Frequently Asked Questions
What is addiction?
Addiction is a physical compulsion coupled with mental obsession. It is an illness of mind, body, emotion and soul. It can be passed down through families and may be triggered by the environment. It is a progressive condition that thrives on denial and fear. Although treatment is not easy, it is simple and possible and needs to address the four areas as above. Untreated, this illness will wreak havoc with people’s lives and leave devastation in its wake.Top of page
How do I know if I need treatment?
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…Top of page
Why day care instead of residential?
Residential treatment is the ultimate in addiction treatment, with therapeutic support 24/7, and 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.
Top of page
What if I need a detox?
Detox from drugs and alcohol needs to be handled within a medical setting. Thus we can refer you on for detox at a number of recommended hospitals and detox facilities subsequently admitting you for an assessment and treatment at Charter Day Care.Top of page
What if day care doesn’t work for me?
Then you have lost nothing, but may have gained vital perspective on your illness that validates residential treatment. In this instance we are well placed to refer you to a number of recommended treatment centres across the globe.Top of page
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 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.Top of page
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 its 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.Top of page
Do I have to tell anyone I am coming?
If you are over 16 and self funding, the regularity of your attendance is completely confidential. However where you are below 16 or being funded by a significant other in your life, we have an obligation to inform that person of your attendance.Top of page
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.Top of page
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. The chances are that if you recognise yourself in any of the following, you have probably got a problem. The good news is that we can help.Top of page
