Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detoxification or ‘alcohol detox’ as it is more commonly known is the first step in the recovery process. It basically involves the alcohol being flushed out of the individual’s system, leaving them alcohol free. The primary objective is to relieve withdrawal symptoms whilst the individual adjusts to an alcohol-free physical state. Although alcohol detoxification is a fairly straightforward procedure when carried out in an appropriately controlled environment, i.e. a hospital or specialist alcohol rehab clinic, it is not in itself a treatment for alcoholism. Long-term abstinence is best achieved by embarking on an alcohol treatment programme, preferably on a residential basis, in order to gain the necessary tools to live a life free from alcohol.
First4Rehab works with a vast range of alcohol detox centres, providing both detox and rehabilitation programmes. The treatment provided at our recommended rehab clinics is of a very high standard and success rates are extremely high; well in excess of the national average. We can advise you on the most appropriate alcohol detox programme, along with which rehab clinic will best meet your personal needs and circumstances. Prices range from approximately £500 per week, if undertaken with a continued residential programme. Standalone alcohol detoxes are available from £2,500 for a 14 day period.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Unlike withdrawal from most other drugs, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if not carried out in a medically controlled environment. Side effects can include visual hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and even death. The severity of symptoms can depend upon the individual’s age, whether or not there is a history of alcoholism within the family, length of use and quantities consumed. |
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Alcohol Detox Programmes
There are a variety of alcohol detox programmes on offer, most of which are undertaken over a 10 to 14 day period, although this is dependent on the individual’s personal circumstances. You can complete a detox in 3-5 days but you will need ongoing supervision to ensure your detox is successful, hence the more normal 10 to 14 day programme. Alcohol detox programmes are managed through a variety of prescription medications, most commonly through the use of Benzodiazepines, usually Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or Diazepam (Valium). The detox is also supplemented with a range of vitamins such as folic acid; alcoholics are often deficient in various nutrients which can cause severe complications during alcohol withdrawal.
All alcohol detox centres employ experienced and qualified therapists, most of whom are in recovery from an addiction themselves. Medical cover varies from clinic to clinic, but most provide the services of on-site nursing staff, along with visiting GPs and Consultant Psychiatrists who will initially assess each client upon admission, before prescribing them the most appropriate alcohol detox regime. Individuals are then encouraged to continue with the rehabilitation process, in order for them to gain a greater insight into their alcoholism and address the underlying issues as to why they have previously abused alcohol. If the individual does not wish to engage in the rehab programme, it is unlikely that they will maintain any long-term abstinence from their addiction to alcohol and most will relapse within days. If undertaking an NHS detox in hospital, it is vital that you go seamlessly into a rehab clinic. The patient will often request a short period at home and that inevitably results in them starting to drink again thereby adding to your eventual costs.
Home Detox
You may consider a ‘home detox’ supervised by your GP combined with daily community nurse visits. If you wish to go this route, it is imperative that you have someone close to you 24 hours a day for at least 5 days and they should not hesitate to call an ambulance if the DTs become severe and a fit or seizure looks imminent. ‘Home detoxes’ should not be undertaken lightly and, ideally only by those who have detoxed previously and know their own limitations and reactions. We cannot emphasise enough how dangerous an unsupervised alcohol detox can be.
For further information regarding our alcohol detox clinics, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors. We are available on 0845 555 8822, +44 (0) 7875 154 177 or +44 (0) 20 7193 4906. Alternatively you can email us at advice@first4rehab.com
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