Alcohol Detox in the UK: Understanding Your Treatment Options
Attempting to detox from alcohol on your own can be dangerous and usually is unsuccessful. For those with alcohol dependency, attempting a home detox can be hazardous. It is crucial to seek guidance from a professional to determine the appropriate detox method and location. The best option is to contact experienced addiction specialists who can recommend the right treatment program for your needs.
The best place to start an alcohol detox in the UK
Findrehab offers free and confidential advice to help you choose between inpatient or outpatient alcohol detox options in the UK. They can also help you access local alcohol treatment services and provide information on the types of support available. Their team of advisors can be reached by phone at 02031484945 or by email at [email protected].
What is an alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Alcohol detox, also known as alcohol withdrawal management, is often the first step to overcoming an alcohol addiction in the UK. By undergoing a medically supervised alcohol detoxification, you can safely remove alcohol from your system as comfortably as possible, and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Medically supervised detox can help safely reduce alcohol intake and manage withdrawal symptoms.
What comes after a detox in the uk?
Detoxing from alcohol is an important step towards addiction treatment and long-term sobriety, but it is just the beginning. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies and change their thinking and behaviors around alcohol. True, long term recovery involves therapy, lifestyle changes and ongoing support to address the underlying causes of your alcoholism.
Hopefully this overview of alcohol detox in the UK has helped you understand your treatment options.
Contacting experienced addiction specialists like Findrehab is the best first step to accessing the right detox program for your situation. Our team can then recommend the option that is safest and most effective - whether inpatient, outpatient or at-home detox.
Alcohol Detoxification Options in the UK
There are several options for an alcohol detox in the UK, all depending on the severity of your addiction:
• Inpatient medical detox: For those with the most severe alcohol addiction and comorbid medical or mental health conditions, inpatient hospital or residential rehab detox is strongly recommended. Medically trained staff supervise your withdrawal and provide 24/7 care and monitoring. This is the safest form of alcohol detoxification.
• Outpatient detox: For those with mild to moderate alcohol use disorder without ANY severe complications, outpatient detox may be appropriate. You receive medications and supervision from clinicians but do not stay overnight. You are responsible for your own self-care.
• Home detox: Some people attempt alcohol detox at home with the help of friends and family. However, this can be risky without medical supervision and monitoring of physical withdrawal symptoms like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
Alcohol Detox Medications in the UK
Several medications are used during alcohol detox in UK rehab facilities and hospitals to manage withdrawal symptoms and ease cravings. These include:
•Benzodiazepines like diazepam and chlordiazepoxide
•Symptom-relieving drugs like clonidine for high blood pressure and acetaminophen for headache and body aches
•Anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine to prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures
These medications are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for treating alcohol misuse.
Hopefully this overview of alcohol detox in the UK has helped you understand your alcohol treatment services options.
By undergoing medically supervised detox in the right setting for your specific needs, you can take the first crucial step on the path to long-term alcohol addiction recovery.
When attempting to stop drinking, it is essential to seek medical assistance and guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Trying to detox from alcohol on your own can be dangerous and unsuccessful. The best option is to contact experienced addiction specialists who can recommend the right treatment program for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does alcohol detox last?
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Alcohol detox typically lasts 3 to 10 days, depending on how severe your alcohol use disorder is and which detox option you choose. Inpatient medical detox usually lasts 7 to 10 days while outpatient detox may be as short as 3 to 5 days. Withdrawal symptoms tend to worsen during the first couple of days, reach their peak around the third or fourth day, and then start to improve after the three-day mark.
- What happens during alcohol detox?
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During detox, you will be monitored for alcohol withdrawal symptoms and given medications to manage these symptoms and ease cravings as they occur. You’ll undergo physical, mental, and emotional health assessments. You should also participate in therapy sessions to prepare for rehabilitation after detox.
- What are the dangers of alcohol withdrawal?
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The major dangers of alcohol withdrawal include severe symptoms such as seizures, DTs - delirium tremens (including hallucinations), high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anxiety. That’s why medical supervision during detox is crucial to manage these potentially life-threatening symptoms.
- How can I prepare for alcohol detox?
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To prepare, try to quit drinking a few days before your detox start date (if your symptoms get too severe, you may need a small drink to ease them). Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Ask family for support. Make arrangements for any responsibilities you need to pause during detox and rehabilitation. Most importantly, speak to an addiction specialist to ensure you choose the safest detox option for your needs.
