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
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.
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 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:
Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
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.
This is a treatment centre of the highest calibre. The staff are all highly professional, knowledgeable, approachable and caring. They are a hope-filled resource for any addiction advice and life advice. The wholistic approach of the treatment itself was highly beneficial. As a brief overview, it encompassed: Group sessions, which was a great opportunity to learn about addiction, effective methods of controlling thoughts, emotions and how to incorporate these new skills into daily life and recovery. Mindfulness sessions that taught us the basics of meditation, breathing techniques and emotional regulation. One-to-one sessions with my key worker gave me the guidance needed to incorporate the learned material into an easy to follow recovery plan. My key worker also identified various areas of additional support which will further my recovery both during my stay at Cassiobury Court and in my general daily life. I found the private sessions with the remarkable therapists and psychologist extremely valuable for realigning my values in life so as to seek solace in my pursuits as well as becoming more emotionally centred. As a result I now see the joys in life and not the negatives. On a final note, I commend their high endeavours to offer clean, safe and comfortable living quarters with delicious hot food. They even took care of my laundry for me so that I was able to focus on my health and recovery without distraction. If you are seeking recovery by means of treatment and NOT punishment then Cassiobury Court is quite literally a LIFE SAVER.
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
I have just finished up my treatment at Cassiobury Court which is my 2nd in two years. Initially I had gone for only 2 weeks but did 21 days (28 days is still recommended). The staff was absolutely incredibly; knowledgable, supportive, organised and REAL. Addiction is a serious disease and if you are serious about recovery and want to live a strong, healthier, more spiritual and joyful life - you should admit you are powerlessness and get the support from Cassiobury Court. The programs are incredibly valuable in group settings to hear other like experiences with the addition of private `Step (1-3) work and therapy sessions with professionals. If you are looking at this review, it means you are looking for help. Get here, get sober, find your new life starting at Cassiobury Court.
I can't rate Cassiobury Court residential clinic more highly! My 14 day stay (after two previous stays at different clinics) was amazing - constructive, enlightening and enjoyable. My positive experience flowed through right from the very start of the process with my telephone conversations with the admissions team, and once we'd had an initial chat and an assessment, they arranged for a driver to pick me up at 10 o'clock the next morning to drive me the 140 miles from West Dorset to the clinic. The staff were incredibly welcoming, caring and non-judgmental. I was able to start my detox only an hour or so after my arrival after having a Zoom call with the Doctor. From then on the medical team were always on hand if and when necessary. A high ratio of the staff are in recovery themselves which means that they knew personally what I was going through, which was both comforting and motivating. My room was clean, light and bright and I had everything that I needed. The food was of a very high standard and the chef was flexible and willing to go that extra mile for any special requests. The group sessions were varied, interesting and run by highly knowledgeable staff. These were backed up by excellent 1-1 sessions with my allocated key worker and allocated therapist. I can't stress enough how much new information I learnt in just 14 days. I have left Cassiobury Court with a renewed determination to start working the 12 step programme and to do what I'm told - as the people who have been giving me this advice are proof to me that I too can change my life for the better as they have. A huge thank you to you all! Jennie
I’ve benefitted hugely from my treatment at Cassiobury Court. In fact I’ve had the best month of the last 2 years. The staff here are the best of the best and I will always recommend this amazing place to anyone I know who requires treatment for any known addiction. Rafa the Manager, Martin, Steve, Seth, Gerard, Oli, Jane, Alison, Rebecca, Paul & George are superb as well as Alan, Paula, Helen and Steve with the unrivalled catering. Cassiobury Court is also excellent value for money compared to other far more expensive but inferior Treatment Clinics. I’m very much looking forward to returning to Chair group meetings in the future. Many thanks to everyone. You’ll always remain affectionately in my heart. Rob.
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. ❤️
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
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:
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms:
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:
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.
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.
