The public generally associate drug rehabilitation centres with the treatment of individuals who are addicted to illegal drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. More recently, however, the problem of prescription drugs addiction has grown and today there are centres across the UK that not only deal with drug addiction to illegal substances, but also to legal prescription drugs.

Prescription drug addiction rehab centres are run, either by volunteers or may be private facilities and the treatments they offer will vary. Both usually offer a detoxification programme, possibly supplemented with vitamins, which help reduce drug cravings.They also offer counselling sessions, both one-to-one and in groups.How much the service costs depends on the type of facility.If it is completely private, the individual will have to pay the full cost of the programmes. Other organisations receive part of their funds from voluntary donations and are therefore able to offer treatment programmes at a lower cost. Treatment is also available on the NHS and is completely free.

Most residential drug rehabilitation centres use the 12-step programme, but there are an increasing number that base their treatment on cognitive behavioural therapy. Generally, individuals with a severe pattern of addiction do better in residential treatment programmes.

The duration of rehabilitation programmes vary, as do the medical and psychiatric treatments offered, standard of accommodation, geographical location and price.It is important that an individual is matched with a centre that provides for their needs. Centres should also be registered with the Care Quality Commision (CQC); an independent body that regulates care provided by the NHS, private companies, local authorities and voluntary organisations.