Addiction

Specialist Addiction Treatment and Recovery

No two experiences of addiction are the same.

Some people may be concerned about increasing substance use. Others may have experienced addiction for many years, previous relapses, withdrawal symptoms or significant effects on their mental health, relationships and everyday life.

Our Addiction Service takes a person-centred and recovery-focused approach, beginning with a comprehensive assessment to understand not only the addiction itself, but the person behind it.

Treatment may involve assessment, medically informed management of withdrawal and detoxification, psychiatric and psychological treatment, relapse-prevention strategies and ongoing recovery planning.

The aim is not simply to achieve short-term abstinence. We work with patients to support meaningful and sustainable recovery.

What We Treat

Our specialist team can assess and support adults experiencing substance-use and addiction-related difficulties, including:

• Alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence
• Drug addiction and substance-use disorders
• Misuse or dependence involving prescription or other substances
• Difficulties associated with repeated substance use
• Withdrawal and detoxification needs
• Repeated relapse following previous attempts to stop
• Addiction alongside depression, anxiety or other mental health difficulties
• Psychological, behavioural and social difficulties associated with addiction

You do not need to wait until addiction has reached a crisis point before asking for help.

Early assessment can help identify the level of support required and the most appropriate pathway for treatment.

Comprehensive Addiction Assessment

Effective addiction treatment starts with understanding what is happening and why.

Our clinicians undertake a detailed assessment of the person's substance use, mental health, physical wellbeing and wider circumstances.

Depending on individual needs, an assessment may explore:

• Substance use and addiction

  The substances being used, frequency and pattern of use, duration, tolerance, dependence, previous attempts to stop and any withdrawal symptoms.

• Mental health

  Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, mood changes, psychosis or other psychiatric conditions that may occur alongside addiction.

• Physical health

  Potential physical consequences of substance use and any medical factors that may influence treatment or withdrawal management.

• Daily life and functioning

  The impact addiction may be having on work, education, sleep, relationships, finances and independence.

• Family and social circumstances

  The patient's support network, home environment and the impact addiction may be having on those around them.

• Previous treatment

  Previous detoxification, rehabilitation, psychological therapy or other attempts at recovery and what can be learned from those experiences.

This comprehensive assessment helps our team develop an individualised addiction treatment and recovery plan.

Detoxification and Withdrawal Management

For some people who have developed physical dependence, suddenly stopping alcohol or certain substances can cause significant withdrawal symptoms and may require medical assessment and supervision.

Where clinically appropriate, our addiction pathway can incorporate detoxification and withdrawal management as part of a broader treatment programme.

Our clinicians assess the individual's level of dependence, physical and mental health, previous withdrawal experiences and potential risks before recommending the appropriate approach.

Detoxification is only one stage of recovery.

Where detoxification is required, it should form part of a wider treatment plan designed to address the psychological, behavioural and social factors associated with addiction and reduce the risk of relapse.

Treating Addiction and Mental Health Together

Addiction frequently exists alongside other mental health difficulties.

A person may use substances while experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep problems or other psychiatric symptoms. Substance use can also worsen existing mental health difficulties or make symptoms more difficult to understand and treat.

At Maudsley Health, addiction is treated within a specialist mental health service, allowing our clinicians to consider both addiction and mental health together.

Rather than treating substance use in isolation, our multidisciplinary approach enables us to develop a more complete understanding of the person's needs and coordinate their treatment accordingly.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Addiction Recovery

Recovery can involve several different areas of a person's life. Our model therefore brings together professionals from different clinical disciplines according to each patient's needs.

Care may involve expertise from areas including:

• Psychiatry

  Assessment, diagnosis, medication management where clinically appropriate and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions.

• Psychology

  Evidence-based psychological approaches to help patients understand triggers, thoughts, emotions and behaviours associated with substance use.

• Nursing

  Clinical monitoring, therapeutic support, medication management and support throughout treatment and recovery.

• Occupational Therapy

  Supporting the development of healthy routines, meaningful activity, independence and participation in everyday life.

Other members of the multidisciplinary team may become involved where clinically indicated.

Our clinicians work collaboratively so that treatment is coordinated around the patient rather than delivered as a series of disconnected interventions.

Psychological Treatment for Addiction

Long-term recovery often involves understanding the patterns that maintain addictive behaviour.

Psychological treatment can help patients explore:

• Triggers and high-risk situations
• Cravings and urges
• Thoughts and emotions associated with substance use
• Stress and coping strategies
• Motivation for change
• Relationships and interpersonal difficulties
• Behavioural patterns
• Emotional regulation
• Strategies for preventing relapse

Treatment is individualised according to the patient's clinical assessment, circumstances and recovery goals.

Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Recovery

Recovery does not end when substance use stops.

An important part of addiction treatment is helping people understand their personal risk factors and develop strategies that support longer-term recovery.

Relapse-prevention work may focus on identifying triggers, recognising early warning signs, managing cravings, developing healthier coping strategies and creating routines that support wellbeing.

Patients can also work towards rebuilding important areas of their lives affected by addiction — including relationships, work, physical health, confidence and independence.

Recovery is therefore viewed as a continuing process rather than a single treatment event.

Supporting Families Through Addiction

Addiction rarely affects one person alone.

Partners, parents, children and other family members may experience significant worry, uncertainty and emotional pressure when someone they care about is struggling with addiction.

Where appropriate and with the patient's involvement and consent, family members may form part of the recovery process.

Family involvement can help improve understanding of addiction, strengthen communication, establish healthier boundaries and create a more supportive environment for recovery.

Our approach recognises the importance of the individual while also acknowledging the wider impact addiction can have on families and relationships.

Inpatient Addiction Care in Abu Dhabi

Some patients may require a more structured level of support than can be provided through outpatient appointments alone.

Maudsley Health's specialist hospital model enables patients who require inpatient mental health and addiction care to receive treatment within a structured therapeutic environment, subject to clinical assessment and suitability.

Inpatient treatment allows for closer clinical monitoring and coordinated multidisciplinary care while providing the structure and therapeutic support that may be needed during more complex stages of treatment and recovery.

From the beginning of admission, treatment should look beyond the hospital stay itself.

Recovery planning therefore considers the patient's ongoing needs, independence, family circumstances and continuity of care following discharge.

From Treatment to Recovery

We believe successful addiction treatment should help people move towards a life that is meaningful to them.

A recovery plan may therefore address:

Stabilisation → understanding immediate clinical needs and managing risk.

Treatment → addressing addiction alongside relevant psychological and psychiatric needs.

Recovery → developing healthier coping strategies, routines and behaviours.

Relapse prevention → recognising triggers and creating strategies for maintaining progress.

Reintegration → supporting relationships, independence, meaningful activity and return to everyday life.

Continuity of care → planning appropriate follow-up and ongoing support beyond intensive treatment.

Our goal is to support recovery that extends beyond symptoms and into everyday life.

When Should You Seek Help for Addiction?

It may be time to speak with a professional if you or someone you care about:

• Finds it difficult to control alcohol or drug use
• Needs increasing amounts to achieve the same effect
• Experiences withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
• Has tried repeatedly to reduce or stop but has been unable to maintain the change
• Continues using substances despite harmful consequences
• Is experiencing problems at work, home or within relationships
• Uses substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression or difficult emotions
• Has lost interest in activities or responsibilities because of substance use
• Has experienced relapse after previous treatment
• Is concerned that substance use is beginning to take control of everyday life

You do not need to be certain that you have an addiction before speaking to us.

A specialist assessment can help determine what is happening and what level of support may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is addiction?

  Addiction is a condition in which a person can develop a powerful and persistent pattern of substance use or behaviour despite harmful consequences. It can involve changes in control, cravings, tolerance, withdrawal and continued use despite its impact on health or everyday life.

• Where can I get addiction treatment in Abu Dhabi?

  Maudsley Health provides specialist addiction assessment and treatment in Abu Dhabi as part of its wider mental health services. The appropriate treatment pathway is determined following clinical assessment.

• Do you provide alcohol addiction treatment?

  Yes. Our Addiction Service can assess people experiencing problematic alcohol use, alcohol dependence and associated mental health difficulties and recommend an appropriate treatment pathway.

• Do you provide drug addiction treatment?

  Our service provides specialist assessment and treatment for substance-use and addiction-related disorders. Treatment is individualised according to the substance involved, level of dependence, physical and mental health needs and wider clinical circumstances.

• Do you offer detoxification?

  Detoxification and withdrawal management may form part of the addiction pathway where clinically indicated. The appropriate setting and approach depend on the substance involved, level of dependence, withdrawal risk and the patient's overall health.

• Can addiction and depression or anxiety be treated together?

  Yes. Mental health conditions and substance-use problems can occur together. Our specialist mental health setting allows clinicians to assess these difficulties together and develop an integrated treatment plan.

• Is addiction treatment confidential?

  Patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality are fundamental to clinical care. Information is handled in accordance with applicable healthcare, privacy and professional requirements.

• Can families be involved in treatment?

  Where appropriate and with the patient's consent, families or significant others may be involved in treatment and recovery planning.

• What happens after addiction treatment?

  Recovery planning can include relapse prevention, follow-up treatment, psychological support, rebuilding routines and planning for continued recovery after more intensive treatment has finished.

You Don't Have to Face Addiction Alone

Asking for help can be one of the most important steps towards recovery.

Whether you are concerned about your own alcohol or drug use, have experienced repeated relapse, are worried about someone you care about, or simply want professional advice about what to do next, our specialist team can help you understand the options available.

Maudsley Health Addiction Services, Abu Dhabi provides specialist assessment, addiction treatment and recovery-focused mental healthcare designed around the needs of each individual.