Detox Symptoms

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

What are detox symptoms?

Detox symptoms refer to the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone attempts to withdraw from a substance they are addicted to.

The detox symptoms involved in alcohol cessation include shaking, sweating and nausea. However, these can progress into seizures, fits, hallucinations and other signs of delirium tremens. Severe withdrawal symptoms can potentially be fatal or cause brain damage. Therefore, it is vital detox medication is provided to manage these symptoms.

Heroin cessation can also result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, although these are generally not life-threatening. Psychological symptoms include depression, agitation and irritableness, physically individuals may experience vomiting or diarrhoea, fever or muscle ache. These symptoms may prevent people from continuing with their abstinence.

A medicated detox can also be offered for other drugs where the detoxing symptoms are considered mainly psychological.  For substances such as cannabis or cocaine individuals may feel agitated, anxious, have trouble sleeping and get strong cravings when they first stop using. These withdrawal symptoms can make the process of stopping very difficult, and detox medication aims to minimise these symptoms and make the person feel more comfortable.

When should someone go to a detox program?

If you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to alcohol and/or drugs, then accessing a detox program will be the first step in addressing this. Withdrawal symptoms, such as the ones mentioned above, are a good indicator of an addiction. Moreover, behaviourally individuals may change as well. For instance, their social hours and friends may change as their behaviour becomes more drug or alcohol orientated. They may get into legal troubles or steal from family or friends in order to fund their addiction.  You may also find drug paraphernalia or alcohol bottles hidden amongst their possessions.

Why a professional detox program?                             

It is important to access a professional detox programme because it relieves and reduces the risk of unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening detoxing symptoms involved in substance addictions. It allows for this to occur in a safe, structured and professional environment, where individuals can be monitored by medical and experienced staff throughout. Most residential detox programmes will also form part of a psychological and therapeutic programme aimed at addressing the psychological dependence present in all addictions. This will give individuals the best chance of a successful, drug free outcome.

Where to detox

Triage healthcare work with detox centres across the UK in order to give individuals throughout the country the opportunity to effectively address their dependence. We have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of treatment services and programme options in the UK and also overseas, and will advise you independently of any particular centre.

Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive treatment without paying 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. Rather than residential rehab, support will typically be community-based and therefore can be less intensive.

How long could treatment on a detox program take?

A detox from alcohol takes a minimum of one week, and for drugs this increases to two weeks. However, this is best accessed as part of a full, psychological treatment programme. This brings the ideal minimum duration to four weeks for alcohol dependence, and six weeks for drug dependence.

How much does a private detox program cost?

Cost will depend upon the duration of treatment, the standard of accommodation, the location, and the provision of nursing and psychiatric care required or desired. Call Triage Healthcare now for free and confidential information about treatments that can be tailored to your needs and budget.

Where to find Detox Programmes in the UK

There are a number of different treatment options 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. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.