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How Bad is Your Addiction? So, you want to know if your addiction is severe enough for treatment. The fact that you’ve found us, or are asking Google questions about your alcohol or drug abuse, might be proof enough that you need help. We do not need to waste time detailing physical and psychological signs of addiction – you know the effects alcohol and drugs has over your mind and body, the question is ‘are you bad enough?’ Let’s find out… The quickest and most accurate way to tell Free addiction assessments provided by Castle Craig’s expert admission team will…
Category: Castle Craig
What is crisis care and how to access emergency care for addiction
Crisis Care & Emergency Admissions for Addiction An addictions crisis describes a situation where a someone’s behaviour exposes them to a greater risk of harming themselves or others through drugs or alcohol. You may have heard of this described as ‘rock bottom’. Their mental health disorder and/or substance abuse could have prevented them from being able to care efficiently for themselves or function properly within their communities. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis, at any time in their life. The crisis or breakdown may have been brought on by initial feelings of guilt, anger and grief – but whatever…
Alternatives to private rehab for addiction recovery
No single treatment type is right for everyone Plenty of people in the public eye talk about going to rehab. Many musicians, actors and artists speak very openly about it, but is this the only type of drug and alcohol addiction treatment on offer? The answer is: No, there are in fact other options available to you, and your GP may be a good place to start. Organisations range from NHS treatment to charities and private companies. However, the quality of care varies and many have long waiting lists. Your options often depend on several factors Age Financial situation Length…
How to Help Someone with an Addiction
How to Help an Addicted Friend or Family member This section will guide you on how to help someone with an addiction. When someone struggles with addiction, it can have serious negative effects on their relationships with family, friends, and work colleagues. If you know or suspect that someone in your life suffers from alcohol or drug addiction, you will probably want to help the one that you love, but this can be met with hostility or denial. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing emotional illness, and the path to recovery for someone who is addicted is often a long…
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Safety Response
Castle Craig is open and Covid-free and we continue to offer our much needed residential addiction treatment for patients during the Coronavirus pandemic. Travel to Scotland from the rest of the UK and all European countries is allowed for healthcare purposes. These are difficult times and we want to reassure our patients, their families and people who desperately need treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, that we are committed to providing the safest environment for recovery possible. We have taken special measures to ensure that our clinic operates safely and some complementary therapies have been paused. Information on Actions…
Castle Craig Rated ‘Exceptional’ in Latest HIS Inspection
Castle Craig had an inspection from our regulators Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) recently and today we have received the official report. They found our infection prevention and control policies and procedures, were excellent and comprehensive. They commented on the thorough Covid-19 risk assessments which had been carried out and the effective processes we had in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The inspectors commented on the positive attitude and evident teamwork of all the staff that they spoke to, and also the supportive and appreciate attitude of the patients. HIS uses the ratings ‘Exceptional’, ‘Good’, ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’…
8 Reasons why online gambling is more addictive than casino gambling
Online Gambling vs Casino Gambling In 1996 the first-ever real stakes online casino was launched. Now there are thousands of gambling sites, and millions of gamblers place their bets and participate in the world of online gambling. It might seem like harmless fun to start with, but Sheldon Adelson, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., the largest bricks and mortar casino operating company in the world, describes online gambling as ‘fools gold’ and ‘a societal train wreck waiting to happen. The ‘Richest Man in Vegas’ may have a vested interest in attacking online gambling, but he might just…
How are we performing? Recent patient satisfaction levels
We regularly run audits on patient satisfaction levels to make sure we are listening and responding to what our patients are saying. Recent surveys taken in July and September found the following: Our patients describe our staff as ‘very kind’, ‘supportive’, ‘diligent’, ‘fantastic’, ‘absolute treasures’, ‘rays of sunshine’ and ‘efficient’. Every category rated 100% Good, Very Good or Excellent, with particular praise for nursing care, individual therapist care and staff support. Ratings increased to Very Good or Excellent for ‘Catering’ (88%), ‘Accommodation’ (89%), for ‘Fitness’ (89%). New fields for ‘Use of ICT’ and ‘Hygiene, Health & Safety and Infection Control’…
In memory of Father Hugh Purcell
Everyone at Castle Craig was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Father Hugh Purcell, who recently died suddenly at St John Vianney’s parish house in Gilmerton at the age of 62. Father Hugh had a long relationship with Castle Craig; for many years he was our pastoral counsellor, helping many patients into recovery. He spoke openly of his addiction issues and our patients and staff loved his warmth, his spirit, and his down-to-earth nature. An obituary can be read on the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh website, while some of the team at Castle Craig have said…
Royal College of Psychiatrists show drinking has nearly doubled since lockdown
High-risk drinking has nearly doubled since lockdown, reports the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and addiction services are in desperate need of funding. Castle Craig’s data supports this, with website visitors more than doubling, a record number of daily enquiries to our Help Desk, and a rising number of enquiries about the Castle Telehealth online addiction therapy programme. The Royal College of Psychiatrists today issued a statement after analysing data from Public Health England which shows that the rate of people in England drinking “high risk” amounts of alcohol has almost doubled at 19% in June, up from 10.8% in February…
How Has 12 Step Recovery Helped You Prepare for the Coronavirus Pandemic?
In recovery we remember the isolation our addiction brought us to, so we knew what isolation meant and how it felt. In 2020, that’s something which has been new for a lot of people – especially family members of those with addiction – they didn’t understand what it meant when we talked about those feelings of isolation. Now they’re really realising what that is and what that does to you. Most important of these is Step 1. Step 1 – Admitted we were powerless and our lives were unmanageable In terms of global issues that are facing us, Step 1…
Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Rehab Clinic
Castle Craig is a privately-run residential rehab clinic that provides treatment for alcohol, drug and gambling addiction. We are located close to Glasgow, Scotland, and have many ties to the Glasgow medical community. It is possible to drive to Castle Craig from Glasgow International Airport in an hour and we regularly provide pick-ups for our patients who come from Glasgow. Residential Rehab Treatment Clinic, near Glasgow At Castle Craig, our mission is to provide the highest quality and most effective treatment for our patients from Glasgow and across Strathclyde and Scotland and the UK. We offer many different options for…
Coronavirus presents a new challenge to sobriety
Addiction sufferers and their families face new challenges. Coronavirus increases the dangers faced in recovery and has also adversely affected some well-tried responses which, until now, have proved reliable. The sudden arrival of coronavirus has brought everyone out of their comfort zones. Stress levels are high, mainly due to fear of the disease itself. There is also fear of consequences such as financial meltdown. Throughout the UK and around the world people are anxious, afraid and wondering what to do about it all. We are being told to self-isolate and distance ourselves socially and none of this is good news…
Half a lifetime helping addiction recovery – Peter McCann celebrates 80th birthday
Almost 40 years ago, Peter McCann and his wife, Dr Margaret Ann McCann, began helping people with drug and alcohol addiction into a life of recovery. This eventually led to the founding of Castle Craig Hospital in 1988. As he celebrates his 80th birthday having spent half of his lifetime helping people overcome addiction, we asked Peter to look back on his own life, and the changing face of addiction treatment. A genuine understanding of addiction Peter’s passion for helping people overcome addiction came from his own experience, along with coming from a family with a medical background. “It was…
Castle Craig Extends a Lifeline for Addiction Sufferers During Lockdown
Following warnings from the World Health Organisation that people may increasingly turn to alcohol as an “unhelpful coping strategy” during the Coronavirus lockdown, Castle Craig Hospital, has restructured its intensive rehab programme into “Castle Connect” an online package to be transmitted across telehealth platforms. Our team of skilled psychotherapists and addiction specialists are needed more than ever by people suffering from addictions, anxiety, stress and isolation. The online rehab programme, Castle Connect, enables people to engage with specialist addiction therapists from the comfort and safety of their own home. Many people who have considered rehab in the past will be able to use the lockdown as an opportunity to get the help they need. Professor Jonathan Chick, Medical Director at Castle…
Alcohol and Viral Immunity – Heavy Drinking Increases the Risk of Virus Infection
Excessive alcohol consumption is known to cause damage to both the physical and mental well-being, especially if consumed regularly or in large amounts. More so, it can lead to a lowered immune response, particularly when combined with stress. Castle Craig’s Medical Director, Professor Jonathan Chick, advises that during the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to avoid regular heavy drinking and heavy drinking sessions. Reducing or ceasing heavy drinking should improve immunity within days, (except in the case of liver damage). It is advisable to take extra precautions to keep ourselves and each other safe. As there is no known cure…
New Admissions Unit Opens at Castle Craig to Meet the Challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic
This blog article is not updated. For our latest Covid-19 Preparedness & Response Updates please visit our page castlecraig.co.uk/coronavirus In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Castle Craig rehab clinic has launched an innovative, separate admissions and detox unit to treat drug and alcohol addictions. The separate admissions unit, Kirkurd Unit, was created in response to the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic and the increased demand on NHS resources and closure of Private and NHS detox beds and rehab clinics around the UK. The Kirkurd Unit strives for enhanced Covid-19 screening at all stages of admission and detox and a 7 day social distancing…
Addiction Treatment and Alcohol Rehab for London, UK
Castle Craig London Castle Craig has been the UK’s leading provider of addiction treatment for 30 years. In addition to our residential rehabilitation clinics in Scotland and Ireland, we also offer diagnostic and referral services in London. For our London addiction treatment patients, we arrange residential rehab treatment at our clinic in Scotland or Ireland coupled with a range of London-based services available including psychiatric assessment, interventions, aftercare planning and sober coaching. We have strong connections to highly recommended London based addictions professionals to bring the best service to our clients. Visit our London website or contact us on +44…
Addiction Treatment and Alcohol Rehab for Sheffield, UK
Welcome to Castle Craig Alcohol and Drug Rehab Facility Serving Sheffield, UK What is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes people to obsessively seek and consume a substance or engage in an activity regardless of the consequences. Addiction is a terrible thing to witness. An uncontrollable need to continue doing something that is harmful is a disease that is with you for life and you need help to get through it or the chances are that it won’t end well at all. Addiction to drugs or alcohol or both can have devastating consequences for whole families, and…
Addiction Treatment and Alcohol Rehab for Birmingham, UK
Welcome to Castle Craig Alcohol and Drug Rehab Facility Serving Birmingham, UK What is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes people to obsessively seek and consume a substance or engage in an activity regardless of the consequences. Being addicted to something, no matter what your addiction is, can be an awful experience. Not being able to control yourself when it is damaging you, your relationships and work life has far-reaching consequences and can even end in death. Some addictions might seem more innocuous, perhaps easier to deal with or less harmful, but the truth is that once…
Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Rehab Clinic
Welcome to Castle Craig Alcohol and Drug Addiction Clinic, near Edinburgh, Midlothian Castle Craig is a private residential rehab clinic near Edinburgh which provides treatment for alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. Established in 1988 we have forged close ties with the private and NHS medical community in and around Edinburgh and across Scotland. Our Clinic is Near Edinburgh Driving to Castle Craig clinic from Edinburgh and the Lothians takes from 30 minutes. We regularly pick up patients from central Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley, the Lothian area, and Edinburgh International Airport. Thinking about Addiction Rehab Close to Edinburgh Why attend a residential…
Addiction Treatment and Alcohol Rehab for Liverpool, UK
Castle Craig drug rehab: helping people in Liverpool for over 30 years. Merseyside has a serious alcohol and drug problem and has had for years. Liverpool is known for being a party town and is also known for being one of the drug capitals of the UK. It has the dubious title of the drug abuse capital of England. Many bathrooms in local clubs have cocaine strewn across the back of the toilet seats and at night fights regularly break out in the city centre due to alcohol fueled sessions. The city is not just home to the Beatles but also…
Addiction Treatment and Alcohol Rehab for Manchester, UK
Welcome to Castle Craig Alcohol and Drug Rehab Facility Serving Manchester, UK What is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes people to obsessively seek and consume a substance or engage in an activity regardless of the consequences. Addiction in any form is a serious problem for everyone involved. Many people do not even realise that they have a problem until it is too late. There are many forms of addiction and if it becomes a problem where you cannot stop you need to seek help from a rehab facility where they have the resources to help. Addiction…
Photos of Castle Craig Rehab Clinic
Browse through our picture gallery showing scenes from daily life in rehab at Castle Craig clinic. All photographs have been taken at Castle Craig and with subject’s permission….
Participation
Public Participation Strategy 2008 – 2011 Castle Craig Hospital is focused on delivering a consistently high standard of healthcare, providing rapid access to treatment and good outcomes for those seeking treatment for addictive disease. We constantly endeavour to achieve continuous improvement of the care and services we offer to patients and their families who are referred to us from Scotland, other parts of the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Patient and Family Participation Castle Craig is committed to a policy of promoting participation in the planning and delivery of its services. Participation has already been incorporated into our…
