Alcohol Detox Center

The following alcohol detox centres 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 centres information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

What is an Alcohol Detox Center?

An alcohol detox center refers to a specialised residential facility that offers physical and psychological treatment to those who suffer from an alcohol addiction. Inpatient treatment offered at alcohol detox centers allows the individual to be removed from their problematic surroundings in order to fully focus on their recovery. Inpatient alcohol detox centers also offer a more intensive form of treatment within a highly structured environment.

Treatment at alcohol detox centres normally begins with a medicated detox where required. Sudden withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely unpleasant and in some cases fatal, therefore a full medicated detox is advised at an alcohol detox center in order to carefully manage the withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox centres typically use medication such as Librium, Diazepam, or sometimes a combination of the two. In cases of liver damage, sometimes detoxification for alcohol may include other combinations of drugs.

Detoxification at an alcohol detox center allows the individual to cease alcohol use safely and comfortably, but is not a cure for alcoholism. After completing the physical aspect of treatment, alcohol detox centres offer psychological treatment so that the individual can learn the skills to avoid relapsing.

Alcohol detox centers usually deliver psychological support through a comprehensive treatment program which includes a combination of group therapy, one to one counselling, thought and feeling groups, anxiety and anger management classes, educational workshops, diary keeping and reflection groups and fellowship meetings. Alcohol detox centres usually also offer a range of holistic therapies such as acupuncture, art therapy, reflexology, equine therapy and yoga to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Essentially, alcohol detox is about stopping alcohol use and further psychological treatment at an alcohol detox center is all about staying stopped.

In addition to alcohol addiction, most alcohol detox centers also offer treatment to those suffering from drug dependence. Some alcohol detox centers can also accommodate those with other addictions and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

When should someone be admitted to an alcohol detox Center?

For anyone with alcohol dependence, treatment at an alcohol detox clinic can provide the support required during the first steps of recovery.

For many it will be clear that their own or their loved one's drinking is out of control. For others who are not sure whether they require treatment at an alcohol detox clinic, there are a number of warning signs that indicate someone needs help for their alcohol dependence.

One key indication that someone requires a medically supported detox as part of their treatment at an alcohol detox centre is the presence of withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking immediately without any medication or support. Symptoms to look out for include sweating, shaking, vomiting, nausea, cramps, trouble sleeping and agitation. In serious cases, if left untreated, alcohol withdrawal can produce hallucinations, confusion, fits and seizures.  These have the potential to be fatal, therefore professional and supervised detox at an alcohol detox centre for anyone who suffers from withdrawal symptoms is always advised.

Other indications and warning signs which may suggest someone needs to enter an alcohol detox centre include physical health and appearance deteriorating, noticeable changes to normal behaviour and mood, and problems arising with finances, employment and personal relationships as a result of drinking.  Alcohol detox centres help to address all aspects of the effects of drinking.

If you are concerned that you or your loved one has alcohol dependence and requires treatment at an alcohol detox center then call Triage Healthcare. The sooner alcohol addiction can be addressed, and an alcohol detox centre accessed, the quicker it can be successfully treated.

How long is an alcohol detox program at an alcohol detox clinic

Treatment at alcohol detox clinics can vary in length depending on the severity of the addiction, and any complicating factors or special requirements the client may have. Typically detoxification at an alcohol detox clinic will take between 7-10 days in length. Physical treatment at alcohol detox clinics is best accessed alongside a psychological treatment programme, which can last between 4 and 12 weeks.

Regardless of the length of treatment at an alcohol detox center, an attitude of ‘seeing it through’ is central to effectiveness (Trathen et al., 2008). For the best outcome of success treatment at an alcohol detox clinic should be followed by regular, local to home aftercare.

Where to find Alcohol Detox Clinics in the UK

Triage Healthcare works alongside a number of alcohol detox centres for immediate access to private treatment, and ensures that they are registered with the appropriate professional bodies.

When considering private treatment it is important to choose the alcohol detox clinic that is most likely to offer suitable treatment and cater for the needs of the individual. Addiction is different for each person and there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. Alcohol detox centres can vary in their accommodation, treatment programme, activities and approach. It is vital to choose the most appropriate alcohol detox centre to meet the needs of all concerned.

We understand that for some, taking the first step towards recovery and accessing an alcohol detox centre can be challenging.  There may be concerns over treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we offer clear and straightforward advice to all. The right support and guidance allows the first stage of entering treatment to be as straightforward as possible.

Our helpline is staffed by an experienced team of psychology and healthcare graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of a full range of alcohol detox centers and treatment services throughout the UK and abroad.

Our advice is all completely free and confidential.  We do not advise according to a profit motive, but instead will advise you according to the latest evidence of what works.  Our advisors will discuss residential treatment independently of any particular alcohol detox centre. Call us today to find out more about alcohol detox centers and treatment options for you or a loved one.

Triage Healthcare also offer access to private overseas alcohol detox centres and treatment services. By travelling overseas to access an alcohol detox center the individual is removed completely from their problematic surroundings. This may also be an appealing option to those individuals who have already accessed alcohol detox centers help in the UK with limited success.

Call us today to find out more about alcohol detox clinics which are suitable to meet your needs, budget and location. Our helpline is open 7 days a week, and has a 24 hour messaging service which will be responded to by one of our trained advisors as soon as possible should you call out of hours to discuss alcohol detox centers.

                                                                  References

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