Disclaimer
It’s important to note that, despite the misleading name, the substances mentioned on this page are now illegal in the UK, with both possession and distribution prohibited. The term “legal highs” originally referred to these substances during a period when they were legally available and marketed under innocuous labels such as plant food and bath salts. This period of legality contributed to their misleading name but today, they are prohibited under UK law.
Nowadays, legal highs are referred to as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), but this page will refer to them as legal highs throughout.
What is legal high rehab?
Legal high rehab is a supportive process tailored for those struggling with an addiction or dependence on legal high substances. Much like rehab programmes for more conventional illegal drugs, legal high rehab focuses on healing both the body and mind. This comprehensive approach usually includes detox alongside counselling, therapy and support groups. The goal is to help you quit using these substances, navigate through withdrawal symptoms smoothly and build healthier coping strategies.
What types of legal high rehabs are available?
When it comes to tackling addiction to legal highs, medical professionals depend greatly on the information they have about these substances. One of the main challenges with legal highs is their chemical complexity; even small changes in their molecular structure can turn a known drug into something entirely new. This ability to quickly change their makeup means manufacturers can keep bringing out new versions of these drugs, making it harder to develop effective treatments for addiction.
Despite these difficulties, there are still a number of legal highs for which treatment and rehabilitation options are available. These include:
Benzo- Fury rehab
Benzo Fury (6-APB) recovery focuses on easing withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep issues. The approach combines behavioural therapy, counselling and support groups to tackle psychological dependence. Medical oversight is often needed to monitor health and ease withdrawal symptoms. Patients learn strategies to avoid relapse and foster a healthy life free from substance reliance.
Mephedrone rehab
Recovering from Mephedrone means battling intense cravings and handling withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and depression. The journey starts with detox under medical watch to safely navigate addiction’s physical challenges, followed by in-depth behavioural therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and counselling. Support groups and continuous therapy sessions help individuals delve into the reasons behind their drug use, encouraging lasting recovery and helping to avoid a fallback.
Spice rehab
Spice rehab tackles the addiction’s physical and mental sides. Withdrawal can be difficult to go through, with symptoms like nausea, tremors and psychological effects such as anxiety and psychosis. The process begins with detox, often under medical care for safety. Therapy methods like CBT and DBT assist individuals in confronting underlying problems and shaping coping skills.
How can I expect the legal high rehab process to work?
Legal high rehab is carefully structured into stages, each designed to support a comprehensive path to recovery. This is what a legal high rehab programme typically entails:
Initial screening
The journey begins with a crucial initial screening and assessment. This step is all about understanding you by assessing your physical and mental health, your history with legal highs and identifying any co-occurring disorders. Recognising undiagnosed mental health conditions is vital, as it allows for a personalised treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your well-being from the start.
Legal high detox
Following your assessment, detoxification is often the next step. This phase is dedicated to clearing your body of legal highs, with a focus on safely managing withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can vary, influenced by factors such as the substance used and how long you’ve been taking it.
Medical supervision throughout detox prioritises your comfort and safety, and you receive 24/7 support and medical care.
Therapy
After detox, the focus shifts towards the therapeutic aspect of legal high rehab. You will engage in a variety of therapeutic practices aimed at addressing the psychological side of your addiction. This includes:
- Behavioural therapies: Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) play a significant role. They help you identify and modify harmful thought and behaviour patterns related to substance use, equipping you with strategies to manage stress and regulate emotions effectively.
- Holistic therapies: Rehab for legal highs also often incorporate holistic therapies. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, art therapy and physical exercise are included to heal the whole person. These therapies teach you strategies for stress reduction and managing situations where you may resort to using drugs to get through.
Benefits of attending legal high rehab
Legal high rehab offers more than just a chance to stop using a drug; it has the potential to be beneficial in many areas of your life. Addiction can turn everything in your life upside down, impacting numerous areas. Legal high rehab programmes are designed to understand this and aim to bring positive changes across the board. Here are just a few of the benefits it brings:
Detox with professional care
One of the standout benefits of rehab centres is their provision of expert medical care throughout the detox phase. Detoxing from legal highs can be a daunting ordeal, both mentally and physically challenging. Rehab centres are staffed with healthcare professionals who specialise in easing withdrawal symptoms in a safe manner. This approach minimises potential complications and makes the whole detox experience more manageable.
Learning for recovery
Many believe that rehab focuses only on the substance itself but in fact, it’s just one part of the entire rehab programme. Legal high rehab is also a deep dive into understanding addiction itself. Those attending will explore the psychological and physical aspects of their dependence, gaining insights into the root causes of their addiction. Through education on coping strategies and relapse prevention, you’re empowered to make smarter choices on your recovery journey.
The power of peer support
The journey through rehab is rarely taken alone. These environments thrive on the mutual support of other people facing similar battles. Peer support groups and the sharing of stories offer much-needed emotional relief, lessen the feeling of isolation and promote the exchange of helpful coping methods. This sense of community is invaluable for boosting spirits and fostering a collective drive towards recovery.
A boost in life quality
Ultimately, the comprehensive care and treatment provided by rehab centres significantly elevate the quality of life for anyone dealing with addiction to legal highs. This improvement is seen in better physical and mental health through various mediums. There’s also the chance to learn how to repair relationships that may have been affected by legal high drug addiction, including the relationship you have with yourself.
Does completing legal high rehab mean I’m cured of addiction?
Completing a programme for overcoming the use of legal highs marks a crucial milestone on your path to recovery. This period signifies your commitment and hard work in tackling your dependence on these substances, with the invaluable support of professionals guiding you every step of the way.
However, it’s important to understand that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end here. There isn’t a straightforward cure for addiction as managing it is an ongoing effort.
That’s exactly why many centres focus on helping you move away from legal highs through aftercare services. This support is essential as you navigate your way back into everyday life after rehab. Aftercare programmes provide a variety of supports, including continued therapy sessions and support groups.
More than just ongoing treatment, aftercare offers a community and a structure that supports your growth and helps reinforce the coping strategies and skills you’ve learned during your programme. It’s about keeping the momentum going and ensuring you have the support you need to thrive post-rehab.
What’s next?
Are you or someone you love struggling with legal highs? Remember, the journey to recovery starts with you. Across the UK, there are many rehab centres ready to help you reclaim your life. These facilities offer the support and guidance you need but taking the first step is in your hands. Reach out today and embark on a path to freedom and health.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.