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 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 - 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
- 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
- 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.
- I have spent some time at Cassiobury Court over the last 6 months and cannot speak more highly of the experience. I admitted myself for alcohol addiction and was very scared when I arrived and did not have any idea what to expect. The staff could not have been kinder to me. I wanted to leave on day 2 because I was very anxious and out of my comfort zone, but fortunately staff members calmed me down and I ended up staying which I am very glad about. The schedule is very good with group sessions, some one on one sessions and therapy sessions. The food is excellent and the chefs are very accommodating if you wish to have something different. There is a daily trip to the local shop to get any bits you may need. All the staff are amazing, the recovery workers, the management, the chefs and kitchen staff and all that work at Cassiobury are all so caring and it really shows. You have time to get to know the rest of the group and I ended up building close bonds and have kept in contact with many that I met in Cassiobury (and I bump into people I met at meetings outside as well as on the aftercare calls). All in all, if your are considering a treatment centre then I would highly recommend Cassiobury Court, I am very grateful for my time there.
- Well well well… what an experience I have had during my time in Cassiobury Court. 6 months I have spent in the building. I came in as a broken girl not knowing where to turn, I’m leaving here a positive woman, with a totally different outlook on life, I haven’t learnt so much about myself and also about the mind uttering substances that change your life for the worst. The staff is Cassiobury Court are indescribable, they showed me love when I didn’t love myself, they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and most of all they helped shape me into the girl I am today. The house keeping was on point as was the maintenance and also the food. I cannot recommend this place enough. This building and the staff have that much of a special place e in my heart I even had a tattoo done. I’m so grateful for you all and will forever appreciate you❤️
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.
