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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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. - 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
- A superb venue for anyone who would like to begin the real journey of recovery from addiction. Every single member of staff cares and they cannot do enough with an always cheerful approach and outlook. This was my third visit to different Rehabs and this one has made by far the most difference. The therapy is second to none and the food is outstanding. Highly recommended.
- 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
- I entered through the gates of Cassiobury court a very frightened and ill women. This was my first time in treatment and from the start I was made to feel welcome and loved by all the staff. Once going through my detox , I finally started joining the group workshops and meeting my peers. This place is amazing , every day you have a routine starting with breakfast and then onto group lessons and ex clients coming in to share their journey with you , which is the best thing ever as they have walked the same steps as you and you can really relate to them and see the hope that their is life after addiction . You are encouraged to work hard but also have some freedom to rest if needed. I found my mind opening to finally understand the illness I have been suffering from and to see its not only ME on my own , there are other people like me out there. Nearly every staff member is in recovery , which is so important as they understand what you are going through and teach you the tools to be able to maintain this once you leave rehab . You also have the opportunity to go to AA and CA meetings in Watford which is great as you go as a group and then gives you the confidence to continue once you leave . My keyworker was Rebecca and can not thank her enough , she really is AMAZING and has helped me so much . She is very honest and open and shares her journey with you which gives you the encouragement to feel safe and be able to open up and share yours with her xx Every member of staff in this place is full of so much knowledge and kindness . You always have someone to talk to if you need a chat or any help . The food is also fantastic ,Alan and Paula do an amazing job . There is menu every day and if you don't like what is on offer you can always ask them to make you something else. Sam and her team do a brilliant job of keeping your rooms clean /maintenance of the building . And again if there is anything you are not happy with or need you can always go to Sam and she will do her best to help you I have been very lucky to have meet some fantastic and supportive peers at my time in CC. Rebecca , Ayo , Martin , Gerard , Seth , Jane , Alison , Shipra , Laura , Sam , Raffa , Patricia and every member of staff I thank you from the bottom of my heart Kel xxxx
- 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.
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.
