Alcoholism, often described as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, is when someone struggles to control their drinking despite harm to their health, relationships, work, finances or daily life.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not operate a residential rehab centre and we do not provide clinical treatment directly. We help people understand alcohol rehab, detox and treatment options and, where appropriate, connect with suitable treatment providers.
Get in TouchRecovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance and referral support to help you understand alcohol rehab options and discuss suitable providers where appropriate.
There are several warning signs of alcoholism. The main symptoms of alcoholism that you can look out for include the following:
It’s not always possible to determine what exactly causes alcohol addictions.
Some people will use alcohol as a way of escaping certain feelings of stress or other negative feelings and will become addicted to the temporary high.
There are some risk factors that may make someone more likely to become addicted to alcohol, including the following:
Some genetic factors can make some people more likely to develop an alcohol addiction, and people with addiction in the family are usually more likely to develop addictions themselves.
Studies suggest that people who start drinking before the age of 15 may be more likely to have drinking problems later in their lives.
If you have easy access to alcohol, this can make you more likely to develop a drinking problem.
When someone is very stressed or anxious, they may start to consume alcohol as a way of coping with these feelings.
People who are surrounded by friends or family members who drink regularly or excessively may eventually have alcohol-related problems themselves.
It is suggested that people with low self-esteem are more likely to consume too much alcohol.
People who have depression may use alcohol as self-treatment; however, consuming alcohol can increase the risk of depression.
There is no specific reason why people become addicted to alcohol. Every addict has a different story about how they got to the position they’re in.
Alcohol can have many effects on both your physical health and mental health. This can include the following:
Alcohol dependency interferes with the communication pathways in your brain and can affect how the brain works. The changes can affect a person’s mood, behaviours, and can make it harder for them to think clearly.
Heavy drinking over a long time can cause damage to the heart and various issues can come such as an irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
Heavy drinking can have a bad effect on the liver and can cause effects such as steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis.
Drinking alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances and this can lead to dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels within the pancreas and prevents proper digestion.
Alcohol abuse can increase the chances of cancers such as head and neck cancer, liver cancer, oesophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
Drinking too much can weaken the immune system and make it harder for your to overcome illnesses or make you more likely to pick up illnesses.
Alcoholism can cause various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
People who are physically dependent on alcohol may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop or reduce drinking. Symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
Alcohol withdrawal can be medically risky. Suitability for detox should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional or treatment provider. If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 999. For non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak to a GP.
Treatment options for alcohol addiction vary by person and provider. A suitable provider may recommend one or more of the following:
These may include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, relapse prevention work or other structured therapies.
Medication may be considered by an appropriately qualified professional where clinically appropriate, including during alcohol detox.
Peer support and mutual aid groups can help some people feel less isolated and maintain progress alongside professional support.
Recovery Scotland can help you explore available pathways, but clinical diagnosis and treatment should be provided by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional or treatment provider.
If you are worried about alcohol use for yourself or someone else, Recovery Scotland can help you understand the treatment options that may be available.
We do not provide clinical treatment directly and we do not operate a rehab centre. Where appropriate, we can discuss suitable alcohol rehab and detox providers and support the referral or enquiry process.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
All of our staff are fully qualified and dedicated to your recovery so you can feel safe in our care during your stay. Registered with Health Improvement Scotland, our staff are up to date with the latest addiction treatment policies and safety training.
John Gillen
European Pioneer of NAD+ Therapy
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy.
His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases.
The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists.
Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
John Gillen
European Pioneer of NAD+ Therapy
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy.
His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases.
The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists.
Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Madissar Iqbal
Madissar has a wealth of experience in a managerial position within substance misuse for over 20 years, working with offending behaviour and criminal justice. Madissar began his career as a prison officer in 2000 and progressed further in the substance misuse field within the prison settings delivering various short duration programmes and linking prisoners to community-based treatment providers before their release.
In 2006 Madissar successfully managed to set up the Drug Intervention Programme within Bedfordshire. This later transpired to successfully securing a service manager role and developing the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement Order. Madissar successfully secured various managerial positions within the substance misuse field with joint partnership working with Integrated Offender Management and police in reducing drug-related offending behaviour. Madissar gained extensive experience and expertise working for several organisations, such as Adapt, Rapt, Addaction, Westminster Drug Project, Hertfordshire Couty Council, NHS and Next Step Support. Madissar holds a diploma in level 5 Leadership and Management and has extensive experience in the senior managerial role.
Madissar passion lies in supporting services to achieve their goals and objectives. In the last two years, Madissar progressed further in mental health as a senior managerial role, overseeing residential rehabilitation and supporting living accommodations with adults (18+) with a range of diverse complex needs.
Madissar Iqbal
Madissar has a wealth of experience in a managerial position within substance misuse for over 20 years, working with offending behaviour and criminal justice. Madissar began his career as a prison officer in 2000 and progressed further in the substance misuse field within the prison settings delivering various short duration programmes and linking prisoners to community-based treatment providers before their release.
In 2006 Madissar successfully managed to set up the Drug Intervention Programme within Bedfordshire. This later transpired to successfully securing a service manager role and developing the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement Order. Madissar successfully secured various managerial positions within the substance misuse field with joint partnership working with Integrated Offender Management and police in reducing drug-related offending behaviour. Madissar gained extensive experience and expertise working for several organisations, such as Adapt, Rapt, Addaction, Westminster Drug Project, Hertfordshire Couty Council, NHS and Next Step Support. Madissar holds a diploma in level 5 Leadership and Management and has extensive experience in the senior managerial role.
Madissar passion lies in supporting services to achieve their goals and objectives. In the last two years, Madissar progressed further in mental health as a senior managerial role, overseeing residential rehabilitation and supporting living accommodations with adults (18+) with a range of diverse complex needs.
Scott Watson
Hi, I'm Scott Watson and I am a qualified Chef at Nova Recovery Private Hospital
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Scott Watson
Hi, I'm Scott Watson and I am a qualified Chef at Nova Recovery Private Hospital
Clare McGilligan
Clare has many years of nursing experience working within addiction and criminal justice sector. Clare began her career in addictions working with Turning Points criminal justice and addiction residential service in Glasgow. From there she joined the NHS working in the community with service users with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health and trauma issues.
Clare played a pivotal part in setting up the mental health clinic within the South Glasgow Addiction, Drug Recovery Team. By 2019 Clare had secured a senior addiction nurse position within the NHS.
Clare joined Nova recovery as a staff nurse in 2021 but was quickly promoted to Deputy Manager as her experience and knowledge proved she was a good team leader to the other staff members and a positive influence to the service.
By February 2022 Clare was further promoted to Registered Manager of Nova Recovery and has since proven to be a dedicated and supportive manager to her staff and a positive leader looking to expand and develop Nova Recovery as the number ‘1’ Addiction Treatment Clinic in Scotland.
Clare McGilligan
Clare has many years of nursing experience working within addiction and criminal justice sector. Clare began her career in addictions working with Turning Points criminal justice and addiction residential service in Glasgow. From there she joined the NHS working in the community with service users with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health and trauma issues.
Clare played a pivotal part in setting up the mental health clinic within the South Glasgow Addiction, Drug Recovery Team. By 2019 Clare had secured a senior addiction nurse position within the NHS.
Clare joined Nova recovery as a staff nurse in 2021 but was quickly promoted to Deputy Manager as her experience and knowledge proved she was a good team leader to the other staff members and a positive influence to the service.
By February 2022 Clare was further promoted to Registered Manager of Nova Recovery and has since proven to be a dedicated and supportive manager to her staff and a positive leader looking to expand and develop Nova Recovery as the number ‘1’ Addiction Treatment Clinic in Scotland.
Carole Sheppard
Carole has been Mental Health nursing for over 25 years. She has had several management positions throughout her extensive career where she has worked within the NHS Mental Health hospitals, Care of the elderly units and addiction services. Since starting at Nova Recovery Carole has qualified as a Nutritionist and has developed group work and information for our clients, on the benefits of a healthy balance diet for good mental health and combating the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.
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Carole Sheppard
Carole has been Mental Health nursing for over 25 years. She has had several management positions throughout her extensive career where she has worked within the NHS Mental Health hospitals, Care of the elderly units and addiction services. Since starting at Nova Recovery Carole has qualified as a Nutritionist and has developed group work and information for our clients, on the benefits of a healthy balance diet for good mental health and combating the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.
Charlotte Crawford
Charlotte tailors her approach to the needs of her clients and works in collaboration with them so that ultimately the client can become their own therapist, by applying new skills and techniques to determine positive patterns of thinking and behaving.
CBT can help the individual cope with those painful feelings and distressing, upsetting thoughts, and by working together with Charlotte they will find the solutions that will help them.
Charlotte has Healthcare Professional recognition and is a recognised provider of medical treatment with Nova Recovery, Vitality Health, Cigna and Aetna Global Benefits
Training, qualifications & experience
Registered Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; BACP
MBACP Private Practice Division and MBACP children and young people division.
Post-qualifying, Level 4 Certificate in child counselling.
Post Grad Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork, a C B T approach.
COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills; Strathclyde University.
Registered Nurse Qualification ( no longer practising)
I have further training in; Bereavement in schools, Emotional Literacy in Young People, STRADA (Misuse of Alcohol), CALM (Crisis, Aggression, Limitation Management), ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training,) Child Protection Awareness, Working with People Using Alcohol and Drugs, Motivational Interviewing and Social Inclusion (Equality, Diversity and Human Rights).
Charlotte Crawford
Charlotte tailors her approach to the needs of her clients and works in collaboration with them so that ultimately the client can become their own therapist, by applying new skills and techniques to determine positive patterns of thinking and behaving.
CBT can help the individual cope with those painful feelings and distressing, upsetting thoughts, and by working together with Charlotte they will find the solutions that will help them.
Charlotte has Healthcare Professional recognition and is a recognised provider of medical treatment with Nova Recovery, Vitality Health, Cigna and Aetna Global Benefits
Training, qualifications & experience
Registered Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; BACP
MBACP Private Practice Division and MBACP children and young people division.
Post-qualifying, Level 4 Certificate in child counselling.
Post Grad Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork, a C B T approach.
COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills; Strathclyde University.
Registered Nurse Qualification ( no longer practising)
I have further training in; Bereavement in schools, Emotional Literacy in Young People, STRADA (Misuse of Alcohol), CALM (Crisis, Aggression, Limitation Management), ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training,) Child Protection Awareness, Working with People Using Alcohol and Drugs, Motivational Interviewing and Social Inclusion (Equality, Diversity and Human Rights).
Kimberley Adams
Kimberley Adams is an experienced dual trained nurse with over 20 years of experience in Mental Health and Adult Nursing.
Kimberley spent many years working for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in various settings such as Acute Hospital Wards, Community Psychiatric Team and was the specialist Harm Reduction Nurse with the Community Addictions Team In Paisley Renfrewshire.
Kimberley has a keen interest in Mental Health First Aid and alternative Mental Health treatments which are now being researched.
Kimberley Adams
Kimberley Adams is an experienced dual trained nurse with over 20 years of experience in Mental Health and Adult Nursing.
Kimberley spent many years working for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in various settings such as Acute Hospital Wards, Community Psychiatric Team and was the specialist Harm Reduction Nurse with the Community Addictions Team In Paisley Renfrewshire.
Kimberley has a keen interest in Mental Health First Aid and alternative Mental Health treatments which are now being researched.
Tracey Farrell
Tracey Farrell is our Senior Specialist Recovery Worker and Group Development Practitioner. Tracey has a wealth of experience working within managerial roles specialising in mental health and trauma, and working within addiction, social care and youth programmes for 15 years. Tracey has also trained in holistic therapies such as Reiki, Indian head massage, and sensory grounding techniques.
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Tracey Farrell
Tracey Farrell is our Senior Specialist Recovery Worker and Group Development Practitioner. Tracey has a wealth of experience working within managerial roles specialising in mental health and trauma, and working within addiction, social care and youth programmes for 15 years. Tracey has also trained in holistic therapies such as Reiki, Indian head massage, and sensory grounding techniques.
Sam Johnson
Sam Johnson is Nova’s on-site Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher and Team Leader. Sam began her working life in the Army, where fitness and dedication are paramount.
Sam has worked in healthcare for a number of years since leaving the Army to start a family.
Sam has worked at Nova since July 2021. She gained her SVQ3 and was promoted to Recovery Worker Team Leader. She facilitates a fitness programme for the clients. “I believe that exercising several times per week at a pace that is tailored to the individual is an important part of the recovery journey”.
Sam also practices Meditation and Aroma Therapy to help destress and relax the clients throughout their journey at Nova.
Sam Johnson
Sam Johnson is Nova’s on-site Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher and Team Leader. Sam began her working life in the Army, where fitness and dedication are paramount.
Sam has worked in healthcare for a number of years since leaving the Army to start a family.
Sam has worked at Nova since July 2021. She gained her SVQ3 and was promoted to Recovery Worker Team Leader. She facilitates a fitness programme for the clients. “I believe that exercising several times per week at a pace that is tailored to the individual is an important part of the recovery journey”.
Sam also practices Meditation and Aroma Therapy to help destress and relax the clients throughout their journey at Nova.
Suzanne Hyslop
Suzanne is one of our Recovery Workers specialising in Nutrition. With a BSC in Applied Nutrition From Glasgow Caledonian university, Suzanne has taken on the role of Nutritionist at Nova Recovery where she provides education on the benefits of having a healthy diet and can create a dietary plan for the individual.
Suzanne is passionate about good nutrition and the connection it has to good mental health. Suzanne has also trained in mindfulness and uses her skills and knowledge to lead group sessions on both subjects.
As a Recovery Worker Suzanne is also involved in taking care of clients on a personal basis, offering one to one support, escorting clients on ‘reintegration’ walks into the local community or on daily fitness walks and activities.
Suzanne Hyslop
Suzanne is one of our Recovery Workers specialising in Nutrition. With a BSC in Applied Nutrition From Glasgow Caledonian university, Suzanne has taken on the role of Nutritionist at Nova Recovery where she provides education on the benefits of having a healthy diet and can create a dietary plan for the individual.
Suzanne is passionate about good nutrition and the connection it has to good mental health. Suzanne has also trained in mindfulness and uses her skills and knowledge to lead group sessions on both subjects.
As a Recovery Worker Suzanne is also involved in taking care of clients on a personal basis, offering one to one support, escorting clients on ‘reintegration’ walks into the local community or on daily fitness walks and activities.
Meghan Newton
Meghan has worked at Nova Recovery as a Recovery Worker since we first opened our doors in May 2021. After graduating in 2018 with a BSc in Applied Psychology, Meghan began working in the Health & Social Care sector. Looking for an opportunity to apply her degree and with a keen interest in addiction, Meghan started working at Nova Recovery as a Recovery Worker.
From August 2022 Meghan switched roles to Administrator which has given her the chance to experience and appreciate everything that takes place behind the scenes to provide this life-saving service.
Meghan Newton
Meghan has worked at Nova Recovery as a Recovery Worker since we first opened our doors in May 2021. After graduating in 2018 with a BSc in Applied Psychology, Meghan began working in the Health & Social Care sector. Looking for an opportunity to apply her degree and with a keen interest in addiction, Meghan started working at Nova Recovery as a Recovery Worker.
From August 2022 Meghan switched roles to Administrator which has given her the chance to experience and appreciate everything that takes place behind the scenes to provide this life-saving service.
Dr Luqman Khan MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych
Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.
He is certified by the MRCPsych and is known for his innovative approach to treating a diverse range of clients with high morbidity related to alcohol, drugs, and mental health problems.
At Nova Recovery, Dr Khan will utilise his extensive knowledge and experience to provide patients with the highest level of care and support in their journey towards recovery. He will work closely with our addiction recovery team to develop individualised treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and circumstances.
He is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their goals and objectives and is committed to working with patients to help them overcome their addiction dependency and improve their overall well-being. Utilising evidence-based practices and the latest research in addiction treatment, Dr Khan will help ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible.
As an adept communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, Dr Khan can connect with patients from all walks of life. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive and compassionate care from Dr Khan. With his expertise and guidance, they will be given the best chances of achieving long-term recovery.
Dr Luqman Khan MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych
Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.
He is certified by the MRCPsych and is known for his innovative approach to treating a diverse range of clients with high morbidity related to alcohol, drugs, and mental health problems.
At Nova Recovery, Dr Khan will utilise his extensive knowledge and experience to provide patients with the highest level of care and support in their journey towards recovery. He will work closely with our addiction recovery team to develop individualised treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and circumstances.
He is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their goals and objectives and is committed to working with patients to help them overcome their addiction dependency and improve their overall well-being. Utilising evidence-based practices and the latest research in addiction treatment, Dr Khan will help ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible.
As an adept communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, Dr Khan can connect with patients from all walks of life. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive and compassionate care from Dr Khan. With his expertise and guidance, they will be given the best chances of achieving long-term recovery.
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