Drug Detox

The following drug detox 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 drug detox 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 a drug detox?

A drug detox or detoxification refers to the process involved in helping a person to become completely substance-free. Sudden withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can be life-threatening in some circumstances, and so a drug addiction detox program would aim to remove the substance in the safest way possible. For other substances, sudden withdrawal is not normally life-threatening, but can be extremely unpleasant, and willpower alone may not be enough to become substance free.

A medically supervised drug detox program is the safest and most effective way to become substance-free. A professional detox programme also increases the chances of recovery and reduces the likelihood of relapse. A drug addiction detox programme would cater for those suffering from addiction to alcohol, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, prescription medications and other substances.

When should someone drug detox?

Anyone who is physically addicted to a substance can benefit from a drug detox program. A drug addiction detox may also benefit those who do not have an actual physical dependence but are experiencing severe reactions to the initial cessation period from a particular substance or substances. With any addiction, the person is often not taking care of themselves to a satisfactory standard, and so they can benefit from detox by improving their general physical wellbeing. Often a person will take a combination of substances, sometimes referred to as poly addiction.

Where to get detox treatment from drug addiction

The advantage of a residential drug addiction detox is that it offers treatment in an extremely supportive environment. Each day is highly structured in order to get the most out of the program, and highly qualified staff members are available to provide support every step of the way. A full residential programme will deal with both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

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.

It is also possible to access free NHS services. Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive a drug addiction detox without having to pay for it, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between the 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.

How long could treatment on a drug detox program take?

The length of the drug detox program will depend both on the severity of the situation, and the substance being taken. An alcohol detox can take between 7 and 10 days. Opiate detox or Heroin detox will usually require a minimum of 14 days in order to safely detox. A rapid or accelerated detox is not advisable both for psychological reasons and physical comfort.

How much does a private drug detox program cost?

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK. High quality free advice and information is provided to all, as well as best-value private treatment to individuals with a limited budget. If you arrange a drug detox 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.

Where to find Drug Detox Centers in the UK

There are a number of different treatments 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 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.

We are staffed by highly experienced and expert professionals in addiction medicine and counselling, 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.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. We can advise you on centres running individually tailored programmes. We can help all concerned decide on a comprehensive program that is affordable to your budget. You can telephone to speak with us straight away in confidence or email us with the guarantee of a timely response.