When someone you love is struggling with addiction, the urge to act immediately is overwhelming. Private rehab facilities know this — their marketing is built to convert your urgency into a booking.
At £8,000–£30,000+ per week, you need to know exactly what you're paying for. And in this industry, the gap between marketing and reality is usually significant.
What you need to check
CQC registration and reports: Legitimate rehab in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. Find their latest inspection report. Look specifically at "Safe" and "Effective" ratings — a facility rated "Good" for caring but "Requires Improvement" for effectiveness tells you something crucial.
Clinical approach: Ask what specific evidence-based treatments they use. They should name concrete approaches — CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care — and explain why they chose them for addiction. If the answer is vague or focuses on luxury amenities instead, that's a red flag.
Who delivers the treatment: Who's actually providing therapy? Ask the ratio of qualified therapists to other staff. Ask if the psychiatrist works on-site or visits. Ask if people see the same therapist throughout their stay.
Real outcome data: This is where most facilities fail. Ask for published results — what percentage complete treatment, how many stay sober at 6 and 12 months after leaving. If they can't provide this, ask why. Compare their data (if they have it) to NHS standards and published research on what actually works.
Aftercare planning: Research shows aftercare is the single biggest predictor of staying in recovery. Ask what specifically happens after your family member leaves. Good facilities have a structured aftercare program lasting at least 12 months.
How to approach this decision
Research the specific addiction and what treatments have evidence behind them. Independently assess the facility — its approach, staff, CQC ratings, and outcomes. Figure out if medication-assisted treatment should be part of it. Then you'll have enough clarity to make the right decision, rather than being swayed by marketing.