Calls to addiction help centre in Luton rise amid cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis has ramped up calls to a Luton addiction centre – up almost 11 percent in the last three months.

And thousands of pleas for help with drug and alcohol abuse are coming through every month and this number continues to rise. Many say their relationship with drugs and alcohol has worsened since the recent ongoing cost of living crisis.

Liberty House in Luton is a residential rehabilitation facility operated by the UK Addiction Treatment Group and treats people from across the eastern region for addictions ranging from drugs and alcohol to gaming, gambling and porn.

Its admissions helpline is receiving thousands of calls each month from people desperately seeking treatment as their dependencies worsen.

In August this year there were 4,684 calls for help, rising to 4,797 in September and rocketing to 5,219 in October - an 11 percent increase in just three months.

The rise in calls is naturally increasing the number being admitted to the Bedfordshire treatment centre.

Last year Liberty House admitted 314 people into treatment - a figure already exceeded this year, with two difficult months ahead.

The centre, rated as Outstanding by the Government’s independent regulatory body the Care Quality Commission (CQC), provides 24/7 addiction treatment, care and support, with clients typically staying at the facility for an average of 28 days before starting life in recovery.

And it obviously works, as former clients testify.

One said: “Never have I ever received care like this. The whole team has been ultra amazing.

"I have found the inner peace I have been searching for my whole adult life. I am now able to embark on my journey of sobriety and live out the best years of my life. God bless each and every member of staff in here. They all excel at what they do and have passed on knowledge that is priceless. #onedayatatime.”

Another wrote: “I have had an incredible journey of growth at Liberty House. The staff has been kind and helpful and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to sober up in a safe environment, surrounded by likeminded peers, with excellent therapy and insightful group sessions.

"I came in thinking that the best years of my life were behind me and now I feel that the best years of my life are ahead of me. Thank you Liberty House!”

Head of treatment Nuno Albuquerque said: “The cost of living crisis has been attributed as being the biggest trigger for anxiety, stress and trauma – emotions that addiction loves to thrive off.

“Unfortunately, people have always turned to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms in life, a behaviour that now more than ever will be exacerbated as living conditions for a lot of people become extremely difficult to cope with.

“If you are struggling, please reach out. Our fantastic team will guide you in the right direction and get you the best help for you.”

> Liberty House has 24/7 confidential online chat available online or call 0808 274 8029.