Drug and Alcohol Rehab France

Are you an English-speaking person living in France with a drug or alcohol addiction? Struggling to find a French treatment centre that understands English? Seeking help for addiction is hard enough without the language barrier.

Step One Recovery runs English-speaking drug and alcohol clinics in Spain and England, just a short flight from France. Why not give us a call on +44 (0) 330 107 2950 to learn more? If you’re not ready to call just yet, we’ve written a short guide to your addiction treatment options in France.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction in France

Many people struggle with drug and alcohol addiction in France. Reports show that cannabis addiction is the most common reason for entering rehab in France, followed by cocaine. 5 out of every 1000 people are addicted to opioids. If you’re one of those people struggling with addiction in France, Step One Recovery can help you stay off drugs or alcohol for life. Contact us today to learn more about our rehab clinics.

Admitting You Have a Problem

Many people who struggle with addiction find it difficult to admit they have a problem. An addict is so immersed in their lifestyle that they don’t even think about getting help; it becomes almost normal to misuse drugs or alcohol. Casual drinking or drug use can escalate to life becoming unmanageable. Family, friends and colleagues often play an essential role in helping someone with an addiction problem.

If you’re an addict yourself, you may already know that you need addiction treatment in France. Here are some common signs of substance addiction to look out for:

• You’re always thinking about drugs and alcohol and where to buy them.
• Your mental and physical health is suffering. Physical signs include lack of energy, feeling and looking generally unwell, stomach pains, constipation, diarrhoea, bloodshot eyes, palpitations, and trouble breathing. You’re feeling irritable, anxious, low and even suicidal due to drinking or taking drugs.
• Work is suffering. You may have lost your job due to your addiction.
• Your finances have dwindled as you’re spending all your money on drugs or alcohol. You may have sold things to fund your habit or have stolen money from friends or family.
• Increased capacity for drugs or alcohol. You’re becoming more tolerant, and you need to consume more to feel any effects.
• You’re drinking alone or in secret, or with other groups of heavy drinkers or drug users.
• Disturbed sleeping patterns. You’re sleeping for longer or having difficulty sleeping. You may stay awake for days when you’re on a ‘bender’, a heavy drinking or drug session.

The First Steps into Rehab

Before starting rehab in France, speak to the admissions team at your chosen clinic to learn more about treatment options. They will ask you many questions about your addiction, so it’s good to write things down before you speak to them. Drug and alcohol addiction staff are compassionate and open-minded, so don’t be embarrassed. Make sure you’re honest. Don’t play down your addiction or pretend that you’re coping when you’re not.

Here are some of the questions they could ask:

• How long have you been using substances or alcohol?
• Have you suffered any traumas or difficulties that led you to addiction?
• How do you use drugs or alcohol? Do you smoke, snort or inject drugs?
• Tell us about your home or work life.
• Have you been diagnosed with any mental health conditions? If so, are you receiving treatment?
• Are you involved with any agencies or professionals that are helping you?
• Have you tried rehab before?
• Is there a family history of addiction?

The team will suggest treatments available to you, make recommendations based on your answers and support you in completing your referral. You’ll stay in a drug and alcohol rehab for a few weeks to three months. A longer stay is ideal for people with a severe, long-standing addiction, whilst a shorter stay suits those with a mild misuse disorder.

What Happens at Private Rehab?

Many people arrive at drug and alcohol rehab in France feeling broken by their addiction but determined to get themselves well. Some are reluctant to start the rehab process, but they know that it’s the best way to beat their addiction.

You’ll start rehab by completing a detox, where drugs or alcohol are removed from your body. It’s a controlled process, supervised by addiction specialists and doctors. You’ll experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and they’ll last for a few weeks. Why does the detox process make you feel ill? Your body is so used to toxins, and when they’re removed, the body reacts. Once the detox passes and you are drug or alcohol-free, you’ll feel well again. Here are some common withdrawal symptoms:

• Fever and feeling generally unwell
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shaking (mainly hands)
• Increased feelings of anxiety, low mood and irritability
• Feeling disorientated

Detox is followed by daily counselling and therapy sessions and group therapy that aims to give you an understanding of your addiction and its causes. Your clinic should provide a range of treatments to improve your mental health; therapies that calm your mind, make you feel optimistic about the future and give you greater self-acceptance.

You’ll take part in a 12-step programme when you’re in rehab, much like the programmes offered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA.). The 12 steps are an excellent basis for a successful long-term recovery and a positive mindset. You’ll follow the steps when you leave and likely for the rest of your life.

The support doesn’t end when you leave rehab in France. You’ll receive up to 12 months of support, called aftercare, to help you stay drug or alcohol-free when you return home, usually in the form of counselling and group therapy.

Ready to start drug or alcohol rehab in Spain? Call us today on +44 (0) 330 107 2950.