Cassiobury Court

Local: 01923 369 161

Text HELP To 83222

Phone Number

0800 001 4070

Alcohol Detox

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 28th January 2025 | All Sources

checkmark Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) question mark

close

All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 2nd February 2023

At Cassiobury Court, we provide professional alcohol detoxification directly from our rehabilitation centre. Here our inpatients are monitored through the detox period with medical support providing constant supervision throughout the process.

 

What is an Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the process of eliminating alcohol from the body. If you want to quit drinking, this is typically the first step in treating your alcohol dependence.

When you stop drinking alcohol, depending on the severity of your addiction you will also face some side effects. These can range from mild side effects like nausea and insomnia to more severe side effects such as tremors, palpitations and delirium tremens.

For alcoholics, detoxification is a necessary step if they wish to quit drinking for good. If you want to speak to one of our detox nurses and ask any questions you can call us on 01923 369 161 or text HELP To 83222.

 

The Severity of Physical Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly depending on the person, how deep their addiction is and also their overall health.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort, such as headaches and nausea, to more severe and life-threatening conditions like fitting and delirium tremens (DTs).

DTs can cause confusion, hallucinations, and even cardiovascular collapse in the most extreme of cases. These symptoms typically peak within a few days after the last drink and will lessen over time. Due to the potential risks, medical supervision during detox is crucial to ensure safety and effective symptom management.

Moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Sweating
  • Shaking hands, arms and legs
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Muscle pain
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Autonomic disturbances

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

 

Psychological Aspects of Alcohol Detox

In addition to the physical withdrawal symptoms you will face in detox, it also applies pressure to you mentally. Unsupervised alcohol detox can be very dangerous due to the severe and unpredictable nature of withdrawal symptoms.

The psychological impact of withdrawal can increase anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, which may go unnoticed without professional support. Medical supervision ensures that any complications are managed immediately, providing a safer environment for detoxification and reducing the risk of relapse.

If you detox at home and feel psychological pressures as you enter the withdrawal phase, it is easy to turn to drinking again, withdrawal is unpleasant and this can feel like an escape route. In fact many people go through this process of attempting detox and relapsing as they feel the pressure mounting on them.

It is like a curve in the road, you can not see what is around the bend as 1st you need to turn the corner. Once you have turned this corner you will be able to see the road ahead. Unfortunately, many people also relapse when they are nearly through the peak withdrawal expecting it to last forever, it does not, a few days and most people are through the worst of it.

 

 Alcohol Detox Process Timeline

Alcohol detox isn’t pleasant, we won’t sugarcoat it but – it can certainly be managed much more effectively with our help. So that you know what to expect in some capacity, this is the typical timeline of an alcohol detox and some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

Day 1-2: Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6-24 hours after you stop drinking. Early symptoms may include, but aren’t limited to, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and sweating. In severe cases, individuals may experience hallucinations.

Day 3-5: This is often considered the peak of withdrawal symptoms. During this period, individuals may experience more severe symptoms such as tremors (known as alcohol shakes), increased heart rate, high blood pressure, confusion, irritability, and in some cases, seizures (known as alcohol withdrawal seizures).

Day 6-7: By this point, the acute withdrawal symptoms usually begin to subside. However, some individuals may continue to experience milder symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia.

Week 2-4: During this stage, the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to improve significantly. However, psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, and cravings may persist. Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating can also continue.

Once the first month is through, recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process. The intensity and frequency of cravings may be reduced further, but some individuals may still experience occasional triggers or cravings. Long-term recovery often involves therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to maintain sobriety.

 

  • Rebecca Scott's profile image

    Rebecca Scott

    8 Months Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    Cassiobury court takes a special place in my heart for all the help I received. All the staff there are impeccable!! I could not fault it in any way. The managers, key workers, therapists, chefs, doctors, support staff and cleaners make you feel at home. They meet every need and want. I wish to return one day to be able to volunteer or go back and share my story. ❤️

    Read More

  • G-man's profile image

    G-man

    9 Months Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    Cassiobury Court has given me the hope of another chance to live again a sober life that I once had about two decades ago. I was drinking alcohol heavily in recent years that led to so many problems in my life that I can't state here. I wasn't even aware that it is an illness, rather than a habit that I could get rid of just on my willpower before I walked through the doors here. Realization of how much damage this illness has done to my life and my loved ones wouldn't have come to me without the help I have received here. My initial thoughts were that I am going to prison but the ideology here is completely different. If you are willing to recover from alcoholism or in general, any addiction then this is the place to be. If you want to walk out, become a quitter and continue your same life then no one will stop you. Such a set-up really worked for me, especially because if it was a military-type rehabilitation then I would have walked out. All the key workers, counselors, kitchen staff, cleaners, pharmacists, nurses, and fitness & yoga trainers everyone is so accommodating, warm, and helpful beyond my expectations. If someone is really willing to recover then this is the place. Big big thank you to Cassiobury Court for saving me and I wish myself to be successful on my life-long road of recovery.

    Read More

  • Larissa Disney's profile image

    Larissa Disney

    8 Months Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    I came into Cassiobury Court after years of trying to stop on my own, after years of abusing myself physically and mentally i finally came in with the willingness to ask for help and that is what i recieved. Although nervous when I first came in i was greeted with an incredibly friendly and supportive team, I was made to feel at ease and given privacy but i also knew help was ready and available when i needed it The workshops, counselling and advice all felt they were tailored to me rather then just being another client and i was encouraged to start seeing the postives of life rather then the negatives, I enjoyed every workshop and the social aspect that came with meeting a group of like minded people and felt that i was being heard and understood. Since leaving i have re started my life and had support from everyone along the way I would highly recommend them. To anyone who feels they may be struggling.

    Read More

  • Rosie M's profile image

    Rosie M

    1 Month Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    I spent 2 weeks at Cassiobury, really think it might have saved my life, Jane walked me in on the first day and told me I wouldn't want to leave by the end of it, she wasn't wrong. Every member of staff were amazing and so supportive. Having had two not so good experiences at other rehabs I was very nervous and in a really bad way, at my worst point in drinking ever and thinking there was no way out, but now I feel better than I have in 4 years 🙂 so apprecitive to literally everyone there, so welcoming and understanding. The food is amazing too, and will cater to your needs, felt so looked after and genuinely cared for, will forever be grateful for this experience x

    Read More

  • Brendan Mangan's profile image

    Brendan Mangan

    3 Months Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    I benefitted greatly at cassiobury court. I came in willing to work hard and overcome my mental blockages which kept me relapsing. The one to one's with the therapist and going through the steps really humbled me. I know now how my head works and will never take my sobriety for granted ever again. I have a structure back in my life I.e food, sleep, exercise and have the tools I need to push on and lead a good and spiritual life. Thank you to all the Cassiobury team. From the housekeeping staff to management has been excellent. I would strongly recommend to anyone to stay for 28 days like I did as its turned my life around. From a massively heavy drinker and cocaine user to give me the chance for a good life here on end. Brenden

    Read More

  • Paul M's profile image

    Paul M

    5 Months Ago
    google icon
    star star star star star

    Had the most amazing experience at Cassiobury Court, guided me through my issues and left me full of knowledge, positivity and hope. The amazing staff are always smiling, always offering sound advice when needed, and always there if you just need a chat, they treat you as their peers and make you feel instantly relaxed. Couldn't recommend the place more - go in with an open mind, be honest about everything and be willing to recover! (P.s. also great food ?)

    Read More

 

Medications Used to Assist Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol detox, as you’ll now be aware can be intimidating and to stop drinking, it is simply something that must be done. But, we are here to put your mind at ease and to show you why you have the capability to overcome the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and live a sober life.

We help you do this by administering prescription medication during your alcohol detox to ease withdrawal symptoms and help you through the most significant stage of addiction treatment. These will help suppress the overwhelming alcohol cravings and put severe reactions at bay as much as possible.

Some medications include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Benzodiazepines: These medications are frequently prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, or lorazepam help to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and promote sleep.
  • Anticonvulsants: Medications like carbamazepine or gabapentin may be used as an alternative or adjunct to benzodiazepines to prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal.
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Alcohol dependence can lead to thiamine deficiency, which can cause a serious condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. To prevent this, thiamine supplements are often provided during alcohol detox.
  • Antidepressants: If individuals experience depressive symptoms during withdrawal or have a history of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressants may be prescribed to manage these symptoms.
  • Clonidine: This medication is sometimes used to reduce symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and anxiety during alcohol withdrawal.

These can help you to detox from alcohol in a way that won’t feel as overwhelming. Don’t forget that during your addiction treatment you’ll always be assisted by a medical professional whose expertise lie in treating alcoholism and substance misuse.

 

Medically Assisted Detox and Withdrawal

Most alcoholics will experience ‘withdrawal symptoms’ when quitting alcohol, whether it be mild symptoms or severe withdrawal symptoms, which is why being within the care of medical professionals is the safest place to be.

Due to the effects of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms being potentially life-threatening, it is strongly advised that medical supervision is given throughout the duration of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary, particularly if the alcohol addiction is alongside a drug addiction too. For this reason, during admission into Cassiobury Court, you receive a psychiatric examination to determine whether you are in the correct mental state to undertake detoxification as the process can be quite distressing to some individuals.

Prescription medications can be provided during alcohol detox, this is dependent on the severity of your physical or physiological state during the withdrawal phase. We will talk some more about how we administer medication to ease these withdrawal symptoms next.

 

Attempting Alcohol Detox at Home

Attempting an alcohol detox at home can be tough, the lack of professional support can make it difficult to manage your cravings and the psychological stress of detox, increases the likelihood of relapse. Medical supervision provides a safer environment, with access to medications and support to ease the process and address any complications that arise.

If you do choose to detox at home, you should consult your GP beforehand and have a support system in place. This can include close monitoring by a family member or friend and access to emergency medical care. The home environment should be safe, quiet, and free of any form of alcohol. You also need to identify triggers that could make the process more challenging. If you drink after a stressful day at work, when attempting your home detox you should book some time off so you do not have any environmental issues causing you stress at this time.

While home detox may seem like a convenient or private option, the potential risks can outweigh the benefits, making a medically supervised detox the safer and more effective choice.

 

detox and withdrawal

Why Choose Our Alcohol Detox Programme?

As we offer private alcohol detox and rehab treatment, admissions into our clinic can be fast with no long waiting lists.

We provide rehabilitation over a period of four weeks in a residential environment, although shorter stays can be offered.

Residential treatment is the most widely recommended method for treating alcohol addictions. We strongly believe that treating you away from your home environment helps to fully address any issues that may be contributing to the addiction you are battling. In turn, once you go home you are able to approach life with a new attitude. You are also equipped with the skills needed to remain in recovery for the rest of your life.

Treatment methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy and one to one counselling are utilised as a part of the alcohol rehab process upon successful completion of alcohol detox.

These methods help give you the best possible chance of recovery with no exceptions as they aim to mentally prepare your mind to notice any potential triggers and how best to deal with them to prevent any risk of a relapse. Our trained specialists are available to treat the cause of your addiction as well as the symptoms.

Alongside your alcohol detox and rehab treatment, we also provide an onsite chef who will prepare your food throughout the day and a laundry service. This ensures that everything is taken care of so you are able to focus all efforts on tackling alcohol addiction with complete focus.

 

Where to Get an Alcohol Detox

alcohol withdrawal

Fortunately, Cassiobury Court offers comprehensive alcohol detox as the first stage of an alcohol rehab programme. Before embarking on a range of therapies and a comprehensive rehab programme, a detox from alcohol will be the first step.

Opting for an alcohol detoxification within a rehab is the safest option, it ensures that your symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are managed with the right team around you. This kind of assistance within a rehab like Cassiobury Court is often referred to as a ‘medically assisted alcohol detox’ so what does this actually mean?

 

Contact Our Admissions Team Today

To find out more about alcohol detox and withdrawal as well as our full rehabilitation programmes, contact us on 01923 369 161. We will talk you through our different treatment options and make you feel at ease about your alcohol dependency – we have been providing medically assisted detox and withdrawals for substance abuse disorders for almost a decade and know how to make you feel comfortable about them.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you quit drinking after prolonged alcohol abuse, it will be unlikely that you won't experience any of these withdrawal symptoms as part of detox.

These symptoms can be divided into two different categories:

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Hand tremors
  • Nausea and/ vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Minor to moderate seizures

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia

Delirium Tremens is defined as a psychotic condition typical of withdrawal in chronic alcoholics, involving tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and disorientation.

Common symptoms which are associated with DTs include:

  • Nightmares
  • Hallucination
  • Fever
  • Perspiration
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Heightened heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Increased blood pressure

Yes it is rare, but Delirium Tremens can be fatal.

This is why it is important to undergo detox in a medically supervised environment, as detoxing from alcohol without supervision can be dangerous.

Usually this is not possible. If your body has been dependent on alcohol for a while then you will almost certainly experience withdrawal symptoms when undertaking detox.

Symptoms from a substance abuse detox normally peak by 24 hours to 48 hours – but if you are a heavy drinker – usually, it will take 7 to 10 days to fully detox from alcohol. The detox process usually varies depending on the drinker.