Alcohol Detox

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 26th October 2026

checkmark 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: 26th October 2026

Home » Who We Help » Alcohol Addiction Help » 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 first stage of treating an alcohol dependence. It’s not a treatment for addiction itself; it’s the process of ensuring withdrawal is done safely so that the next stage of treatment can start. 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.

Not everyone who drinks needs a medically managed detox. A detox is usually recommended when someone is physically dependent on alcohol; for example, if you get withdrawal symptoms when you cut down, you drink to stop shakes or sweats, or you have tried and failed to stop on your own. A doctor or nurse will assess this.

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.

How Does an Alcohol Detox Work?

A medically supervised alcohol detox follows four steps.

Assessment. A clinician will ask about how much and how often you drink, any past withdrawal, seizures or delirium tremens, your physical and mental health, and any other substances or medication.
Medication. Most people are given a reducing course of a benzodiazepine such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) to prevent seizures and ease symptoms. NHS guidance describes this as the most commonly used detox medicine. You will also be offered thiamine (vitamin B1) because heavy drinking commonly depletes it.
Monitoring. Our nurses check your symptoms regularly and adjust medication to match what you need.
Stabilisation and transition. As the acute phase passes, medication is reduced and stopped, and you move into therapy.

For most people, the acute phase of withdrawal lasts around 7 to 10 days, which is why alcohol detox programmes run for 10 days. This varies with how much you have been drinking and your general health.

Meet Our Team

Our team includes experienced counsellors, psychologists, and medical professionals specialising in addiction treatment and mental health. We are passionate about helping people overcome addiction and achieve their goals for a healthier and happier life.

We hold the highest professional standards here at our CQC-registered rehab centre. Our fully trained GPs, Physchiatristes, Support Workers, Counsellors and Mental Health Nurses can deliver a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

View All Team Members

Raffa Bari
CQC Registered Manager View Bio
Dr Mosun
Consultant Psychiatrist and Addictions Specialist View Bio
Dr Ola Otulana
GP and Addiction Specialist Physician View Bio
Alison Hipwell
Deputy Manager (Operations Officer) View Bio
Jane Pearce
Deputy Manager (Clinical Lead) View Bio

Psychological Aspects of Alcohol Detox

In addition to the physical withdrawal symptoms you will face in detox, it also puts pressure on 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. After a few days, most people are through the worst of it.

Mike Saunders
11 Months Ago

As good as it gets for rehab. The staff are hard-working and caring. You get a nice blend of help and social (sober) interaction. They allow as much freedom as you can handle and mix a healthy blend of learning with the freedom to do as you please and not force any narratives.

Read More
Alice Whittaker
7 Months Ago

I stayed at Cassiobury Court for 28 days in December 2021 to January 2022 and I'm now 110 days clean and sober. The level of care and support you receive here from all the staff is outstanding. From admissions, to leaving through to aftercare I cannot thank everybody enough. They tirelessly go above and beyond to help every individual to get them back on track with detox, step work, one-to-one therapy, group therapy, acupuncture, fitness and good food. Each patient is different and the staff keep a very close eye on each individuals personal circumstances and try to guide them to the best of their abilities. Truely inspirational as have all been through the hell of addiction themselves so there is zero judgement. If you want it bad enough this is the safest environment to be in. I actually miss them all!!!

Read More
Deborah Smith
8 Months Ago

Just completed 28 days at Cassiobury Court and I am pleased to say it has been a positive experience. I have received compassionate expert care from the staff team here who have an in-depth knowledge of addiction. My key workers have been an inspiration and have been by my side every step of the way providing a range of interventions to help me work through my addiction issues. I have been treated with kindness, privacy, dignity and respect. I leave having gained confidence and the power to succeed. Thank you to all at Cassiobury court.

Read More
Thomas McGirr
3 Months Ago

I cannot speak highly enough of my time at Cassiobury. This was my second visit (unfortunately) and the support, experience and expertise has only improved in 3 years - I am incredibly glad I chose to return. The staff will change your life - measuring empathetic understanding with straight-talking honesty. I would recommend to anyone who’s struggling and wants to get on the path to recovery.

Read More
Natasha Healey
5 Months Ago

This was my first stay at a rehab facility and I entered for a 28 day stay. I came through the gates feeling like a hopeless lost child who had exhausted all other avenues, and now leave as a strong and hopeful individual with all the tools I need to carry on my sobriety journey on the outside. The day one, all the staff were caring and attentive, catering for all of your needs and explaining everything perfectly in a calm and friendly manner - you felt welcomed straight away. All of the days were filled with useful and varied sessions, with a structured routine, but still time to socialise and get to know your peers. One to one therapy sessions were invaluable, and I learnt a lot from my sessions which were conducted in a professional but caring manner, and have given me many techniques to take with me. Also the one to one key work sessions were brilliant, guiding you on your journey in a straightforward, constructive but also compassionate way. Also thanks to all of the amazing staff who ran all of our group sessions, I gained so much from these. The food was excellent, as well as the medical and housekeeping staff who ensured that you could focus your time and energy on your recovery at all times. For anyone seeking help with an addiction, I would 100% recommend Cassiobury Court.

Read More
Mick Lardner
5 Months Ago

I’ve very recently attended the Cassiobury Court rehab facility and highly recommend the services provided. Set in a quiet location with enclosed courtyard the bedrooms, tutorial rooms and dining rooms are well maintained, impeccably clean and mostly modern internally The biggest plus is the wealth of experience and quality of counsellors, tutors and many of the supporting staff who themselves are recovering alcoholics/ addicts. Conducted in a structured but relaxed atmosphere the breadth and depth of tuition and counselling is such that it stimulates the open, positive participation of Clients whilst always being supportive of both the group and the individual. This is greatly enhanced with the attendance of local ‘live’ external CA meetings, zoom meetings and visiting ‘shares’ from recovering addicts. With superb catering and even a washing and cleaning service included It’s an experience that bettered my expectations and was great fun also.

Read More

Medical Supervision During Alcohol Detox

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Seizures can happen within the first day or two, and delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency if it develops, usually happens a few days in. These are both safer if there’s someone with the right training watching for them and can act immediately.

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.

At our alcohol detox clinic, medical supervision means:

A doctor does a proper admission assessment, including a mental health check, before you even start the detox process
We’ve got nurses on site around the clock to keep an eye on you and make sure you remain stable
We work out a withdrawal medication plan with you, and adjust it as needed if you start to feel symptoms
And we have a clear plan in place in case of escalation and symptoms become more than we can manage onsite.

Some people will need to do their detox in a hospital rather than our clinic. If that’s you, it might be because you’ve had a seizure or delirium tremens in the past, or because you’re dealing with serious health issues. We’ll tell you straight away if that’s the case and help get you set up in the right place.

A P
11 Months Ago

My time at Cassiobury Court has been a life changing experience and one I will be forever grateful for. When I arrived I was mentally broken and morally bankrupt and believe my time here has given me the tools to finally turn my life around. The staff here are incredible and consistently go above and beyond with their care, support and guidance. I cannot thank everyone enough or offer high enough praise for the work that you do. I truly believe that this is the only place I could have begun my journey to recovery. For anyone who is struggling with addiction and wants to change their life for the better, I can say with confidence today that it is possible. Thank you Cassiobury Court. ODAAT

Read More
Dan Peacey
3 Months Ago

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.

Read More
Matt Gibbins
4 Months Ago

I have recently completed a 28 day stay at Cassiobury Court (CC) Rehabilitation Facility. I walked up to the gates of CC in total despair. I was a broken man. A man with no purpose in life. I had been drinking for 31 years. I had lost everything – family, friends, job, houses, cars and I hated myself with a passion! I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror. All because of the dreaded disease called ALCOHOL! I wasn’t living, just merely existing! I came to realise that I was unable to beat my addiction on my own. I had no choice but to surrender and ask for help. I hadn’t asked anyone for help in all my life – my ego and pride when drinking was just too big! I needed help from CC and the staff certainly delivered on all levels. My stay at CC was very enlightening – a phenomenal experience! The best decision I have ever made in my life! A very humbling experience. The staff at CC are all very loving, caring and willing to help their clients to succeed. It’s like they do what they do because they genuinely want to support you and save your life from addiction. They all treat you with the utmost respect and all are willing to meet your specific needs. Nothing is too much trouble for them. I cannot praise the staff at CC enough for all the love, care support and help they give to every client; Management, Therapists, Key Workers, Kitchen Staff, Housekeeping and Maintenance. The staff all treat you as an equal and I now regard them all as family – “My CC family!”. The group sessions are taken by Therapists and Key Workers who all conduct themselves in a very professional manner. The daily schedule is very structured. The staff who run these sessions all have great expertise and experience to help you on your journey to recovery. I have certainly left CC with the tools I need to sustain many happy and sober years ahead of me. I am eternally grateful to them for giving me this opportunity! The setting of CC is one of tranquility. It is in very peaceful surroundings. The is a lovely courtyard/gardens available for clients and staff to use at their leisure. The rooms and communal areas are all well maintained. The food is outstanding and fully trained staff are available for all you medical, dietry and general requirements. My overall experience of CC is sensational! I highly recommend that if you are suffering from addiction and want the best opportunity to rebuild your life and future, then your journey to recovery should start at CC. My love and best wishes to all at CC.

Read More
Rebecca Scott
1 Month Ago

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
Robert Beech
3 Months Ago

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.

Read More
Lee Pyke
5 Months Ago

I spent 28 days here and was honestly the best experiences of my life, Rebecca and Idel saved my life but every single team member played there part including the house keepers , nearly everyone that is there including therapist are in recovery , it the only place ive ever been where people understand me and my mind instantly and they give you the tools to change your life. Food was very good , towel changed every other day. Hoping to go back in the future to do a chair Thanks so much 🙏

Read More

How Much Does an Alcohol Detox Cost?

At Cassiobury Court, our basic 10-day alcohol detox and rehab programme starts from £6,150*, but we can also offer longer stays if you feel you need to continue this into our rehab programme.

10 days (alcohol detox programme) £6,150*
14 days £8,400*
21 days £11,900*
28 days £14,850*

When you come to stay with us, we’ll take care of a whole range of things for you, including accommodation, meals from our on-site chef, laundry, a doctor’s assessment on arrival, expert nursing, and withdrawal medication and treatment.

*Please be aware that these prices are subject to change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to give us a call to confirm the current price before you make a decision.

Why Choose Cassiobury Court for Alcohol Detox?

The biggest difference is that you don’t have to start again somewhere new once detox ends. You are admitted, detoxed and moved into rehab by the same team in the same building, so the person who knows how your withdrawal went also helps plan your therapy. Treatment methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and one-to-one counselling are utilised as a part of the alcohol rehab process upon successful completion of alcohol detox.

These methods give you the best possible chance of recovery, as they aim to help you identify potential triggers and learn how to manage them to reduce the risk of relapse. Our trained specialists are available to treat the cause of your addiction as well as the symptoms. After you leave, our aftercare is there to support you through your first year, and it’s free to access.

Our detox clinic is in Watford, in a calm setting away from your usual surroundings. Meals from our on-site chef and a laundry service are included, so we take care of the practical side of life.

We are also regulated by the Care Quality Commission. People who have stayed with us rate us 4.6 out of 5 on Google, based on 74 reviews.

1/10

Where to Start Alcohol Detox at Cassiobury Court

Cassiobury Court offers comprehensive alcohol detox as the first stage of an alcohol rehab programme. alcohol withdrawal

Call or message us: Our freephone is 0800 001 4070. You can also make an enquiry.
Initial conversation: We ask about your drinking, health, and situation, and answer your questions.
Medical screening: We gather the medical information we need to confirm that detox with us is safe for you.
Admission: We agree on an admission date, and our team will tell you what to bring. If you need to start sooner, see urgent rehab admissions. More on the admission process.

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 withdrawal for substance abuse disorders for almost a decade and know how to make you feel comfortable about them.

Alcohol Detox FAQs

What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

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

Can I detox from alcohol 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.

What Are Delirium Tremens?

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

Can Delirium Tremens Cause Death?

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.

Is It Possible To Avoid Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox?

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.

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol?

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.

Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Medical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 26th October 2026

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.