Comprehensive drug detox guide

How a drug detox works and how to get started removing your dependency on an addictive drug.

On this page: Definition Detoxing at Priory Symptoms to expect Life after detox

Page clinically reviewed by Claire Rimmer (BA (Hons), Dip.Psychology, FDAD (NCAC)), Lead Addiction Therapist at Priory Hospital Altrincham, in September 2024.

Drugs (including street drugs and prescription drugs) are highly addictive substances that can result in physical and/or psychological dependence.

Detoxing from drugs is a necessary step towards recovery from addiction, but it can be a dangerous process that needs professional help and support.

What is drug detox?

Drug detox (or detoxification) is when the toxins from drug use are broken down and leave the body. Detox is the first step towards treating drug addiction during rehab, and is safest when undertaken with professional supervision.

Detox at Priory takes place as part of a comprehensive, medically assisted process, led by our specialist team. We’ll help you to manage your withdrawal symptoms and ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the process. For example, we can prescribe carefully controlled medication to help with anxiety or insomnia if those apply to you. Priory experts ensure that the process is safe and thorough, taking place in our clinical but welcoming environment.

Once you’re physically stable and no traces of the toxic substances remain in your system, the next stage is to address the underlying causes and triggers of your addiction, as part of our residential addiction treatment programme.

Compassionate and supportive care is just as important as medication within the drug detox process. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional care to those we support through detox, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to expect from drug detox and timeline

Initial assessment

Our free addiction assessment is a confidential, no-obligation consultation that usually lasts for up to 90 minutes. During the assessment, you can find out everything you need to know about detox at Priory, and take the first step towards treatment with us. Our assessments can take place online, or you could visit your preferred Priory location for a tour to see what a typical day might involve.

During the assessment, a supportive, non-judgemental specialist will ask about your addiction and any related health issues, before advising on a suitable treatment path.

The goal of the assessment is to identify the most appropriate treatment plan, based on your specific needs. We’ll give you clear information on how we can support your journey to recovery as well as a thorough understanding of your options, to help you feel more confident about pursuing treatment.

Admission to our addiction treatment programme

After your assessment, if an inpatient stay is suitable, the next step is admission. This is when you would begin your treatment programme at Priory. Admissions can happen immediately following your free assessment, depending on bed availability.

The 28-day addiction treatment programme at Priory begins with a meeting with your consultant, within the first 48 hours after admission. You’ll also meet your nursing team, who will show you your room and talk through admissions procedures. Our admissions manager will discuss payment options with you.

You’ll then be assessed to determine whether our medically assisted detox is the most appropriate next step for you. This may include a physical assessment by a medical doctor.

The admissions process takes care of all the practical aspects of Priory treatment programmes so you can progress with your recovery.

Drug detox

Detox is the controlled removal of a toxic substance from your body. Our residential addiction treatment programmes typically begin with this process.

During detox, we’ll use controlled medication to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms, ease anxiety, support sleep and address other challenges during the process. You can expect round-the-clock care with medical and nursing staff available 24/7 to ensure your safety and comfort.

The goal of detox is to remove all traces of harmful and addictive substances from your body, so you’re physically stable and ready to commence with intensive addiction therapy.

The structure and length of your detox plan will be guided by a number of different factors. Considerations include the level of your drug use (the amount you consume and how frequently), the seriousness of your withdrawal symptoms, and your overall physical health and medical history. For most people, the detox process lasts for between 7 to 10 days.

After detox, you’ll begin ongoing treatment. This will include therapy that helps you to understand and address the underlying issues that have led to your addiction.

Symptoms to expect during drug detox

Drug withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable process as the body responds to the absence of the drug it’s become dependent on. The sudden removal of substances can cause unpleasant, uncomfortable and sometimes distressing withdrawal symptoms, including:

Physical symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, stomach aches, sweating, shaking and shivering
Psychological symptoms: Intense cravings for the drug, depression, anxiety and paranoia

More severe withdrawal symptoms include:

Seizures: During withdrawal, some people may experience seizures. These seizures can be dangerous and indicate a severe level of physical dependency. Seizures are most commonly associated with withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Hallucinations: Some people in withdrawal may experience hallucinations. These can be visual, auditory, or tactile (you may see, hear or feel things that aren’t there) and can be very distressing. Hallucinations are most commonly associated with withdrawal from alcohol, or certain prescription drugs.

These severe symptoms are known as delirium tremens (DTs). They can be life-threatening and need urgent medical care. They’re a sign that your body is undergoing significant stress due to the absence of the substance it’s become dependent on. Medical supervision in a controlled environment is strongly advised for people who are at risk of experiencing these severe withdrawal symptoms.

Next steps after detox

Detoxing is often the initial phase of a treatment programme for drug addiction. Once you're physically stable, we’ll help you to address the underlying causes and triggers for your addictive behaviours as part of our residential addiction treatment programme.

At Priory, we use a range of therapeutic methods, including the 12-step model, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and transactional analysis (TA). Therapy options include individual sessions (one-on-one with a therapist), family sessions (involving you, a therapist and family members) or group sessions (a small group of people with similar addictions, led by a therapist or facilitator).

Alongside therapy, we offer a range of wellbeing activities, including meditation, mindfulness, yoga and exercise to support your overall health in mind, body and spirit.

Central to Priory’s holistic treatment programme is your ongoing recovery. Our model is designed to solidify your recovery and minimise the likelihood of relapse.

Where to access a drug detox

At Priory, we have experienced specialists who support people to recover from addiction. You can access a drug detox in one of our many locations across the country.

Once you’ve been admitted to one of our addiction treatment programmes, you can work with our experts during your recovery and beyond. We offer free aftercare for 12 months to anyone who completes a 28-day residential stay at Priory.

Options for free drug detox

Priory offers private addiction treatment for people who are paying for their treatment themselves, using private medical insurance (PMI), or are funded through corporate funding arrangements. Free services may be available elsewhere. You can speak to your GP about what’s available to you, or refer to Mind’s list of support organisations for drug addiction.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to an inpatient detox facility?

Clothes, shoes, toiletries, books, electronic devices/chargers and any home comforts that would put you at ease. Upon admission, everyone receives a comprehensive welcome pack that includes all the information they need about their stay in our addiction treatment centre.

What happens if I experience severe withdrawal symptoms during detox?

Our specialist team is experienced in detox and will provide you with the medical care you need if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Can I detox from drugs at home?

Trying to detox by yourself at home, without any monitoring or support, can be dangerous. Going ‘cold turkey’, without medical supervision, can lead to serious issues and can even be fatal.

How do I know if I need professional detox?

Typical signs and symptoms of addiction include being secretive or dishonest about your drug use, mood swings or paranoia and a change in sleep habits are common, amongst many others. Our team will be happy to advise whether you need a drug detox. Contact us or book in for a free addiction assessment to find out more.

What’s the difference between detox and rehab?

Detox refers to the removal of substances from your body and is the first stage of addiction treatment. Rehab is another way of describing our 28-day treatment programmes, which include detox, therapy and aftercare.

Will I need medication during detox?

We assess each client individually. During the admissions process, you’ll work with a specialist to determine the best treatment programme for you, including whether you’d benefit from carefully controlled medication.