Clinically Reviewed on 07/12/2023 4:00 pm by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Alcohol detoxification, also known as alcohol detox, is the process of removing alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone stops drinking or taking drugs.
Detoxification is the first step in overcoming alcohol addiction and starting the journey towards sobriety. It is an essential process that helps individuals safely withdraw from alcohol, minimise discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications.
Here At Asna Lodge, we specialise in alcohol detox in our CQC-registered rehabilitation centre.
Alcohol detox is a process in which a person stops drinking; this can take place in a rehab facility or their own home. Withdrawal symptoms can often accompany this process; these symptoms vary in severity and can range from mild discomfort to severe complications.
Alcohol detox can be distressing and potentially dangerous for some individuals due to the range of alcohol withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced as the body’s alcohol level drops.
This is why it is preferable to undergo this process within an alcohol detox clinic, surrounded by healthcare professionals who can care for you and can also administer medications that will help ease withdrawal symptoms. The use of medication as you are going through detox is referred to as a medical detox.
Although you can complete a home detox, it can be difficult depending on the severity of your alcohol addiction and how long you have been living with an alcohol use disorder. If you try to quit drinking and people around you are drinking, such as friends or family, it is very easy to relapse and give in to another drink.
Alcohol consumption, especially in excessive amounts, can have a significant impact on the body and cause serious complications.
Alcohol use can result in high blood pressure, heart problems, liver disease, and damage to the central nervous system. Alcohol dependence and abuse CAN negatively impact you from both a physical and mental perspective.
Alcohol dependency can affect your body in various ways such as:
If you’re suffering from addiction, the best option to detox from alcohol is to do so in a controlled environment, around addiction specialists that can help you manage your symptoms and ease the process.
Contact us today to start the process with Asana Lodge.
The detox phase of alcohol rehab is the most challenging aspect of recovery for people dependent on alcohol, it comes first, prior to the rehabilitation stage so you’re able to go through therapy without the weight of physical withdrawal symptoms and alcohol cravings holding you back.
The detox phase typically takes 5-10 days, depending on the severity of the addiction, the individual and any health problems that may be experienced. See how long each step of alcohol detoxification takes below:
Upon admission to our centre, you will be assessed by a doctor and medical professionals to monitor your health, such as blood pressure, blood alcohol content and a diabetes test.
The detox will begin straight away. You will stay in a private room in a quiet area of our treatment facility known as the Detox Wing so you can be as relaxed as possible.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be experienced during this period, including nausea, intense cravings, headaches and anxiety. You will be closely monitored to check that you are healthy and do not require further treatment options.
We manage severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms through medication, and you will receive round-the-clock support from our addiction counsellors.
This stage of detox will be difficult as it will likely be the stage in which you crave alcohol the most. People with alcohol withdrawal syndrome typically find this stage a challenge, but for most people, you will only be experiencing mild symptoms at this point.
Only 5% of people face delirium tremens, which is the worst alcohol withdrawal symptom a person can face, with serious hallucinations and delusion.
Once you have reached day 7 of your alcohol detox you will begin to feel sober once again, you will then move into your room for the rest of your treatment programme and will complete therapies to treat the psychological element of addiction during rehab.
We treat people with alcohol use disorders on a daily basis, and our treatment professionals will know when you are ready to move from the detox stage to general rehabilitation.
Withdrawal symptoms are common when you undertake an alcohol detox, and can begin as soon as five hours from your last drink. It is normal to feel generally unwell when undertaking an alcohol detox, which is why our medical professionals provide prescribed medication to treat severe withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms during alcohol addiction detox can include:
If your alcohol addiction is severe, you may find that the detox process develops severe symptoms of DT, known as ‘delirium tremens’. This is where your nervous system goes into shock, which is a common condition in severe cases of alcoholism.
Residents who develop delirium tremens are likely to experience hallucinations, blurry vision and seizures as the nervous system tries to re-adjust to sobriety. This is why it is important to detox in a secure facility where you can be monitored and supported as you experience withdrawal symptoms and begin your recovery journey.
Often, to help those suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms, staff within our alcohol detox clinic will administer prescription medications. While there isn’t a guarantee that these will totally reduce alcohol cravings, they do indeed make the whole process much more manageable.
Our specialist staff are here to help you through these cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making for a smoother recovery journey during your medical alcohol detox.
Some common treatments we prescribe include:
This type of medication is commonly used as part of our alcohol detox programmes, such as the prescription drugs Diazepam (Valium) and Librium (Chlordiazepoxide). These medications help to alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms experienced during the alcohol detox and improves the likelihood of completing the detox successfully.
These benzos treat the common withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, muscle pains and spasms, and prevent seizures which can occur in serious cases of alcohol withdrawal.
This medication is prescribed to help insomnia, a common problem experienced during the alcohol withdrawal process. Sleeping problems often occur in people undergoing a drug or alcohol detox, which is why this medication is so beneficial.
This drug is used to avoid and treat Vitamin B1 deficiency which is common in people experiencing withdrawal from alcohol or alcohol addictions.
Thiamine works by keeping the central nervous system in good health and repairing any damage that may have been caused by alcoholism. Alcohol abuse can often lead to nutrients not being absorbed properly, which is why this medication is used during the withdrawal process.
Like anything, there are pros and cons of detoxification of alcohol at home and in an in-patient rehab facility / detox clinic. These apply to everybody in different ways, for instance while one person may have a family that they can’t leave alone another may have the means to get childcare and spend time in an inpatient facility.
That being said, these are some of the most common pros and cons for both in-patient and out-patient care when it comes to detox treatment for alcohol.
The way that you choose how to detox from alcohol is completely up to you, it depends on your lifestyle and limitations and the intensity of treatment that you require. If you’re unsure, you can speak to us today and we can help you make a decision depending on the severity of your addiction.
We have a healthcare team highly experienced in helping people overcome substance abuse issues such as alcohol addiction.
In the most extreme cases, detoxing can lead to life-threatening symptoms, and you need a medical professional at hand if you face severe symptoms. The recovery process also involves therapy and counselling, and this is what you will receive alongside your detox.
With the help of an assigned therapist, you will also attend counselling sessions on your own and in group therapy sessions, where you will be given the opportunity to share your experiences and feelings on your relationship with alcohol and your addiction.
At Asana Lodge you will stay in a comfortable room with all of the facilities you require, from a TV to an ensuite, you can see our facilities below.
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Our rehab centre is located in a relaxing area where you will feel safe to start your alcohol recovery journey. Your room, complete with views of the countryside, is the ideal place to recover and escape from the stresses of everyday life.
We provide a range of wellbeing activities during your stay with us and have a medical team on hand to assist you through every step.
To find out more about our recovery programmes, phone us on 01908 489 421.
There are several behavioural signs that indicate a detox programme is a necessary step for alcohol addiction. These signs include:
Try out our drinks calculator and see if you’re drinking more than you think you are and see the effect that has on you and those around you.
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We understand that detoxing from alcohol on an in-patient basis isn’t for everyone, so here are some UK based services that can help you get the help that you need.
NHS GP
Contact your local GP to get out-patient care, they offer services for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.
The AA is a voluntary fellowship that provides support to individuals recovering from alcoholism. They offer free, confidential meetings where people can share their experiences and support one another in maintaining sobriety.
Frank is a helpline and website that offers free, confidential advice and information about drugs and alcohol. They can provide guidance on treatment options and support services.
Adfam is a national charity that provides support to families affected by drug and alcohol use. They offer a range of free resources and support services for family members and friends of individuals struggling with alcoholism.
Drinkaware is an independent charity that aims to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK. They provide free information, advice, and resources about alcohol and its effects.
We want your alcohol detox to be rewarding and empowering, so you feel confident and strong in the knowledge that you will move forward and live a sober, clean life.
Get in touch with us today by calling 01908 489 421 or email info@asanalodge.com if you would like to speak to us about alcohol detox options. We can help you today.
In short, yes, in many cases, the liver can heal if you stop drinking alcohol. The liver is a resilient organ with the ability to regenerate itself to some extent. When a person consumes excessive alcohol over an extended period, it can lead to alcohol-related liver diseases, such as fatty liver. If the individual stops drinking alcohol and adopts a healthier lifestyle, the liver has a chance to repair itself. The extent of recovery depends on several factors, including the severity and duration of alcohol abuse, overall health, and any other medical conditions present. In the early stages of liver damage, such as fatty liver or mild alcoholic hepatitis, stopping alcohol consumption can lead to significant improvements in liver function. However, in cases of advanced liver cirrhosis, the damage may be irreversible even after quitting alcohol. The bottom line is the sooner you stop abusing alcohol the better for your overall health and the more chance you have at reversing damage.
Detoxing from alcohol at home can be dangerous, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependence. Medical supervision is recommended to manage potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and to ensure a safe and comfortable detox process.
Medical detoxification programs often utilise medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, such as benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and medications to address specific symptoms like nausea or insomnia. Behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups are also important components of alcohol detox and long-term recovery.
Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Clinical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 07/12/2023 4:00 pm
Dr. Otulana is a highly skilled General Practitioner and Addiction Specialist. He possesses extensive expertise in the field of Substance Misuse Management and boasts a diverse background in evaluating, overseeing (including detox procedures), and overseeing the residential recovery of individuals grappling with various drug and substance addiction issues. His primary goal is to conduct thorough assessments of patients dealing with addiction issues and determine their medical detoxification and psychological treatment requirements. Dr. Otulana is well-versed in caring for patients who need dual drug and alcohol detoxification therapies.
In addition to his medical qualifications, Dr. Otulana is a proficient healthcare professional who holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the prestigious Cambridge University Judge Business School.
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