Our Recovery Philosophy
Our recovery philosophy is built on empathy, expertise, and proven strategies. We focus on treating the person, not just the addiction.
Our philosophy moves beyond traditional rehab and AA models to provide tailored, one-on-one therapy and step-by-step tools for lasting change. From uncovering the root causes to rebuilding trust and creating a unique plan, we walk with you every step of the way.
“I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom. I lost my business, my relationships, and my self-worth. Therapy gave me the tools to rebuild my life—and now I help others do the same.” – Luke Worsfold, Founder
In this article, we’ll explore our unique recovery philosophy—a holistic approach that blends innovative therapy techniques, personal accountability, and emotional healing to address the root causes of addiction.
We’ll compare traditional methods like rehab and AA with our structured programme, highlighting how our 8-week framework offers a more flexible, affordable, and personalised path to recovery.
You’ll also learn about the tools, techniques, and real-world strategies we use to help clients break free from addiction, rebuild trust, and create lasting change.
THE CHALLENGE
Alcohol misuse in the UK
Over the last 30 years, there has been a gradual increase pertaining to how many people die each year as a result of alcohol. In 1995, that number was around 4,500 whereas in 2016 it reached just over 9,000. From 2019 to 2020, the rate of alcohol-caused death increased by just under 20%. The NHS recommends that individuals ingest no more than 2 units of alcohol on average per day. However, as of 2017, the percentage of adults in the UK who claimed to drink 5 or more times a week was 10%. The same study also found that, on their heaviest drinking day of the week, almost 7% of women exceeded 9 units and 10% of men exceeded 12 units.
Drug misuse in the UK
Amongst adults aged 16 to 59, just over 2% in the UK used drugs more than once a month, considering their use as ‘frequent’. This percentage increased to over 4% in those aged 16 to 24. Just under 3,000 people died in the UK in 2020 due to drug misuse, and a further 4,500 died specifically due to drug poisoning. Around 1.3 million people said that they used a (Class A) drug over the course of the year in 2019. In the same report, 1 in 9 young people said that they had taken a drug in the last month, 8.7% of which said they used a Class A drug.
The Landscape of Treatment Methods
The addiction industry is currently shaped by five core approaches, each of which our lead counsellor Luke has extensive experience in both delivering and managing effectively.
This diverse expertise allows for a comprehensive understanding and application of various strategies essential for effective addiction treatment and recovery.
Each approach has its own set of barriers, costs, and limitations, especially in the context of the post-COVID world where location-based treatments requiring physical travel have become impractical.
A brief overview of the 5 approaches:
Rehabilitation Centers:
This involves living at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive treatment. It's beneficial for severe addictions as it provides a controlled environment, constant medical care, and access to professionals.
Barriers & Limitations:
For instance, some rehab programs show an abstinence rate of 46%, but 48% of patients leave treatment prematurely. The average duration of treatment is 16 weeks, with a steep average cost of £5,000 per week, summing up to around £80,000, which is often financially unfeasible for many.
Behavioural Therapies:
Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) typically helps individuals manage their thoughts and is a therapy mostly focused on the brain.
Barriers & Limitations:
It mostly focuses on cognition as opposed to emotions and underlying trauma. A study that conducted meta-analyses reveals that CBT does not demonstrate superior efficacy compared to other specific modalities in treating alcohol or other drug use disorders.
Peer Support Groups:
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a supportive community of individuals who are going through similar experiences. These groups provide a space for sharing experiences and strategies for staying sober.
Barriers & Limitations:
These groups focus on peer support. This means the person who is helping you is often not trained in psychology or counselling. This non-clinical support from individuals with similar conditions is a big limitation of this approach. Furthermore, the religious nature of some 12-step approaches and the requirement one stay in meetings for the rest of their life can deter some individuals.
Online Communities and video programmes (Sober Bloggers):
They often share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes in recovery. These stories can be inspiring and offer practical insights into the process of overcoming addiction. Many sober bloggers offer tips on staying sober, dealing with cravings, and managing life in recovery.
Barriers & Limitations:
Again, many of these individuals lack the proficient training and qualifications to help clients deal with their deep-rooted traum that leads to addiction.
Community programmes:
Such as Open Road and the Probation Service aim to facilitate comprehensive recovery pathways. The Building Skills for Recovery (BSR) program, a group-based psychosocial initiative, focuses on reducing offending behaviour and problematic substance misuse, guiding participants towards recovery. This is achieved through a personalised 'Recovery toolkit' to prevent relapse. Additionally, Change Grow Live (CGL) offers vital support by helping individuals understand their situations and formulate plans to achieve their recovery goals. This service includes group support with an addiction worker, focusing on relapse prevention, coping skills, and life skills.
Barriers & Limitations:
Government statistics indicate that 98% of people receive community-based treatment in groups and about a third (36%) leave without even completing treatment. From personal experience, many clients are deterred by the obligatory participation in group work, a consequence of overwhelming demand and limited budgets in community support programs.
To summarise the diverse treatment landscape is comprised of outdated modes that lack depth such as AA or community support.
Then on the other end, expensive options such as rehab are unattainable for many on an average yearly salary of £34,963 as the cost is in excess of £20,000 more than 50% of a year's wages.
This underscores the need for adaptable, accessible, and individual-focused approaches in the field of addiction recovery.
Addiction Continuum
To summarise the diverse treatment landscape is comprised of outdated modes that lack depth such as AA or community support.
Then on the other end, expensive options such as rehab are unattainable for many on an average yearly salary of £34,963 as the cost is in excess of £20,000 more than 50% of a year's wages.
This underscores the need for adaptable, accessible, and individual-focused approaches in the field of addiction recovery.
Our Research
Our research involved comprehensive data collection from a variety of sources, providing us with a deep and rich dataset of primary data not publicly accessible. By analyzing direct interactions with clients during counselling sessions, we gained first-hand insight into the challenges they were facing. Additionally, we reviewed over 100 assessments conducted with clients to identify common patterns in their mental state, issues, and recovery goals.
Feedback from traditional counselling, specifically through DBT therapy, was collected via surveys from clients who completed our old program. This feedback was crucial in identifying gaps in the traditional approach. We also gathered over 300 surveys from clients, querying their preferences for treatment delivery (online vs. face-to-face), willingness to pay, and desired program features like personal interaction and one-on-one support.
To further understand client needs and the starting point for our program, we dissected countless sales calls and collated hundreds of contact forms from clients outlining the help they sought. An analysis of competitors’ programs, such as Alan Carr's Method and Annie Grace's Naked Mind, offered a view of the existing support landscape, highlighting what was available to clients. Our online research spanned forums and answer sites like Reddit and Quora, broadening our understanding of people's self-reported struggles with addiction.
This culturally diverse dataset ensured our findings were not isolated, providing a well-rounded perspective on the daily challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction. This multifaceted approach to data collection informed our program development, ensuring it is grounded in the real-world needs and preferences of those seeking recovery.
Obsidian software
Obsidian is an innovative note-taking and research application that stands out for its unique features and emphasis on enhancing non-linear thinking.
It allowed us to create internal links between notes, offering a dynamic and visual representation of these connections through graph visualisation. As you can see in the image below.
This feature is particularly effective in organising and structuring thoughts and knowledge in a flexible, non-linear way. Prioritising privacy, Obsidian ensures all notes are stored directly on the user's device, providing enhanced confidentiality and security.
In the context of our data set, every piece of information was manually inputted and intricately linked within Obsidian, enabling the emergence of thematic connections that might have remained obscure with traditional methods. This approach, combined with first principles thinking, has been instrumental in advancing scientific discovery by allowing us to connect disparate dots and uncover deeper insights.
Research Highlights: 9 Key Themes Identified
- Not understanding the brain and how addiction works or being able to manage their thinking or cravings: They did not understand how addiction worked in the brain and this limited their ability to change said behaviour.
- Struggled with relapses and how to stay on track: Often clients would relapse and drink or use drugs and quit the journey or give up.
- They did not know why they did it or where the behaviour came from.
- Dealing with trauma and underlying issues that arose from the exploration into their own mind: Or just trauma from the past that was contributing to them drinking and using drugs.
- An inability to regulate emotions in a healthy way or have healthy coping mechanisms: Most clients would immediately turn to drink or drugs to cope.
- Over the years addiction had a great impact on their intimate relationship (marriage) and the trust had been eroded: They in most cases had been given an ultimatum and their relationship hanging on by a thread.
- With alcohol and drugs so prevalent in our society clients struggled with managing social events and how to relate to their peer group, not through drugs or alcohol.
- Due to all the ignored consequences or one's actions many clients experienced high levels of guilt and shame which was a contributing factor to low self-worth.
- How to build long-lasting recovery: many clients would do well for a few weeks or months but then old behaviour would creep back in: So it was important to address how to achieve long-term recovery.
Our Recovery Philosophy
The research and themes led us to conclude that clients needed more than just counselling. That is why we created the comprehensive programme you can see below.
Receiving these 4 pillars of support ensures the client can keep functioning in their daily life and integrate the changes into their life. Whilst having a depth of support that is never too far away. This balance was meticulously thought out and intentional.
Our Programme
Our chronological 8-week programme:
- YOUR MIND - This module introduces clients to their thought patterns and the way their brain is wired. This allows them to become aware of their triggers, cravings and the justifications they make as to why they drink.
- TAKE CONTROL - This module takes clients through a step-by-step process so they can build a plan of action that allows them to gain certainty as to what lies ahead. It also teaches them accountability tools and to understand the consequences of their actions. Teaches more cognitive psychological tools.
- YOUR WHY - This module takes them through a 2 step process where the client maps out their life and past experiences. Then connect the past events and to situations in the present day that may be triggering them or playing out in the here and now.
- DISARMING TRIGGERS - This module teaches clients what emotions are and how to regulate them without relying on drinking or drugs. They go through and learn a range of tools such as journalling, therapy and how to build self-worth.
- LETTING GO - This module is about making amends. A client looks back at their life story and pinpoints any sources of their guilt and shame and process the emotions from the past.
- REBUILDING TRUST - This module is about rebuilding the trust in their relationship and discovering alignment between their partner and themselves.
- SOCIAL LIFE - This module dives deep into how clients can navigate social situations without drinking or using drugs. It also covers how to decide on their peer group and do more sober activities.
- WHAT'S AHEAD? - This module takes clients through a step-by-step process so they can create a 12-month plan to stay on track and minimise slips and relapses in the first year of recovery.
Method of delivery: The 4 Pillars
- 29 Video lessons: Clients receive access to an online website where they can consume the videos at their own time and pace.
- 1:1 counselling sessions: The client has a counsellor who provides weekly 1:1 counselling sessions for the 8 weeks.
- Psychoanalysis of 14 worksheets: The client has 14 worksheets to complete as they go through the programme which then get analysed by their counsellor and discussed in the client's sessions.
- Accountability phone calls: The client has access to the counsellor's private number for ad hoc calls when needed in between sessions to deal with cravings or challenging situations.
Our Programme vs Rehab, AA & Normal Counselling
1. OUR PROGRAMME vs REHAB
Feature
Counselling Programme
Traditional Rehab
Why Counselling Programme is Better
Duration
8-16 weeks of support
Typically 30-90 days
Flexible duration accommodates individual needs and promotes sustained recovery.
Format
One-on-one counselling, online video program, worksheets, psychoanalysis
Group sessions, and in-person meetings
A personalised approach caters to individual recovery needs.
Access to Counsellor
Direct phone number for extra check-ins, personalised counselling sessions
Scheduled sessions, limited direct access
Enhanced accessibility and support for clients, fostering a stronger counsellor-client relationship.
Therapeutic Approach
An integrative approach combining CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Psychodynamic Therapy
A varied, often one-size-fits-all approach
Tailored therapy offers a comprehensive and effective treatment plan, enhancing personal growth and recovery.
Programme Design
Based on real people’s challenges, a structured recovery program, 24/7 video program access
Standardised programs not always personalised
The evidence-based foundation ensures the program is closely aligned with client needs for more effective outcomes.
Accountability
Weekly texts and reminders, option for family sessions
Standard check-ins
Ensures clients stay engaged and supported, enhancing the sense of accountability and progress.
Success Monitoring
Detailed feedback through worksheets, personal and direct follow-up
Often general feedback, less personalised
Allows for precise adjustments to the recovery plan, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.
Ethical Guarantees
7-day and 60-day money-back guarantees
Varies, often no money-back guarantee
Reduces risk for clients, demonstrating confidence in program effectiveness and client satisfaction.
Certification of Counsellors
All counsellors are professionals registered with BACP, combining professional and personal experience with addiction
Varies, not all programs may offer counsellors with personal addiction recovery experience
Ensures high ethical standards, professional competency, and empathetic understanding.
2. OUR PROGRAMME vs AA
Feature
Counselling Programme
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Why Counselling Programme is Better
Approach
Personalised, one-on-one counselling sessions, plus online resources and worksheets
Peer-led group meetings focused on the 12-step programme
Individualised therapy offers tailored support addressing specific needs and root causes of addiction.
Format
Hybrid of online and direct communication (phone support, video sessions)
In-person group meetings, with some online meetings available
Flexibility and privacy of online options cater to those who may need confidentiality or cannot attend in-person meetings.
Duration
Structured 8-16 week program with the option for extended support
Continuous, with no set end date; members are encouraged to attend meetings indefinitely
The structured timeline provides clear milestones and goals, which can be motivating and provide a sense of progress.
Therapeutic Techniques
Integrates various modalities like CBT, Transactional Analysis, and Psychodynamic Therapy
Non-clinical, spiritual framework emphasising personal inventory, amends, and reliance on a higher power
The use of evidence-based therapeutic techniques offers a comprehensive approach to dealing with the psychological aspects of addiction.
Access to Counsellor
Direct access to a counsellor for one-on-one sessions and additional check-ins
Primarily in group settings; personal sponsorship for one-on-one support, but not professional counselling
Direct access to professional support can provide a more in-depth and personalised recovery experience.
Programme Design
Based on empirical research and tailored to address the root causes of addiction
Based on the shared experiences of others in recovery and the 12 steps
A research-based program designed to address individual challenges can offer more targeted support
Accountability
Scheduled sessions and check-ins provide structured accountability
Self-motivated attendance at meetings; sponsors may provide informal accountability
Professional accountability may enhance motivation and commitment to recovery.
Cost
Programme fees apply, with different packages available
No fees; voluntary contributions are welcomed
While AA's lack of fees is a significant advantage for many, some may find value in the structured support and resources that come with a paid programme.
Community Support
Primarily professional support, with some opportunity for group sessions upon request
Strong emphasis on community, anonymity, and mutual support
AA's community-focused model provides a sense of belonging and understanding that is invaluable for many in recovery.
Outcome Monitoring
Worksheets and feedback mechanisms to monitor progress
Informal, based on personal share and sponsor feedback
Formal outcome monitoring can help in adjusting the recovery plan for better effectiveness.
3. OUR PROGRAMME vs NORMAL COUNSELLING
Feature
Counselling Programme
General Counselling
Why Counselling Programme is Better
Focus
Specialised in addiction recovery, addressing the root causes and triggers of addiction specifically.
Broad, can cover a wide range of issues not limited to addiction.
Tailored focus ensures a deeper understanding and more effective strategies for addiction recovery.
Approach
Integrative, combining various therapeutic modalities specifically chosen for addiction treatment (e.g., CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy).
Varied, depending on the counsellor's specialisation; may not always align with addiction recovery needs.
The specialised approach is designed to combat addiction specifically, potentially offering more effective outcomes.
Duration
Structured 8-16 week program with clear goals and milestones, plus ongoing support options.
Typically open-ended, with no set duration or specific milestones for recovery.
The structured timeframe provides clarity, motivation, and measurable progress in recovery.
Support Structure
One-on-one sessions supplemented by online resources, worksheets, psychoanalysis, and direct access to a counsellor.
Primarily one-on-one sessions, possibly without the supplementary materials or direct access outside of sessions.
Additional resources and direct access enhance support, offering tools and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Accountability
Structured with regular check-ins, progress monitoring through worksheets, and ethical guarantees.
Less structured; accountability mainly comes from regular session attendance.
Increased accountability measures can significantly benefit individuals in recovery, keeping them engaged and on track.
Programme Design
Based on empirical research and tailored specifically to addiction recovery, incorporating real-life challenges and triggers.
May not be specifically designed for addiction recovery or based on empirical research related to addiction.
The evidence-based, targeted design addresses the complex nature of addiction more effectively.
Cost
Fixed program pricing, with options ranging from video-only to comprehensive one-on-one counselling sessions.
Typically charged per session, without a fixed total cost for a recovery programme.
Upfront program cost provides transparency and allows for budgeting; the value is clear from the start.
Community and Anonymity
Offers some level of community through group options; prioritises anonymity and privacy in one-on-one sessions.
Community aspect may be lacking; privacy and anonymity depend on the counselling setting.
Privacy and the option for anonymity in a specialised setting can make individuals more comfortable sharing and engaging.
Outcome and Success Monitoring
Formal outcome monitoring through worksheets and feedback, with ethical guarantees for program effectiveness.
Success is often evaluated informally based on client feedback and perceived progress.
Formal monitoring and ethical guarantees provide reassurance of the program’s effectiveness and commitment to client success.
Certification and Experience
Counselors are specifically trained and experienced in addiction recovery, often with personal recovery experience.
General counselling credentials; may lack specialisation or personal experience in addiction recovery.
Specialised training and experience equip counsellors with a deeper understanding and more effective strategies for addressing addiction.
REFERENCES
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a80e6d5ed915d74e33fd0dd/glossary-of-programmes.pdf
- https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/alcohol-treatment-care-options#:~:text=Making%20positive%20changes%20in%20your,help%20and%20inspire%20each%20other.&text=You%20can%20take%20part%20in,Live%20drug%20and%20alcohol%20services
- https://www.rehab-recovery.co.uk/articles/addiction-statistics-in-the-uk/
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020#overall-trends-in-drug-misuse
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/datasets/deathsrelatedtodrugpoisoningenglandandwalesreferencetable
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832533/drug-misuse-2019-hosb2119.pdf
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/drugusealcoholandsmoking/datasets/adultdrinkinghabits
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/causesofdeath/datasets/alcoholrelateddeathsintheunitedkingdomreferencetable1
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/quarterlyalcoholspecificdeathsinenglandandwales/2001to2019registrationsandquarter1jantomartoquarter4octtodec2020provisionalregistrations
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2020-to-2021/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2020-to-2021-report#people-starting-treatment-substances-age-and-referral-source
- https://fpm.ac.uk/opioids-aware-clinical-use-opioids/current-uk-data-opioid-misuse
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2019-to-2020/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2019-to-2020-report
- https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/about-us/research-studies/cocaine-addiction-2007/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6856400/
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