step by Step Recovery
Drug addiction in Kent shows up in many forms. Some people are caught in the grip of heroin. Others are using cocaine or crack on nights out, then struggling to stop when it creeps into weekday use. Cannabis, ketamine, pregabalin, Valium (diazepam), other benzos and painkillers like codeine or oxycodone can seem harmless at first, but when control starts slipping, life can spiral quickly.
We know this at Step by Step Recovery – many of our staff are in recovery. We work with a lot of people from across Kent who are ready to take that step toward change. Our private, residential rehab clinic called The Lighthouse, sits just over the county border near the Essex coast and offers medical detox, psychological therapy and long-term support in a quiet, discreet environment where people can heal. We understand addiction. We treat it seriously, we don’t judge and we offer all-round care for those that need it.
Drug Detox – The First Step in Recovery
For many clients, drug rehab begins with detox. This is the process of clearing substances from the body but it’s not just about willpower or ‘waiting it out’. Coming off drugs—especially opioids like heroin, benzos like diazepam or prescription painkillers—can be physically and psychologically distressing. In some cases, it can even be dangerous.
Our detox process is medically supervised from start to finish. Before detox starts, we carry out a full health and substance use assessment. We’ll ask what you’ve been using, how often and for how long. This helps us plan a detox that’s safe and as comfortable as possible for all clients. Everyone is different and although the drugs may be similar, no two people are, so individual care and management is essential for all. For opiates, we may use medications like buprenorphine or lofexidine to manage withdrawal symptoms. For benzos or sleeping pills, we follow a tapering schedule to reduce risk of seizures or rebound anxiety.
Withdrawal symptoms vary. Some people experience nausea, chills, muscle cramps and/or insomnia. It depends on individual biology and various other factors including age and mental health. Some people feel high levels of panic or agitation, and with our team is onsite 24/7, we monitor clients, providing the best care when needed. We don’t just hand out medication – we also provide reassurance, care and a calm, home-like space to get through it comfortably and safely – it’s what we do.
Detox usually lasts between 5 and 21 days depending on the substance and severity. Our aim is detox for physical and mental stability, then therapy and ultimately rehabilitation.
Drug Rehabilitation – Where our clients grow
Stopping drug use is a must but staying stopped is the real challenge. That’s why our rehab focuses on what’s underneath the addiction. Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, loneliness or simply being stuck in a destructive routines, habits or just using because its self medication, we help our clients unpack it and deal with it.
Our treatment combines one-to-one counselling, group therapy, recovery coaching and relapse prevention. We use CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapy and elements of the 12-step programmes where relevant. And, everything is tailored to the client. We treat people using cocaine, crack, cannabis, ketamine, MDMA, amphetamines and prescription drugs. Many have been using for years. Many daily. Others are caught in short but intense cycles of binging. Either way, help is here at Step By Step.
Why People from Kent Come to Us
Although we’re based in Essex, many clients come from Kent because of our reputation. Despite not far, being out of your local area can help you focus, away from familiar triggers and temptations. We are a safe haven for our clients. But we’re still close enough for family to visit and for clients to return easily for aftercare.
Aftercare and Ongoing Support
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab, it’s a lifelong process. We provide up to 12 months of aftercare including ongoing counselling, relapse prevention sessions and support connecting with community services near you. Our service is 100% committed to client wellbeing. We want you to stay well, not just get well.
If drugs are controlling your life or that of a loved one, it’s time to take call us for free advice. Step by Step Recovery offers clear, honest and expert support – from safe detox through to full rehabilitation and long-term care. If you’re in Kent and want real help, we’re here to talk. No pressure. No judgement. Just support when people ready for it.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a long-term health condition characterised by the ongoing use of alcohol, drugs or behaviours despite negative consequences of using. Although there are many definitions of addiction, and it’s no. It is not a sign of weak character or poor morals. Repeated substance use changes how the brain works, affecting reward and motivation. This can lead to strong urges and behaviour that continues despite obvious harm.
Physical and psychological dependence make quitting alone very hard. Withdrawal can cause symptoms like anxiety, sweating and nausea. Support from professionals can help manage these effects.
Many factors influence addiction risk. These include family history, mental health conditions, trauma, and environment. In Hertfordshire, young adults and people with mental health problems may face higher risk and benefit from specialised support.
Early warning signs of alcohol addiction in Kent include needing more alcohol or other drugs to feel the effects, skipping work or family duties, hiding drinking or using, and starting to usage alone or first thing in the morning. These behaviours often lead to job loss, family arguments, money problems and sometimes trouble with the law. Local rehab treatment in Kent addresses both the effects and the causes in therapy sessions and other treatments.
Health problems from alcohol misuse are serious. Liver disease, heart issues and higher cancer risk are all on the rise in the area. Many people also report anxiety, depression or memory loss when they seek help.
Professionals use screening questionnaires and blood tests to check how severe the alcohol problem is and to plan treatment. Support starts with GP advice or outpatient detox for mild cases. People at higher risk may need full residential care in a Hertfordshire drug rehab. Peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous meet in most local towns to provide ongoing support. These meetings help people stay on track after formal treatment.
Free Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services in Kent, UK
NHS-Funded and Statutory Services
East Kent Community Drug & Alcohol Service (EDAS)
This service operates in Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sheerness, Faversham and Sittingbourne. Services include assessment, brief interventions, group and one‑to‑one support. Free and open to anyone in the catchment area. Self‑referral is available via phone or your GP.
Find out more on NHS.uk
West Kent Drug & Alcohol Wellbeing Service (Change Grow Live, CGL)
Operating in Gravesend, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, this service provides detox prescribing, assessments, counselling, group support, needle exchange, hepatitis testing and peer support. Self‑referral or referral via agencies is accepted. Worth trying your GP first
Find out more on NHS.uk
Kent & Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT) – Drug and Alcohol Services
Delivers care through local hubs and partnerships with charities such as Forward Trust and Change Grow Live. Supports GP, online and self‑referrals. Services are free under the NHS and charity partnership model.
Visit Kent and Medway Addiction services
Charitable and Community Services
WithYou (formerly Addaction)
Offers free, confidential support for drug, alcohol and mental health challenges. Services include online chat, peer led groups, advice and local service signposting. Self‑referral is available using the postcode tool on their website.
Visit WithYou
The Forward Trust – East Kent Forward & Medway Forward
Provides structured community‑based programmes, peer support and pathways into treatment. Works closely with NHS partners to support long‑term recovery.
Forward Trust information
Recovery Cafes and Peer/fellow Support in Kent
Many local services and charities such as WithYou, CGL and Forward Trust run informal peer support cafes and drop in groups. These community spaces often provide a safe, welcoming environment for people in recovery to connect with others, share experiences and build social support.
To find your nearest peer‑run group, contact your local NHS hub or reach out to WithYou for details.
Support for Families and Carers
Both EDAS and CGL offer support for family members and carers, including group sessions, advice and signposting to local networks.
WithYou also provides tailored resources for loved ones affected by someone’s drinking or drug use.
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Take back control today - book your place at Step By Step today
Are you struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and ready to take back control of your life? It’s time to make a change and start your journey to recovery. At Step By Step Recovery, we offer personalised treatment programs designed to help you overcome your addiction and live a happier, healthier life.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you deserve. You are not alone in this struggle, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today.
Page revised in March 2023, by Danielle Byatt, a Level 4 addictions counselling, Level 5 in Leadership & Management, BA applied social work. and Treatment Director at Step by Step Recovery.
Why choose Step by Step?
- Fully Residential
- Around-the-clock care
- Medical detox unit
- Extended family support
- After care support service
- Nutritional food cooked by our chefs
- Outstanding quality of care
- Highly experienced team
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