The following alcohol detox program information has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate alcohol detox program information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0845 370 0203.

What is an Alcohol Detox Program?

An alcohol detox program refers to the initial process involved in helping a person to become alcohol free.  When someone has become physically dependent on alcohol, their body and brain become reliant on it, and immediate withdrawal from alcohol can then be very uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening if not medically supervised or controlled via gradual reduction. An alcohol detox program would involve medication being prescribed to minimise the danger, and to alleviate the unpleasantness where possible, by carefully managing the withdrawal symptoms.  Typically, medication such as chlordiazepoxide (also known as Librium), diazepam or a combination of the two, is used for alcohol withdrawal. Vitamins, such as thiamine, and other medications may also be prescribed during an alcohol detox program.  

Detox from alcohol is best accessed in a specialist residential treatment centre that offers an alcohol detox program. This allows someone to cease their alcohol use in a controlled environment, with the appropriate medical and psychological support. 

An alcohol detox program differs to other types of treatment in as much as it addresses only the physical side of the dependence. Alcohol detox programs are typically shorter. They do not involve the longer therapeutic support required to give individuals all the skills to maintain their sobriety following the completion of the alcohol detox program. For the best outcome, the initial alcohol detox program should be followed by a psychological treatment programme. This should be aimed at addressing the underlying reasons contributing to the dependence and the behavioural patterns surrounding the addiction. It should also focus on allowing individuals to work on a relapse prevention plan.

An alcohol detox program is also typically offered as an inpatient service. In residential rehabilitation clinics alcohol detox programmes will be overseen by experienced professionals in case any complications arise. These professionals can also offer psychological and emotional support during this time.  Alternative outpatient treatment may involve more care coordination and counselling services, although in some circumstances a community alcohol detox program may be offered if suitable.

When should someone be admitted to an alcohol detox program

One key indication that someone requires an alcohol detox programme is withdrawal symptoms that occur when they cease their drinking suddenly. Symptoms to look out for include sweating, shaking, vomiting, nausea, cramps, trouble sleeping and agitation. In serious cases, if left untreated, withdrawal can produce alcohol related fits and seizures, hallucinations and confusion. These have the potential to be fatal.

Other indications and warnings signs which may suggest someone requires an alcohol detox program and treatment include noticing someone’s physical health and appearance deteriorating, noticeable changes to their normal behaviour and mood, and problems arising with their finances, employment and personal relationships as a result of their drinking. 

Due to the risks of sudden alcohol withdrawal it is important to never to stop drinking suddenly without the correct medication and support (Trathen et al., 2008). If you are concerned that you or a loved one has developed a physical dependency to alcohol and may require an alcohol detox program, then call one of our experienced advisors now.

Our trained advisors speak to people on a daily basis, and can advise further on the most suitable treatment options, and where and how they can be accessed. Remember the sooner an addiction can be addressed, the quicker it can be successfully treated.

How long is an alcohol detox program

Alcohol detox programs usually take 10-14 days, although in some circumstances it may be over a shorter or longer period of time.  For the best outcome of success, detox should be accessed as part of a full treatment plan that also offers psychological and therapeutic support. This is supported by the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) in 1996 that showed those who completed a minimum of 28 days in a treatment centre were four times more likely to maintain abstinence than others.

The duration of treatment including the psychological support offered at residential rehab centres can be between 4 and 12 weeks. Regardless of the length of treatment, an attitude of ‘seeing it through’ is central to effectiveness (Trathen et al, 2008).

Where to find Alcohol Detox Program help in the UK

There are a number of different alcohol detox programs available. It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual - addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our advisors can offer expert advice and guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs.

We have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of treatment services throughout the UK and abroad, and will advise you independently of any particular centre. Triage Healthcare regulates the standard of service provided on behalf its partners and ensures they are registered with the appropriate professional bodies. If you arrange treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less for residential treatment than by booking direct with a treatment centre.

We are staffed by psychology and healthcare graduates, who are ethically bound to give you advice according to the latest evidence of what works, and who are not allowed to advise you according to a profit motive. Rather we will find you the best value treatment given your particular circumstances and wishes. You can telephone to speak with us straight away in confidence or email us with the guarantee of a timely response. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.

It is possible to access private overseas services. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed help in the UK with limited success. By travelling overseas to access treatment, the person is completely removed from their problematic surroundings. Overseas treatment can also represent better value for money in some cases.

Although residential alcohol detox programs are advised primarily for medical reasons, some individuals may consider home alcohol detox programs for several reasons, including privacy and convenience. Triage Healthcare can offer assessment and services for a home alcohol detox if required.  Triage Healthcare home alcohol detox programmes are supervised by our Medical Director, Dr Bruce Trathen, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist MBBS MRCPsych, and delivered by fully trained staff who are registered with their appropriate professional bodies.

It is also possible to access treatment on the NHS. Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive treatment without having to pay for it, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between availability of addiction treatment in the NHS and the demand in the community. Therefore, there can often be long waiting lists involved when trying to access alcohol detox programs on the NHS. For those in that position it can be easy to lose motivation and become frustrated with the situation. We know the challenges faced when trying to access NHS treatment and can advise further on alternative treatment options as well as offer support and encouragement during this time.

References

Trathen et al. (2008). Guidelines for the best practice treatment of Substance Misuse. Triage Healthcare: Canterbury, UK.

NTORS The National Treatment Outcome Research Study: Summary of the project, the clients, and preliminary findings: First Bulletin. (1996). Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., Edwards, C., Lehmann, P., Wilson, A., & Segar, G. Department of Health: London.

How can DryOutNow.com help?

Our professional advisors are available to you 12 hours daily, 7 days a week, to help you with expert, completely practical advice about drug addiction and alcoholism, free-of-charge. All appropriate forms of treatment can be arranged wherever you live. Telephone 0845 370 0203 now for advice in confidence.