For many of us, January marks the end of an extended season of over-indulgence.

But for those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, the festivities can shine a spotlight on lingering problems – or even make them worse.

Experts say this week in January, shortly after the dawn of a new year, is always the busiest time for new inquiries and admissions to rehab clinics as people decide to seek help after spending more time with friends and relatives when the pattern of alcohol or drug use, and its consequences, can be harder to hide.

People going sober for Dry January also motivates many with a more serious problem to make a positive change.

But for those keen to seek help, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There are around 200 rehab clinics across the country offering recovery programmes which help people to detox and provide support and treatment to stay clean and sober in the longer term.

Typically, patients are recommended to spend four weeks in a residential clinic following a programme of medical detox and recovery which, in the main, is based on the 12-Step Programme championed by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous – a structured path to recovery which involves group support and taking personal responsibility for addiction-related behaviour.

But while NHS funding is available, many people referred for rehab can expect to wait between six months and two years for a bed to become available.

It means the vast majority opt to pay privately – and this does not come cheap.

Prices typically start at around £7,000 and can go up to £30,000 or more for an average 28-day stay.

But there are significant variations in terms of cost, comfort and the types of therapy available.

For an ultimate guide to the nation’s rehab options, The Mail spoke to Scott Ardley, senior treatment advisor at Rehabs UK, a referral service which offers free assessments to make sure patients find the most appropriate clinic for their unique circumstances.

‘This week tends to be the busiest of the year for admissions to rehab units as people who have been struggling make New Year’s resolutions to tackle their problems,’ says Mr Ardley.

‘Christmas can also shine a spotlight on any issues, too, and help people to see their problems in a different way as they spend more time with friends and family than usual. For some, the festive period is also a trigger for underlying issues.

‘We can offer advice to people looking for help who might be confused by the range of options out there – getting the right type of help, first time, will help make your recovery more successful and save you money in the longer term.’

So what does Mr Ardley recommend?

Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury during your recovery, a retreat that also includes yoga classes and beach walks, or group therapy with a shared bedroom that won’t break the budget, read on for Rehabs UK’s guide to the best clinics – with options to suit every pocket and lifestyle.

Best for... a solid reputation and published success rates

Scott Ardley says: ‘If a clinic’s reputation is important to you, a good option is one of the nine treatment centres run by UK Addiction Treatment Centres, or UKAT.

'They have a clinic for every situation, from more luxurious lodges with ensuite facilities and extra-curricular activities to basic options and those which specialise in mental health or medically-assisted detox.

'They’ve been running for a long time, provide good-quality treatment whichever clinic you choose, and they have great patient reviews – plus the respect of the rehab industry.

'And while success rates in general don’t tend to be published, UKAT is one of the few treatment centres to do so. On its website, it says 93 per cent of its clients are still in recovery – in other words, have not significantly relapsed – one year after treatment.

'This is significantly above the only other industry-wide estimates which are available, which suggests around 30 to 60 per cent of patients remain clean and sober after 12 months.

'The company’s more cost-effective rehabs range from £8,000 to £10,000 for a month’s stay, and more "premium" Lodges – Sanctuary Lodge in Essex, Primrose Lodge in Surrey and Banbury Lodge in Oxfordshire – which cost £15,000.

'The extra cash does not affect the quality of treatment, which remains the same, but does provide a more retreat-style feel with ensuite rooms, gardens, gyms and dedicated chefs.’

Best for... those on a low budget

Scott Ardley says: ‘In general, cheaper clinics will have more beds and will focus more on group-based therapy programmes with less one-to-one support. In some places, you can also save more money by sharing a bedroom with another patient.

'These are suitable for people who have a standard addiction problem – in other words, not for those who have additional mental or physical health needs.

'But because there are no frills, the cost is significantly lower.

'One of the cheapest in the UK is Seasons Rehabilitation Centre in Walsall, which costs £6,850 a month, or the men-only Livingstone House in Birmingham, which is £7,000 for 28 days.

'Another one in Bournemouth, called Providence Projects, costs £8,000 for the month.

'For more homely settings, expect to pay a bit more. The Wellbourne Clinic in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, is a lovely little independent six-bed clinic which offers mindfulness alongside art and music therapy, and the Haynes Clinic, in Bedfordshire, houses 20 at any one time. Both will cost around £9,000 to £12,000 a month.’

Best for... a luxury approach to recovery

Scott Ardley says: ‘If your priority is luxury, a purpose-built clinic called Delamere Health in Cheshire is ideal – perfect for CEOs and the wealthy.

'The en-suite rooms are deluxe – think modern, boutique hotels – with wildflower meadows, yoga studios, a yurt, library, cinema, and six acres of grounds bordering onto Delamere Forest. Patients can expect five-star quality meals, tailored to their needs, with fresh juices and even personal training options.

'It also uses its own treatment model, rather than the 12-step philosophy, which combines group work and individual counselling to explore the roots of a patient's addiction with alternative therapies including yoga, art, and equine therapy.

'But obviously, this comes at a cost – around £25,000 a month for standard rooms up to £40,000 a month for the most premium suites.

'If money really is no object, there is also Montrose Retreats in the Peak District. This clinic only takes one person at a time, and everything is at your disposal – but it’ll cost up to £20,000 a week. It also treats burnout, bereavement and even "empty nest syndrome".’

Best for... combining rehab with a holiday

Scott Ardley says: ‘A lovely little clinic in Tenerife, Revelia Recovery Centre, allows you to have treatment alongside that holiday feeling.

'There will still be the strict treatment boundaries of rehab, but the rigours of the 12-Step Programme are combined with a year-round warm climate and direct seaside location – and with a few more luxuries like a swimming pool, beach trips and a bit of sunbathing. Activities also include island exploration and hiking.

'The costs are lower out there, so the first month may only come to £5,650 (£3,767 if you’re prepared to share a room). A detox programme costs extra.

'Harmony Clinic, based in Cape Town, South Africa, is a long-term option if you have extra time for recovery, and costs up to £20,000 for three months and £25,000 for six, which is extremely cost-effective.

'As well as the chance to explore another country and get away from your usual temptations, the clinic – which is surrounded by mountains and ocean – describes itself as "one of the most picturesque rehabilitation centres in South Africa" and offers a tennis court, gym and swimming pool, along with beach and mountain hikes.

'Flights to either would have to be booked separately, although airport transfers are included.’

Best for... those who want a celeb-endorsed big brand

Scott Ardley says: ‘Everyone has heard of the Priory Group, which has treated big name celebrities such as Eric Clapton, Kate Moss and Robbie Williams.

'They’re a strong brand which ticks all of the boxes, particularly when it comes to adhering to the Care Quality Commission’s regulations.

'They are expensive – up to around £30,000 per month – but they’re reliable and tried and tested, and they are particularly good if you have additional mental health issues which require treatment, or physical health problems linked to your addiction. They also have specialist medical detox rooms for those who need the most support to beat their addiction.

'A range of personalised treatment options and shorter recovery programmes are available, with the possibility of combining residential care with day care.’

Best for... a non-medicated approach

Scott Ardley says: ‘There has been a sharp rise in the last year or two of what we call "recovery retreats" – rehab which does not involve medical detoxes.

'Many rehab patients will receive prescription medication to help them manage withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drugs. However, these aren't necessary for every addiction. And some people may prefer to avoid medicines altogether.    

'For these patients, there are medicine-free options. 

'The cost is slightly lower because there is no medical support on site, but they still offer a rehab-style approach by putting in place the same 12–step programmes, strict boundaries and therapy.

'Ark House Rehab in Scarborough is around £5,000 a month, and there’s one in Lowestoft called Harmony House which is run by a Christian charity and costs around the same while and offering life coaching, physical training and optional spiritual development, too.

'They’re slightly less regimented than standard rehabs – patients generally have televisions in bedrooms, and are allowed the occasional use of their phones.

'Meanwhile, Nest Healthcare in Clacton-on-Sea (£12,500) has only five bedrooms and specialises in mental health alongside addiction. They are particularly well-suited to older individuals and those with additional physical needs, or those with neurodiversity.’

Best for... less religion in the programme

Scott Ardley says: ‘The traditional 12-Step Programme used by most clinics includes spiritual language and refers to a "higher power" – reflecting the more religious 1930s era in which it was originally written.

'While times have changed, and clinics are usually careful to explain that this does not necessarily have to mean "God" in a religious sense, the programme still uses the original wording and remains deeply rooted in spirituality, which can prove off-putting to some patients.

'For those who would prefer a more secular approach, there are some clinics who offer evidence-based programmes which don’t follow the 12-Step protocol.

'These generally include talking therapy and "SMART" recovery principles, which involves patients identifying positive reasons to change, overhauling their lifestyles, and developing tools to manage their thoughts and feelings. Some elements of 12-step work can then be incorporated if appropriate.

'Many of these clinics also offer additional therapies such as mindfulness coaching, Reiki, yoga and beach walks.

'They’re slower in pace, and more one-to-one focused, in that the treatment plan tends to be designed around the patient, rather than a one-size-fits-all programme.

'Examples include Gladstones Clinic Cotswolds (£13,340), in Gloucestershire, and Oasis Recovery Bradford (£9,995), which offers drumming therapy, mindfulness and art therapy as part of its package.’

Best for... not being an in-patient

Scott Ardley says: ‘Not everyone wants to – or can afford to – spend weeks as an in-patient. There are options for community-based care which are significantly cheaper and allow you to stay at home.

'These tend to involve a referral to a private GP who is a specialist in rehab. They can oversee an at-home medical detox, should you need one, and offer either in-person or online counselling and therapy sessions. This will take longer than if you were at a residential centre.

'But for two to six months of treatment, it can cost between £500 and £3,000. If you need a medical detox, that increases to between £1,800 and £4,000.

'We can recommend doctors who are respected rehab specialists and have worked in the industry for many years.

'The Priory also offers non-residential, daycare treatment as well as online support options – and a special digital app, complete with breathalyser, which gives you the option of taking charge of your own recovery at home. This can be genuinely helpful for some people if their addiction is mild.

'Alternatively, you can take advantage of charity support services in the community, which are funded by local authorities, and what we call "the Fellowship" – Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

'All will have local group meetings and help with rehabilitation.'

You can access all of these through your GP, or visit: www.nhs.uk/nhs–services/find–alcohol–addiction–support–services. For drugs, visit www.talktofrank.com/get–help/find–support–near–you

For more information on these and other options, or to speak to a treatment advisor for a free assessment, visit www.rehabsuk.com