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.
Check out reviews from our previous clients
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5 months agoThis 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.
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5 months agoI 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.
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5 months agoA 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.
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5 months agoI needed to be separated from alcohol and initially booked in for a two week alcohol detox. A couple of days in however i knew i was in a good 12 step based rehab. I decided then another 2 weeks was necessary to get a good solid start for my recovery journey. I have experience of a 12 step program, it had worked for me for some years prior. Cassiobury Ct had a good, varied program. I learnt so much more about myself and addiction. The staff were all compassionate and knowledgeable. Many had been where i was. I felt safe in CC. I was fortunate to be surrounded by very supportive peers, we cried together and we laughed together. I walked in feeling such a failure , since leaving i have held my head high. Thank you for the love CC when I struggled to love myself. Cathy R
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5 months agoCassiobury Court has given me the hope of another chance to live again a sober life that I once had about two decades ago. I was drinking alcohol heavily in recent years that led to so many problems in my life that I can't state here. I wasn't even aware that it is an illness, rather than a habit that I could get rid of just on my willpower before I walked through the doors here. Realization of how much damage this illness has done to my life and my loved ones wouldn't have come to me without the help I have received here. My initial thoughts were that I am going to prison but the ideology here is completely different. If you are willing to recover from alcoholism or in general, any addiction then this is the place to be. If you want to walk out, become a quitter and continue your same life then no one will stop you. Such a set-up really worked for me, especially because if it was a military-type rehabilitation then I would have walked out. All the key workers, counselors, kitchen staff, cleaners, pharmacists, nurses, and fitness & yoga trainers everyone is so accommodating, warm, and helpful beyond my expectations. If someone is really willing to recover then this is the place. Big big thank you to Cassiobury Court for saving me and I wish myself to be successful on my life-long road of recovery.
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5 months agoI came into Cassiobury Court after years of trying to stop on my own, after years of abusing myself physically and mentally i finally came in with the willingness to ask for help and that is what i recieved. Although nervous when I first came in i was greeted with an incredibly friendly and supportive team, I was made to feel at ease and given privacy but i also knew help was ready and available when i needed it The workshops, counselling and advice all felt they were tailored to me rather then just being another client and i was encouraged to start seeing the postives of life rather then the negatives, I enjoyed every workshop and the social aspect that came with meeting a group of like minded people and felt that i was being heard and understood. Since leaving i have re started my life and had support from everyone along the way I would highly recommend them. To anyone who feels they may be struggling.
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5 months agoHad the most amazing experience at Cassiobury Court, guided me through my issues and left me full of knowledge, positivity and hope. The amazing staff are always smiling, always offering sound advice when needed, and always there if you just need a chat, they treat you as their peers and make you feel instantly relaxed. Couldn't recommend the place more - go in with an open mind, be honest about everything and be willing to recover! (P.s. also great food ?)
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5 months agoI’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.
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5 months agoI 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
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5 months agoI am Sam and I arrived at Cassiobury Court for 28 days at the end of May. This was my second rehab experience. I cannot praise Cassiobury Court enough. Each day was well structured and every group session was designed to give you different tools to sobriety. I learnt so much from all the therapists and key workers that were taking the sessions due to my lack of understanding of this illness. I was in a place where I was made to feel comfortable and no question were silly which encouraged me to dig deeper and ask questions around my illness and myrecovery. Cassiobury Court approach to recovery, worked very well for me. It was not like Boot Camp. They actually gave me time to digest the information that was given and time to absorb what was said they kind of gave me the balance to learn, but also do every day life things, I also had time to reflect and focus on myself I would encourage any newcomers to rehab to engage in many group sessions as they can and take out as much as they can out of these sessions the 12 step AA program was explained to me in such a simple way and gave me the confidence to work it. I would like to give a special thanks to my key worker as she has helped me find a a new sober, Sam. My key worker from the start has been open and honest which has helped me with my recovery. I would like to also thank all the staff at Cassiobury Court that have had an impact on my road to recovery. A special thanks to the kitchen staff and the cleaning staff, as by them doing what they do gave me time to focus on myself and not have to worry about cooking and cleaning. The kitchen staff have made sure that I have been eating properly and have helped me build up my strength. Overall, Cassiobury Court is the place to come to if in need of a medical detox or need to understand what is involved in recovery and give you the opportunity on how to get away from addiction It’s like being given a second sober life. I cannot thank Cassiobury Court enough.
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 are concerned about the amount of alcohol you or a family member are consuming and believe that you will benefit from learning more about detoxing from alcohol, then you may find our answers to some of our most frequently asked questions very useful.
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.
