FAQs
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a disease. Thanks to recent developments in the understanding of the neurobiological basis of addiction, we can now say this with confidence. Addiction operates in the brain, overstimulating the reward pathways so that the addict initially experiences pleasure and, crucially, avoids feeling negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger or perhaps a reaction to past trauma. The addict's ability to 'self regulate' (a brain function) is compromised such that managing extreme emotions or the ability to be aware of and control, for example, chemical intake, becomes almost impossible. It is not the addict's fault that they cannot control their using, but it is their responsibility. With any addiction, tolerance builds and the intake has to increase, and often be supplemented by engagement with other addictions, to achieve the same effect. Eventually, it stops 'working', and the addict is left feeling exposed, humiliated and vulnerable – this is often referred to as 'rock bottom', and although it can be a major turning point for many, for others it ends in tragedy. The popular belief that you have to wait until the addict is 'ready' before treatment will be possible is mistaken: intervention works, but it must be planned and executed with care.
How do I know if I need treatment?
Often people come to us when all else has failed and treatment is the last remaining option, which means we frequently work with people who have 'lost everything'. It does not have to be this way and interventions are possible before the destructive 'rock bottom' hits. The sooner you can get yourself or your loved one professional help, the better.
We work on the premise that what causes trouble is trouble. It is not so much about how much you drink or use, but more about the negative consequences and the repeated pattern of self destructive behaviour or coping mechanisms. 'Treatment' is a big word that puts people off. Try to look at it like this – if you or those who care for you are hurting and upset about your drinking or other self destructive patterns of behaviour, take the time to have a look to see what can be done to help. If enough people are saying the same thing long enough, loud enough and often enough – chances are...
Why day care instead of residential?
Residential treatment is the ultimate in addiction treatment, with the ability to deal with your difficulties in a wholly supported environment. Sometimes people don't want to go as they just don't want to face the music. But there are also a number of valid reasons to seek an alternative route:
• Day care is more convenient than the upheaval of residential care. At Charter Day Care you can get well in the context of your life, i.e. you can keep working, be at home every night and at weekends and stay in touch with your friends and family
• The support group you start your journey with, the counsellors and other contacts you make are all geographically well placed to become long standing support in the future
• If you choose to reject something you at least owe it to yourself to find out what you are rejecting before you can reject it. Day care is a comprehensive treatment alternative with less disruption to your life. Just come for a day or a week to see if it works for you
• The cost is another factor that makes day care more attractive as it is a fraction of the price of residential treatment
What if I need a detox?
Detox from drugs and alcohol needs to be handled with great care. Contact us for more details – there are several options available for detox, from a referral to a medical detox centre to private medically supervised detox at your home or at Charter's premises.
What if day care doesn't work for me?
Then you have lost nothing, but may have gained vital perspective on your condition that validates residential treatment. In this instance we are well placed to refer you to a number of recommended treatment centres across the globe.
What is the 12-step model?
The 12 steps are a tried and tested resource for recovery from addictive and compulsive behavioural problems. The 12 step method was originally conceived to form Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but has evolved to include other manifestations of addiction and to be the foundation of many addiction treatment programmes. It is a step-by-step process of letting go, understanding, forgiveness and change with support from others who suffer from the same condition. It is not the only way, but of those things that work, it works best for most.
If I sign up to Charter Day Care, do I have to come every day?
Daily attendance is not a pre-requisite, although it must be said that you get out what you put in, so the more commitment you can give the better. Having said that, it is of course possible to attend as many days a week or a month as is manageable with your schedule. You may even want to come for a day to see what it is like. However in all instances we will need you to attend an assessment with a counsellor who will recommend a care plan and attendance schedule for you.
Do I have to tell anyone I am coming?
If you are over 18 and self-funding, the regularity of your attendance is completely confidential. However where you are below 18 or being funded by someone else, we have an obligation to inform that person of your attendance.
Can you refer me on?
We have a thorough knowledge of services available in this field and are happy to refer you on as appropriate.
How do I know if I have a problem?
There are many ways a problem can manifest, perhaps through constant arguments, confrontations, sickness or financial difficulties; maybe you suffer a profound sense of anxiety or unease that all is not as it should be, but usually deep down you will know if there is a problem. But you probably won't want it to be your drinking or drug use and prefer to blame it on something else like your job or your partner. What we have done is put together a few simple questions for you to consider – see our Self Assessment page. The chances are that if you recognise yourself in any of them, you have probably got a problem. The good news is that we can help.