Crossword Genius

Bloke in pub, backsliding — after this treatment? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rehab

'this treatment?' is the definition.
(eg treatment for a drug addict)

'bloke in pub backsliding' is the wordplay.
'bloke' becomes 'he' ('he' refers to a man).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'pub' becomes 'bar' (both are drinking establishments).
'backsliding' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'he' going inside 'bar' is 'baher'.
'baher' in reverse letter order is 'REHAB'.

'after' is the link.

(Other definitions for rehab that I've seen before include "Restoration to health after, eg, addiction (colloq.)" , "A herb (anag.)" , "Training and therapy after drug abuse" , "Rehabilitation (abbrev.)" , "Treatment for alcoholism" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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