Residential Rehab is not just for the rich and famous, it is a key element in any recovery-orientated system for the treatment of drug or alcohol dependency. When used appropriately it can be an effective treatment suitable for a range of drug and alcohol misusers at different stages in their treatment journey.

Whilst community treatment interventions are most appropriate for the majority of individuals, residential rehab is particularly suitable for those people whose addiction is long-term and entrenched; who are likely to be socially excluded; unemployed; homeless; lacking in life skills; persistent or prolific offenders; or don't have supportive networks. It is also beneficial for those people for whom it would not be appropriate to receive treatment in their local area (for example, they need to escape criminal networks, or the majority of their family or peer group are also substance dependent). 

In any particular year, around 4000 people in England access treatment for drug dependency via residential rehab. This represents around 2% of treatment episodes.

Unfortunately, whilst residential rehab is considered to be an essential part of any treatment system, it has not experienced the same growth as community based provision, and its usage is often missing or inadequate.