Ready to break free from addiction?
Table of Contents
Surrey is a beautiful and prosperous county located in southeastern England near London. Underneath the glamour of this ceremonial county lies a disturbing fact that the residents of Surrey are struggling with addictions. In a 2017 report, it was recorded that 2,610 residents of Surrey aged 15 to 64 were opiate and/or crack users. This number equates to 3.56 per 1000 of the population. Furthermore, 3,000 residents of Surrey seek support for drug and alcohol addiction each year as documented by the Health, Integration and Commissioning Select Committee in a 2019 report.
Getting help and support for addictions is very important to further reduce these numbers and make Surrey an addiction-free county.
Download Brochure
Spotting the Signs of An Addiction
Addiction often starts slowly, usually originating from seemingly innocent situations. It might begin with you trying out a common drug at a party, having a drink away from home for the first time, or enjoying a night out at the poker table. It can even stem from the use of a legitimate prescription drug for medical reasons. Regardless of the trigger, addiction’s roots are not typically immediate, making it tough to recognise the signs early on.
Some signs of addiction include:
- Having obsessive thoughts towards taking a particular substance or carrying out an activity.
- Taking extreme actions or going to great lengths to obtain a particular substance or carry out an activity such as gambling.
- Being unable to stop taking a substance or carrying out an activity despite the negative effect it is having in your life, work and family.
- Being unable to stop or regulate your intake of a substance or an activity at will.
- Being defensive when confronted regarding your intake of a substance or indulgence in an activity.
Regarding addiction counselling, it is crucial to highlight the link between childhood trauma/abuse and addiction. This connection underscores the importance of trauma-informed care in treatment and addressing underlying emotional issues during recovery.
Childhood trauma shapes the path to addiction, and it is considered to be a significant risk factor for the development of various mental health issues including substance use disorders. The emotional distress resulting from trauma can increase the likelihood of engaging in behaviours that provide temporary relief, leading to a cycle of addiction.
You may struggle with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alongside your addictions. This is called a dual diagnosis, and it requires extra care and a more thorough counselling therapy technique that would adequately treat the mental health disorders that may have led to or come as a result of your addiction.
Types of Addiction Counselling
Based on your needs and preferences, addiction counselling may be carried out in different ways. The types of addiction counselling include:
Private Addiction Counselling
This specialised addiction counselling is customised to your needs and typically provided by private service providers and facilities. It offers advantages such as utmost confidentiality, a peaceful setting, individualised counselling sessions, in-depth assessments for better insight, personalised treatment strategies, and continuous guidance from professionals. This type of addiction counselling is a good fit for you if you are more comfortable having one-on-one sessions with your therapist.
Online Addiction Counselling
This specialised addiction counselling is customised to your needs and typically provided by private service providers and facilities. It offers advantages such as utmost confidentiality, a peaceful setting, individualised counselling sessions, in-depth assessments for better insight, personalised treatment strategies, and continuous guidance from professionals. This type of addiction counselling is a good fit for you if you are more comfortable having one-on-one sessions with your therapist.
NHS Addiction Counselling
The addiction counselling offered by the NHS is a publicly funded service that is available at no cost to the residents of Surrey who require support for addictions. However, a drawback of the NHS addiction program is the extended waiting periods and challenges in accommodating all those requiring assistance, primarily due to inadequate funding. The long wait-times associated with the NHS addiction counselling services can extend up to 3 to 6 months, which can be a major obstacle if you are in dire need of support.
Seek help and start your journey to recovery.
The Role of the Therapist in Addiction Counselling
Addiction counselling provides a sanctuary for brave confrontation with deep-rooted trauma and the complexities of mental health struggles. In this nurturing space, therapists utilise a variety of heartfelt techniques to gently unearth underlying issues, fostering not just understanding, but true healing.
Tailored strategies are thoughtfully woven to manage the intricate threads of addiction and intertwined psychological challenges. The goal is to embrace a holistic sense of well-being and guide towards a path of enduring recovery, one gentle step at a time. Your therapist should be communicative, compassionate, non-judgemental and highly skilled in addiction counselling. At CATCH Recovery, we have a team of highly skilled and dedicated addiction counsellors who are ever-ready to provide you with the support you need and guide you at every step of the way in your journey to recovery.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based therapies aim to maximise the effectiveness of psychological interventions through adherence to treatment guidelines informed by scientific findings, clinical expertise, and previous successes recorded with other clients. These evidence-based therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): At the heart of these therapeutic endeavours lies the evidence-based method called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This method helps recognise, reassess, and reshape behaviours, while also acknowledging and soothing often co-existing inner struggles. It is most commonly used to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems that may occur alongside your addiction.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a compassionate therapy technique best suited for you if you are navigating intense emotions from stressful situations which may have led to your addictions. This approach does not demand change, but rather extends an understanding hand, inviting acceptance and mindfulness to gently manage stormy feelings. It offers effective relief if you have a dual diagnosis with mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition linked with challenging life outcomes and extensive use of behavioural health services.
- Group Therapy Group therapy provides a healing space where people undergoing addiction treatment come together in a supportive environment. In these sessions, a compassionate therapist leads the group on an exploration of their emotions, reinforcing the understanding that they are never alone in their challenges. This connection nurtures empathy and a sense of shared experience, fostering a profound bond among participants.
- Family Therapy: In family therapy, you and your family or loved ones undergo counselling. In addictions, you are not the only one affected, your family and loved ones are also affected. The effect of addictions on families and relationships can be very pronounced, hence the need for family counselling. Involving your family in your recovery journey gives a platform for you all to express and process your feelings towards the addiction, and can also foster a sense of unity and intimacy.
- Couples Therapy: In couples’ addiction therapy, people who are married or in romantic relationships bring their spouses or significant other alongside them for counselling. As earlier stated, addictions can cause a strain on interpersonal relationships including marriages and romantic relationships, thus your partner must be involved in your journey to recovery. Couples therapy is targeted at rebuilding trust in the relationship, fostering communication between one another and addressing enabling behaviours in the relationship.
How Effective is Addiction Counselling?
The effectiveness of addiction counselling hinges on your readiness and willingness to embrace change. Your openness to engage in the therapeutic process, your commitment to self-reflection, and your active participation in implementing recommended strategies significantly influence the outcomes of counselling. The level of personal motivation and dedication directly impacts the success of addressing addiction and achieving lasting recovery.
What to Expect from Addiction Counselling in Surrey
When going for addiction counselling, you can expect a supportive and confidential environment where you can openly discuss your struggles with addiction. Therapy typically involves a proper assessment, personalised treatment plan, application of various therapy techniques, education, emotional support, coping mechanisms, accountability and family support.
It is important to note that the exact structure and approach may vary based on your needs, the type of addiction you have, and your counsellor’s expertise. The primary aim is to empower you to overcome your addiction, develop healthier behaviours, and lead a fulfilling life.
At CATCH Recovery, you can expect a caring and safe space where you can be free to express your struggles without any fear of judgement. Our addiction counselling experts are dedicated to guide you on your journey to long-term sobriety.
Why Choose CATCH Recovery?
CATCH Recovery, situated in the heart of London, is a private institution specialising in addiction treatment. We are dedicated to offering top-tier care and assistance to anyone who is struggling with addictions and associated mental health issues. Our comprehensive array of addiction therapies and services, both in-person and online, encompasses evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and post-rehabilitation support.
Addictions are tough to handle alone, and the good thing is you do not have to go through it all by yourself. Let us help you. Our priority is your recovery and sobriety, and we are dedicated to guide you and support you as you navigate this path to a sober and healthier life free of addictions.
Getting to CATCH Recovery from Surrey
CATCH Recovery’s addiction counselling services are flexible and can be assessed in any form, be it in person or virtually. If you prefer having online addiction therapy with CATCH Recovery, we have well-trained professionals who can connect with you virtually via online channels. Reach out to us to book an appointment.
If you prefer to come in person, we have our centre located at 125 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4TE. Surrey is a big county comprising of several towns, and the route taken to get to our centre at South Kensington may vary based on the town in Surrey you reside in.
Getting to CATCH
- Using a Train and Subway
It will take an hour to get to our centre at South Kensington from Box Hill & Westhumble.
- Using a Taxi
It will take 39 minutes to get to our centre at South Kensington from Surrey.
- Using a Line 465 and a Line 85 Bus
It will take to get 2hr 23 mins to our centre at South Kensington from Westhumble street.
Support Groups in Surrey
- Mid Surrey Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
They hold their Cobham Lunchtime meetings every Monday at Cobham United Church, 38 Stoke Rd. KT11 3BD by 13.00. Meetings typically last for a duration of 1hr 15mins.
- Camberley Narcotics Anonymous
They hold their Experience Strength & Hope meetings on Saturdays at the Lounge Room, St Marys Church Centre, Park Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2SR by 17:00. Meetings typically last for a duration of 1hr 30mins.
- Family Anonymous support group:
They hold meetings at The Doddington and Rollo Community Association Charlotte Despard Avenue Battersea, London, SW11 5HD.
- Gamblers Anonymous
They hold meetings on Wednesdays at Wraysbury Village Halls, The Green, Wraysbury, TW19 5NA by 19:30. Meetings typically last for a duration of 2 hours.
If you prefer to know more about the options in Guildford, where we work with local therapists, feel free to go to our dedicated page for Guildford-based addiction counselling services.
CATCH Recovery’s Sober Companion Service
CATCH Recovery offers a sober companion service which is aimed at helping you become more accountable and compliant with your treatment plan. A sober companion is there to help you mark significant milestones you have achieved in your recovery journey and also helps keep you accountable. A sober companion may go the extra mile to drive you to counselling sessions if required. This companion is there for you round-the-clock, ensuring you stay on track and helps to prevent you from having relapses. We can provide competently trained sober companions to help you ease the transition from a therapeutic environment to everyday living. We have a great team that can reside with you temporarily (on a need basis), providing emotional support and assisting you in applying your treatment insights to prevent relapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a suitable therapist?
Finding a suitable therapist is no easy feat considering the high number of people seeking support from addictions in Surrey. That is where we come in. At CATCH Recovery we can match you to a good and experienced addiction experts who will fit in perfectly with your needs. If you are looking to get in touch with an addiction therapist, you can reach out and we will help set you up.
How long should I attend therapy?
Therapy takes time and as such requires patience. Sobriety cannot be achieved overnight, and the duration of addiction therapy depends on your progress and response to therapy. In many cases, therapy is life-long.
What is the best type of addiction therapy?
This depends on your addiction and mental health needs. The type of addiction therapy used can vary from person to person and is tailored to suit your needs. However, cognitive behavioural therapy has shown great success in addiction therapy.