Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol Detox Process, Withdrawal Syndrome and Medications Used

Our private medical alcohol detox is the safest and most comfortable way to flush alcohol toxins from your body. Our medical detoxification team consists of doctors, nurses, therapists and support workers meaning that every aspect of your physical, emotional and spiritual detox and recovery is monitored and treatment tailored accordingly.

When you are medically detoxing with Recovery Lighthouse your withdrawal symptoms are virtually nil in comparison to going “cold turkey”. Going cold turkey endangers your life whereas a detox for alcohol in our CQC regulated alcohol detox clinic ensures safety and comfort at all times

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that occur following the abrupt reduction or stoppage of alcohol consumption following a period of excessive use. Symptoms typically include shakiness, anxiety, vomiting, sweating, mild fever and a fast heart rate. More severe symptoms may include hallucinations, paranoia and delirium tremors (DTs). Symptoms generally start around six hours following the last intake of alcohol and worsen at 24 to 72 hours, and improve by seven days if managed by a medical team with appropriate alcohol detox medications

Alcohol withdrawal may occur in those who are alcohol dependent. This may occur following a planned or unplanned decrease in alcohol intake. The underlying mechanism involves a decreased responsiveness of GABA receptors in the brain. The withdrawal process is typically followed using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale.

The typical treatment of alcohol withdrawal is with Care Quality Commission approved alcohol detox medications such as Nalmefene, Acamprosate and Disulfiram. Often the amounts given are based on a person’s symptoms. Electrolyte problems and low blood sugar should also be treated with high doses of vitamin C and electrolyte-rich foods

In Europe and the Americas, about 15% of people have/had problems with alcohol use disorder. About 50% of people with alcohol dependence issues will develop withdrawal symptoms upon reducing their use, with four per cent developing severe symptoms. Among those with severe symptoms, up to 15% die while undergoing either no treatment or a botched home detox.

Alcohol Detox Medications Used

Nalmefene

Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and is typically used in the treatment of those with alcohol dependence. It is usually used in the treatment of those suffering from alcohol dependence but without any physical withdrawal symptoms, meaning they are not in immediate need of a detox.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is a medication that is used to help treat alcohol dependence. However, it should be used as part of a comprehensive recovery programme, working best when used in conjunction with behavioural therapy.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram is taken by those who want to stay away from alcohol. It is a medication that produces an acute sensitivity to alcohol. This means that those who drink after taking it will experience unpleasant symptoms, similar to those felt during a hangover.

How Long Does Medical Detox for Alcohol Take?

Most periods of residential alcohol detoxication last between 5-14 days. There is no one time fits all approach as each alcoholic/alcohol dependant has differing alcohol consumption levels, drink of choice and physical attributes such as height, weight and build.

During your free alcohol assessment before admission and on the day of admission you will undergo a thorough medical assessment which will allow us to make an estimation on how long your detox will take.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline of Symptoms

If you go cold turkey you are likely to experience the following symptoms:

Stage One

6 to 24 hours: Anxiety, nausea, insomnia, agitation, dizziness, memory problems, trouble sleeping

Stage Two

24 to 72 hours: High blood pressure, confusion, increased body temperature, hand tremors, seizures

Stage Three

Day 3 to 7: Hallucinations, fever, seizures, delirium tremens

Stage Four

Day 7 onwards: The above symptoms can last for weeks if not medically detoxed

Private Alcohol Detoxification Clinic

Our private alcohol detox clinics specialise in person-centred medical detox, therapy and holistic rehabilitation including a lifelong, sober support network and free aftercare programme. We are 5mins from the seaside; therefore, calming beach walks, clean air and fresh local food are all on the menu.

We tailor to our clients dietary, therapeutic, and medical detox needs. We don’t use a one size fits all approach because every addicted person is different. Alcohol misuse disorder is potentially life-threatening so our clinical medical team are experienced, qualified and dedicated to helping you cleanse toxins from your body and also heal your mind and free your soul.

When Do You Need An Alcohol Detox Programme?

Signs and symptoms that you need a detox and/or therapeutic rehabilitation

• Worrying about where your next drink is coming from and planning social, family and work events around alcohol
• Finding you have a compulsive need to drink and finding it hard to stop once you start
• Waking up and drinking, or feeling the need to have a drink in the morning
• Feelings of anxiety, depression and/or suicidal ideation
• Suffering from physical withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking and nausea, which stop once you drink alcohol
• Alcohol consumption has started to dominate your life and takes priority over your work, family, social life

If you can relate to the above or if it seems like your loved one is going through something similar talk to us for free on LIVE Chat or speak to us directly via 0203 733 9983

Treatment for Alcohol Misuse Disorder

Alcohol Detox Therapy

After your detox is complete you will begin a course of therapy including powerful Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better without the need for alcohol

Holistic Detox Recovery Sessions

We don’t just use conversational therapies; we also utilise workshops focused on cross addictions, relapse prevention, walks by the beach, meditation, therapeutic assignments to mention but a few.

By rehabilitating the mind, body and soul we essentially retrain the clients default coping mechanism from using alcohol to numb how you feel to using tools learned such as picking up the phone and calling someone, writing down how you feel and realising that your thoughts are just that and do not define you nor have to dictate your actions.

Food, Nutrition and Fitness Detox Programme

The private chef at our residential alcohol clinic will tailor to your dietary requirements e.g, your diet during detox and rehab will be fresh, local, high in protein, green and root vegetables along with high concentrations of vitamin C. We ensure that your diet is benefiting your physical recovery from alcohol abuse, dependency and/or full-blown alcoholism.

Private Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs

We strongly recommend a minimum of 28 days of rehabilitation. In this time, you will be treated psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our specialist programmes include:

• One-to-one Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Fitness
• Yoga & Meditation
• Music & Art therapy
• Process Addiction
• Holistic Programme
• Relapse Prevention Techniques

We specialise in providing tailored detox & rehab programmes to the client with dedicated family support. Alcoholism rarely affects just the individual, and we appreciate that this can be a stressful time for all those concerned. If you have any questions regarding our alcoholism rehab clinics, treatment needs, locations and cost – we can answer them!

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Post detox/rehab, some people may experience prolonged side effects. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS involve withdrawal symptoms that occur after an acute withdrawal and can make post-rehab life challenging for some individuals with PAWS lasting anywhere from a few weeks up to a year.

Common symptoms of PAWS include:

• Irritability and emotional outbursts
• Anxiety
• Low energy
• Trouble sleeping
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Increased accident proneness
• Delayed reflexes

The key to overcoming PAWS is to have a strong aftercare programme with a social connection at its core… Read on for more information on our free lifelong aftercare support

Lifelong Alcoholism Support, Aftercare, Family & Social Connection Programme

Leaving rehab and having to face the reality of day-to-day life can be an extremely daunting thought. While you may be determined to continue living a sober life, external triggers and temptations exist and dealing with these alone can leave you feeling isolated. To support you during this vital time, we have created a two-tier approach to long-term sobriety.

Short-term aftercare:

We provide one year’s free aftercare support sessions every week in the rehab you attended (or nearest clinic). Here you will engage with a group based therapeutic approach, with family/loved ones in attendance (if you so wish) and you will also have the opportunity to speak with your therapist one-to-one.

Long-term sober network:

We have built the UK’s first sober recovery network for all those who have attended a UKAT treatment facility. This lifelong recovery network is called UKAT Connections – a gateway to lifelong sober companionship. Events include Christmas parties, dinners, adventure days out and, of course, summer BBQs.

This is the future of permanent recovery, and we are proud to be the first rehab family in the UK to offer it. Many people fear that putting down alcohol means losing their social life. At UKAT we say it’s only just begun! Please call to hear more about rehab, recovery and lifelong happiness.

If you have any questions regarding our private detox clinic, treatment needs, locations and/or cost – call us today!