Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) 
All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 2nd February 2023
Alcohol Detox
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:
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Seizures
- Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Psychological Aspects of Alcohol Detox
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.
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It’s a pleasure to have been a client at Cassiobury Court. From the moment I arrived I felt like a welcome part of the family, it’s non judgmental and compassionate approach to recovery has differed from any center which I have previously attended. The structure allowed me to develop at my own pace and to work through my recovery journey, which started with me at an all time low. When I entered I was a shell of a person, after a toxic relationship. My substance misuse and eating disorder was out of control and my health, mental and physical, was deteriorating rapidly. The staff, each with there own expertise and experience guided me compassionately and from a genuine place of kindness and warmth. The facilities, all departments from housekeeping, kitchen to admin and support staff, have made a genuine difference to the person I am leaving as. Strong, rebuilt and confident. Ready to step into a life of sobriety and positivity. I have made life long friends and made life long changes thanks to Cassiobury. I can genuinely recommend Cassiobury, to anyone who has found themselves in the depths of there addiction, they will help you find the path out, however unmanageable life may seem. All my love to the team there and to the clients past, present and future Amy x - Cassiobury Court is a fantastic, peaceful place to recover. I am leaving today and can’t be more grateful to the staff and fellow residents who have made my stay such a wonderful experience. All the staff are happily prepared to go the extra mile to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible. There are a great range of workshops and activities to help you explore how your mind, body and spirit can assist with your recovery. The kitchen team provide nutritionally balanced food options and if you don’t fancy what is on the menu they are happy to make something to your taste. The rooms, facilities and grounds are immaculately maintained. I am positive about the future.
- The only way that I can start this review is by saying that Cassiobury Court saved my life. I have had a severe problem with alcohol for over 10 years and I almost lost everything, but due to the care, consideration and commitment the facility has to offer, I have been given the opportunity to start again and live a full life with sobriety. The sessions have not only taught me more about the illness and severity of it, but has also equipped me with the coping mechanisms and skills to manage those negative feelings and maintain a happy & healthy lifestyle. Each Recovery Practitioner provides a different approach and continued to show their professionalism and dedication to the cause before and even after my stay. I will be forever grateful to Cassiobury and I couldn't recommend it more.
- A really great place to get back on your feet and begin recovery. Staff could not be more helpful, therapy and groups are generally excellent. Rooms are very clean and well appointed, though size and ensuite is a bit of a lottery. Food is really very good, everyones tastes are catered for and in abundance. Snacks water juices, tea's and coffee's available 247. I would highly recommend Cassio to anyone looking to get sober change there life.
- Cassiobury court and all the members of staff not only saved my life, they changed my life, before I attended cassiobury court my life was an existence, today I live. I have many treatment centers near me, however I didn't want convenience, I wanted to get well, I travelled across the country to attend cassiobury court, and it was the best thing I've ever done. The staff are absolutely first class from top to bottom, if yourself or a loved one are needing help I would urge you to seek the help of cassiobury court, life savers and life changers. Today I have a life and I will never forget the tools this place gave me to continue living my life.
- Id like to thank everyone at Cassiobury Court and I mean everyone, nobody excluded, who helped me with my recovery. I was always treated with love and respect. Everyone is helpful, kind and always very professional with a great sense of humour This is the most wonderful place, I was so scared and afraid on my first day but within hours I found myself laughing and feeling safe - I just knew I was in the right place. The staff are simply out of this world. The location is peaceful, beautiful and the accommodation/food excellent My journey at Cassiobury helped me get on the right side of the road, I stayed focused and happy to say - today I'm still sober Today I can start living "one day at a time", they have given me a new life filled with hope, peace and love. Ive never felt happier Jo
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.
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
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.
Sources
John Gillen is a leading addiction treatment expert with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment methods for individuals throughout the UK. John also co-authors the book, The Secret Disease of Addiction, which delves into how the addictive mind works and what treatment techniques work best.
Dr. Olalekan Otulana MBChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, FRSPH, MBA (Cantab)
Dr Otulana is a highly experienced GP and Addiction Physician. He has a specialist interest in Substance Misuse Management and he has a wide range of experience in the assessment, management (including detoxification) and residential rehabilitation of clients with various drug and substance addiction problems. His main aim is to comprehensively assess patients with addiction problems and determine their treatment needs for medical detoxification treatments and psychological interventions. He is also experienced in managing patients who require dual drug and alcohol detoxification treatments.
A strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.
