Deciding to seek help for an addiction often happens later than people expect. You might spend months weighing things up, hoping problems will improve on their own, or aiming to address the issue after the next work deadline or family commitment.
When you do start looking at options, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin. With so many treatment types available, exploring what feels right for your situation can make the process more straightforward.
Inpatient treatment for addiction, also known as residential rehab, gives you a place to take time away from daily pressures and focus fully on recovery away from home.
At Castle Health, we provide inpatient treatment for alcohol, drugs, and addictive behaviours like gambling at Castle Craig and Smarmore Castle, with care shaped around your individual needs.
[See the full list of addictions here]
What is inpatient treatment?

If required, inpatient treatment begins with a detox to help you withdraw safely from drugs or alcohol with medical support in place. Once detox is complete, you’ll then move on to therapeutic treatment.
During your time at residential rehab, you’ll live at the clinic and take part in an intensive therapy programme, which includes one-to-one and group therapy, fitness, healthy eating, and holistic therapies.
How long you stay will depend on the severity of your addiction and any underlying mental health needs alongside it.
Between 2023 and 2024, 310,863 adults over 18 years old were in contact with services offering drug and alcohol treatment in the UK, showing a growing demand for accessible inpatient treatment centres across the country.
Who is inpatient treatment for?
Inpatient treatment can be suitable for anyone who’s struggling with dependency on substances or compulsive behaviours.
If you’ve found it hard to stay sober on your own, staying at a residential treatment centre aims to provide the 24-hour support you need to break the cycle of addiction.
Here are some signs that an inpatient rehab centre may be a good choice for you:
- Your addiction is strong to severe, and there are physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.
- You’ve tried addiction treatment before as an outpatient, but it hasn’t worked for you.
- Your current home life is unsafe or causes you stress.
- You’re also dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
What to expect from inpatient treatment at Castle Health
At Castle Health, inpatient treatment is tailored to you and led by clinicians who have extensive experience in working with addiction.
For those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions alongside substance dependency, our inpatient mental health treatment offers integrated care from consultant psychiatrists and experienced addiction therapists.
Medical support during detox and treatment
A medically managed detox helps you withdraw from substances safely and in a comfortable environment. Psychiatric support is available throughout treatment to help you handle emotional challenges.
A daily programme
Your daily programme includes therapy, group work, and time to rest or take part in activities between sessions. The routine stays consistent, which helps you focus on recovery without wondering what happens next.
Individual and group therapy
You’ll take part in group sessions, where you talk to other people who understand the challenges you’re facing. You’ll also have one-to-one therapy with a counsellor to work on underlying causes and goals for recovery.
12 Step facilitation and evidence-based methods
At Castle Health, treatment includes trauma therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and 12 Step facilitation, all aimed at helping you respond differently when challenges come up in real life.
Castle Health inpatient treatment centres
Choosing the right inpatient treatment centre is a personal decision, and it depends on what you need from your treatment.
There will likely be inpatient rehab centres close to your home, but you may also decide to travel further away for more privacy and peace of mind.
Find out more about Castle Health’s inpatient addiction treatment centres below:
Castle Craig https://castlehealth.com/centresHospital
Castle Craig is a residential addiction treatment centre in the Scottish Borders, offering on-site medical care for substance misuse and support for mental health conditions, such as inpatient depression treatment and trauma therapy.
The family-run centre offers evidence-based therapies and methods from the 12 Step approach. Castle Craig offers a peaceful, countryside setting for quiet, focused recovery.
Smarmore Castle
Located in County Louth, Ireland, Smarmore Castle is a specialised inpatient addiction treatment facility set in Ireland’s oldest inhabited castle. Like Castle Craig, it provides full inpatient treatment programmes, with detox included if needed.
Smarmore Castle is located in rural surroundings, an hour from both Dublin and Belfast, and offers therapy and treatment for behavioural addictions as well as drug or alcohol dependency.
Other partner and referral clinics
Castle Health works with a trusted network of addiction clinics across Europe. If you don’t feel that Castle Craig or Smarmore Castle is right for you, our admissions team can point you towards other trusted outpatient options within our network.
Read more about our treatment centres.
How does inpatient rehab work?
This is what to expect at our inpatient addiction treatment centres, from the first time you call until you return home:
- Admissions and assessment: The first step is a confidential phone call with our team. You’ll be asked about your health and personal history during an initial admissions assessment. When you arrive, a medical professional will meet you for a more thorough assessment, and they’ll create your inpatient treatment plan.
- Length of stay and treatment stages: The length of your stay will depend on how long you need. You’ll start with supportive medical care, then move towards one-to-one therapy while learning skills and coping strategies to help you manage your recovery independently.
- Discharge planning and next steps: We’ll start preparing you for life after rehab during your stay. You can also extend your inpatient treatment if you or your therapist decides you need further support.
Continuing care after inpatient treatment
After leaving one of our inpatient rehab centres, we continue to work closely with you by providing comprehensive aftercare.
You and your therapist will develop a practical continuing care plan before you leave, so you remain supported after treatment.
The team at Castle Health can also help you find AA or NA groups that meet near your home, so you’ll have ongoing guidance from your local community.
Benefits of choosing inpatient treatment at Castle Health
Here are some of the main benefits of inpatient rehab treatment:
- 24/7 medical and emotional support
- A safe, private environment
- Distance from triggers and distractions
- Access to multiple specialised therapies
- Group connection and community-based recovery
At Castle Health, our inpatient rehab centres aim to provide a warm atmosphere, a compassionate environment, and evidence-based treatment. The support you receive from your recovery community here can last a lifetime.
If you’re considering inpatient addiction treatment, our admissions team is here to explain costs, timelines, and answer any other questions you have.
Frequently asked questions
What is outpatient vs inpatient treatment?
Inpatient means living at the centre for 24/7 care, whereas you’ll stay at home and attend secluded sessions during addiction treatment outpatient programmes. Both offer expert therapy, but inpatient treatment removes you from outside triggers and temptations.
What is the admission process for private inpatient rehab?
It begins with a private phone call to the admissions team to talk about your treatment needs and history with drugs or alcohol. You’ll then have a medical assessment that helps create your personalised care plan, which can also include inpatient mental health treatment.
How much does inpatient rehab cost in the UK?
This depends on how long you stay and which inpatient rehab centre you choose. The best step is to call the admissions team and get a clear quote for the type of care you’re looking for, whether that’s inpatient alcohol treatment, inpatient drug rehab, or support for both addiction and mental health.
Can you get inpatient treatment for depression?
Yes, some people need inpatient depression treatment facilities when symptoms are severe or not improving. Castle Craig provides this care alongside addiction treatment, with psychiatric support and therapy in a residential setting.
Where can I get inpatient eating disorder treatment?
Inpatient treatment of eating disorders is available when physical health or safety is at risk, and closer medical monitoring is needed. Castle Health can support families and coordinate care around eating disorders, though medical treatment may be required at specialist services.