Alcohol Detox Program

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 0117 339 0080.

What is an Alcohol Detox Program?

An alcohol detox program refers to the process by which someone suffering from alcohol dependence is withdrawn from alcohol with the aid of medication and support. For those suffering from alcohol dependence the first steps towards recovery can be challenging.  The individual may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking immediately without the appropriate medication. Withdrawal from alcohol can be life threatening and it is vital that the alcohol detox program takes place in an environment where regulated professionals are there to support the person throughout the process.

Typically an alcohol detox program will be accessed within a residential facility. Residential clinics provide the most immediate access to treatment for alcohol addiction. Residential treatment is preferable in many cases, especially for an alcohol detox program, as it is usually considered safer (medically) and offers more psychological and emotional care during this time. Another benefit is that residential treatment provides a safe and supportive environment away from many of the associations and triggers of the addiction that an individual may have at home. There is also less chance the individual will access alcohol during this vulnerable time. Residential treatment facilities vary in the alcohol detox programs and treatment options they offer. Alcohol detox programs are recommended as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan which will focus on psychological, educational and social therapy. During longer alcohol detox programs, treatment is delivered through therapy, counselling, educational workshops, lectures and relapse prevention classes to give individuals the skills required to maintain their sobriety. A structured aftercare program is also recommended following alcohol detox programs to allow continuous progress to be made. This includes aftercare counselling, community care coordinator visits, specialist doctor appointments and attendance of AA meetings.

Although residential detox is advised primarily for medical reasons, some individuals may consider home detox for several reasons, including privacy and convenience. Alcohol detoxification can take place in the home if an assessment indicates it is appropriate. Triage Healthcare home detoxes are supervised by our Medical Director, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and delivered by qualified and professional staff members who are registered with appropriate professional bodies. Additional nursing visits, review by a private doctor in the home, and live-in professional carers can also be arranged on request or where necessary.

An alcohol detox program differs to other treatment options as it refers mainly to the physical process by which someone first gives up alcohol. An alcohol detox program is best accessed alongside a full psychological treatment programme too in order to address all aspects of the addiction.

When someone should be admitted to an alcohol detox program

There are a number of warning signs that indicate an individual needs help for their alcohol dependence and may require treatment and an alcohol detox program.

Anyone who has a physical dependence to alcohol can benefit from an alcohol detox program. When someone has a physical dependence to alcohol they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking suddenly. These symptoms can include sweating, shaking, vomiting, nausea, trouble sleeping, agitation and cramps. In serious cases, if left untreated, alcohol withdrawal can produce hallucinations, confusion, fits and seizures. These seizures have the potential to be fatal. Therefore the medication, supervision and support offered to those who access an alcohol detox program represent a vital aspect as such support reduces the risk of dangerous withdrawals and alleviates unpleasant symptoms where possible.

Other indications and warnings signs which may suggest someone may require an alcohol detox program 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. 

If you suspect that you or your loved one has an alcohol dependence then call Triage Healthcare. The sooner addiction is addressed, the quicker it can be successfully treated.

How long is an alcohol detox program

Alcohol detox programs can vary in length depending on the severity of the addiction, and any complicating factors or special requirements the client may have. Typically alcohol detox programs take between 7-10 days in length. The success of an alcohol detox program will be maximised by completing a full psychological treatment program which gives the client additional support. The psychological programme also works on relapse prevention in order for the person to learn the skills required to maintain their recovery.

Triage Healthcare can offer guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs.

Where to find Alcohol Detox Program help in the UK

There are a number of different treatments available across the UK offering alcohol detox programmes and other treatment options for addictive illnesses. It is important that the alcohol detox program and treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs in order to engage and make treatment as comfortable as possible.

Triage Healthcare specialises in the treatment of addictive illnesses and can offer advice and guidance towards treatment options based on the individual circumstances and needs of the individual. We can offer immediate access to private alcohol detox programmes across the UK.

We understand that for some, taking the first step towards recovery and accessing an alcohol detox programme 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 the full range of treatment services and programme options 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 centre. Call us today to find out more about treatment options for you or a loved one, based on your budget, needs and situation.

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

It is also possible to access free NHS services. 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 the NHS options, and some treatment options such as residential treatment may not be offered. 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. We can offer advice on alternative treatment options as well as offer support and encouragement during this time.

Call us today to find out more about treatment which is suitable to meet your needs, budget and location. We offer an immediate response service. 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.