Last Updated:
January 27th, 2026
Emergency rehab admissions
Emergency rehab is the same-day or next-day admission to an addiction treatment facility for someone in crisis. When alcohol or drug addiction has reached a point where waiting is dangerous, emergency admission bypasses the usual process and gets someone into care immediately. This isn’t about queue-jumping for convenience, but is crucial in situations where a delay could be dangerous or even put someone’s life at risk.
When would someone need emergency rehab?
Not everyone needs emergency admission. Standard rehab programmes typically have a few days between enquiry and arrival, which works fine for most people. Emergency admission is for situations where that gap is too risky. Situations where emergency help for drug addiction and alcoholism may be needed include:
- Severe alcohol addiction, where stopping suddenly could cause seizures or delirium tremens
- Opioid addiction with recent overdose or escalating use
- Benzodiazepine addiction, where withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening
- Withdrawal symptoms from other substances that are already dangerous or unbearable
- Suicidal thoughts, either because of addiction or withdrawal
- A crisis point, such as job loss, relationship breakdown, or arrest, where the window to act is closing
- A relapse after previous treatment, where the person knows they need help now
- Co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, which put the person at risk
If someone you care about is in immediate danger, A&E is the right first step. But once they’re medically stable, emergency rehab can get them straight into proper addiction treatment, rather than needing to wait weeks for an NHS referral.
Emergency rehab is less common for behavioural addiction as there is no physical withdrawal risk. However, crisis admissions do happen when someone’s behaviour has become immediately dangerous, or they’re at risk of self-harm.
What are the signs that emergency rehab is needed?
It is not always obvious whether someone needs emergency admission or can wait a few days for a standard programme. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if you are worried at all, you should consider getting emergency help. Calling a rehab centre to describe what is happening costs nothing, and they can help you judge whether it’s urgent enough for immediate admission.
Some physical warning signs that emergency help for alcoholics or drug users is needed include:
- Shaking, sweating, or tremors when they haven’t had a drink or taken drugs
- Confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Seizures or a history of seizures during withdrawal
- Vomiting blood or being unable to keep fluids down
Behavioural warning signs:
- Talking about suicide or self-harm
- Being unable to go more than a few hours without using
- Using drugs or drinking alone and in increasing amounts
- Mixing substances for stronger effects
- A previous overdose in the past few weeks
Situational warning signs:
- A crisis that has forced the issue, like an arrest, job loss, homelessness, or hospitalisation
- Previous attempts to stop failing because admission took too long
How does emergency rehab work?
Emergency admission compresses what normally takes days into a matter of hours. A clinical team carries out a rapid assessment by phone, covering what you’re using, how much, your medical background, and how urgent the situation is. If the centre has a bed and you’re a suitable case, you can usually be admitted the same day.
The first priority is making sure you’re physically safe. With alcohol and certain drugs, withdrawal can be life-threatening, so medical detox begins immediately. You will be monitored around the clock, with medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Once the immediate danger has passed, treatment turns to understanding what is driving the addiction. This might involve one-to-one therapy, psychiatric assessment if mental health issues are involved, and planning what happens after the immediate crisis has passed.
Generally speaking, the clinical work is the same as any other quality drug or alcohol rehab programme, but it just starts faster. After the acute danger has passed, some people complete the rest of their treatment at the emergency facility, while others stabilise and then transfer to a longer programme elsewhere.
How do I get emergency rehab?
The fastest route is calling a private rehab centre directly. Many facilities keep beds available specifically for emergency cases and can admit within hours if the situation is urgent enough.
You don’t need a GP referral, and you don’t need to have tried other treatments first. If someone is in crisis and can pay privately (or has insurance that covers it), admission can happen today.
For those without funds for private treatment, options are more limited. NHS crisis teams can help with immediate psychiatric risk, and some areas have emergency detox beds, but availability varies, and waits are common. In a genuine emergency, A&E will stabilise someone medically, but they won’t provide ongoing addiction treatment.
What you will usually need for a rapid private admission:
- Basic information about substance use and medical history
- Payment details or insurance information
- Someone to arrange transport if the person in crisis can’t do it themselves
What to do while you wait for admission
Even same-day admission takes a few hours to arrange, and what happens in that window matters. If the person is severely alcohol dependent, do not encourage them to stop drinking suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal can cause fatal seizures, so even though it sounds bad, let them drink enough to avoid going into acute withdrawal until medical staff can take over.
Always keep someone with them, even if they say they’re fine, and do not let them drive. Many emergency rehab centres can arrange transport, so find out what is available and make the arrangements.
While you are waiting for transport or before taking them yourself, you can help them pack. They will need the basics like clothes, toiletries, and any prescription medications with the original packaging. Most facilities will provide everything else.
Keep your phone nearby at all times. The clinical team from the emergency alcohol or drug rehab centre may call, and you’ll need to move quickly once a bed is confirmed.
How can Recovery.org help?
If you’re looking for emergency rehab for yourself or someone else, Recovery.org can help you find a centre with immediate availability.
Contact us today, and we can help you assess whether emergency admission is the right move and connect you with a suitable centre quickly. If it’s a medical emergency, like someone unconscious, having a seizure, or at immediate risk of harm, call 999 first. We’re here for the step after that.