Alcohol detox
Alcohol detox is the first step in treating alcohol addiction. It involves removing alcohol from your system, sometimes with the help of medication to manage any withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol detox is the process of removing alcohol from your system in a gradual and carefully managed way. It’s often the first step in recovery and helps you to manage your physical dependence on alcohol. Detox is preparation for further treatment for your addiction.
Detox begins with an initial assessment with an addiction specialist who will recommend a treatment plan. Detox is best carried out under medical supervision, which usually means residential treatment. This is to monitor your health during detox and so that specialists can use controlled prescription medication to help lessen your withdrawal symptoms and make them easier to cope with.
The detox process
- Initial assessment: Detox begins with an assessment carried out by healthcare professionals. This process allows the medical team to understand your drinking history, and get a picture of your overall health and any co-occurring conditions you might have. The information gained from the initial assessment will be used to put together a tailored treatment plan in order to provide the right treatment for each person.
- Medical monitoring: During detox, your medical team monitors you to keep track of your overall health and your vital signs. Ongoing monitoring prioritises your health and wellbeing and it means that treatment can be adjusted as needed.
- Symptom management: In order to make the detox process as comfortable and safe as possible, your medical team may prescribe appropriate medications designed to lessen the impact of any symptoms you might experience.
- Detox duration: The alcohol detox process usually lasts between 7 and 10 days. However, this can vary from person-to-person and can depend on a number of other factors like your level of dependence and general overall health.
Withdrawal symptoms: what to expect
When you’re addicted to alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These can be intense and unpleasant, and can be hard to manage on your own.
Why medical supervision is essential
Withdrawing from alcohol is not only difficult, it’s also dangerous. Medical supervision during this process reduces the risks involved and has many benefits.
Risks of unsupervised detox
Detoxing without medical help can be life-threatening, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time. This is because you’re more at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms like dehydration, seizures and DTs, which require immediate medical care.
Trying to go ‘cold turkey’ (stopping suddenly) often results in extreme and distressing withdrawal symptoms. Without professional support and the option of medication, drinking alcohol again often feels like the only way to manage these symptoms.
Benefits of medical supervision
Medical supervision during alcohol detox ensures a safe and supportive environment where you’re closely monitored by expert professionals, 24 hours a day. Medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent complications like seizures or DTs can only be administered under medical supervision.
Detoxing in this environment offers peace of mind, as staff are equipped to address emergencies promptly. The care you receive during detox is the first stage of treatment and a good experience can improve the likelihood of a successful recovery and long-term sobriety.
How to stay safe during alcohol detox
Safety is paramount when it comes to detoxing from alcohol. Take time to consider where you’ll detox and how you’ll prepare in order to set the foundations for the best outcomes.
Choosing the right facility
Look for treatment centres with experienced medical staff, round-the-clock monitoring and access to emergency care, in order to handle potential complications like seizures or DTs.
Treatment programmes that offer personalised care will ensure your individual needs are met, while a supportive, non-judgemental environment can make the process more comfortable.
Preparing for detox
Preparing mentally and practically for detox can help reduce stress and will give you the best chance of successful recovery. Consider:
- Arranging time off work to focus solely on your recovery
- Informing close friends and family so they can offer support if and when you need it
- Packing essentials like comfortable clothing and personal items
- Discussing your treatment plan with your medical team and addressing any concerns you might have
What comes after detox: long-term recovery options
The alcohol detox process usually lasts between 7 and 10 days. However, this can vary from person to person and can also depend on a number of other factors, including:
- How long your body has been dependent on alcohol
- The amount of alcohol you have been drinking and how frequently
- How severe your withdrawal symptoms are
- Your general mental and physical health
Detox is only the first step in the recovery process, and ongoing treatment is crucial to achieving and maintaining lasting recovery.
Therapy and counselling
After the detox process, ongoing treatment in alcohol rehab includes addiction therapy and counselling.
Therapy plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes of your alcohol addiction and helping you to build healthier coping mechanisms. Family therapy may also be beneficial in rebuilding relationships and strengthening your support system.
Support groups
Joining 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide ongoing encouragement and connection. These groups create a safe space to share experiences, celebrate milestones and gain insights from others on similar journeys. The sense of belonging can be a powerful motivator to stay on track.
Developing a relapse prevention plan
A relapse prevention plan helps you identify triggers, manage cravings and build a support network to maintain sobriety. This may include strategies like avoiding high-risk situations, practising stress-management techniques and regularly attending therapy or support meetings. A well-crafted plan empowers you to navigate challenges with confidence.
Alcohol detox at Priory
Taking the first step toward detox and recovery is an act of courage and hope. Our free assessment allows you to discuss your challenges with one of our experts, supporting you to start your recovery.
We know that taking the first step can be difficult, but we’re here to support you - with no pressure or judgement. Help is just a phone call away.
At Priory, our comprehensive, medically assisted detox programme takes place on an inpatient basis and can be part of your alcohol addiction treatment programme. This means that you’ll stay at one of our specialist centres on a residential basis for the duration of your treatment.
While you’re with us, you’ll receive:
- Treatment and support in a safe, secure and clinical environment
- Round-the-clock medical and nursing care, ensuring that you're as comfortable as possible, and have immediate access to medical advice if you need it
- Highly qualified treatment teams
- A programme that’s tailored to your needs and structured within National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines
- Controlled medication to help you cope with your withdrawal symptoms, minimise any psychological distress and help you sleep
- Family involvement throughout the detox process as well as any subsequent addiction treatment you receive with us, if you consent to this
- A modern and welcoming detox bedroom, complete with en-suite facilities, designed to be comfortable and relaxing
- A range of entertainment and wellbeing activities to help you pass the time and serve as a distraction from your withdrawal symptoms
We advise everyone going through our detox process to start on our intensive alcohol addiction treatment programme as soon as they’re physically able to. You can even start addiction therapy while you’re still going through detox.
