Medically Managed Detox
Safe, Medically Managed Detox
We understand that detox can be daunting. That is why we are here to offer medical guidance and support throughout the process so you can rest assured you are in the safest of hands.
Located close to the main hospital is our alcohol detox centre, Kirkurd House. With ten single, en-suite bedrooms, a large sitting room and a 24/7 medical centre complete with full-time medical staff, the unit follows NICE quality standards, including QS11 Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis & management.
Castle Craig Is One of the Few Addiction Hospitals in the UK With a Medically Assisted Detox Unit
Alcohol Detox in a Nutshell
- How long does it take to detox from alcohol? The detoxification process typically lasts one week. However, some psychological side effects may still be present. More.
- Do you need to detox under medical supervision for alcoholism? Most people opt for a medical detox in order to ensure safety. However, this ultimately depends on the severity of your illness and can be answered after a short, free alcohol addiction assessment.
- An alcohol detox on its own is often not enough to sustain long-term sobriety.
- Withdrawal from alcohol: the effects of alcohol detox can vary, but it’s important to note that we will medically manage all symptoms within our detox facility. Typical symptoms include sweating, shaking, vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures in some severe cases.
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Do I Really Need a Detox?
Often, patients displaying mild alcohol dependence will not require an assisted detox. If you drink less than 15 units of alcohol 4-5 days a week then it’s possible that detox might not be necessary, although all people have different levels of tolerance. Patients with moderate dependence can generally be treated in a less formal setting or with a home/community detox.
Detox is the First Step in Recovery
Everyone who steps through our doors is assessed by our expert team of psychiatrists and therapists, not everyone requires detox, whether it’s needed will depend on the severity of one’s addiction.
We hope this section of the website will act as a guide to detoxing from alcohol and its role in helping you recover.
Establishing Your Drinking History
To create a bespoke detox programme, our medical team first carefully establish each patient’s chemical/alcohol use history. Often people minimise how much they have been drinking, or have other substances in their bloodstream, so it is important to make a thorough assessment.
This assessment phase is followed by blood tests, which give the medical team a more precise diagnosis. Sometimes we come across substances that haven’t been mentioned; for example, somebody has come in primarily for a problem with alcohol but has also been taking Benzodiazepines. We can treat both of these substances as part of detox.
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Medical investigations carried out for patients requiring alcohol withdrawal
- Full blood count/Urea and electrolytes
- Calcium, phosphate, magnesium
- Liver function tests (with albumin and GGT)
- INR, Glucose, Breath alcohol
Comprehensive alcohol history assessment
- AUDIT-C or full AUDIT score
- Units consumed per drinking day/Date and time of first drink
- Drinking pattern
- Dependence (SADQ)
- Mild dependence – SADQ 15 or less
- Moderate dependence – SADQ 15-30
- Severe dependence – SADQ over 30
- History of fits and current Medication
- History of complications of alcohol use (for example liver disease, GI bleeding, malnutrition, peripheral neuropathy)
- Previous detox and withdrawal symptoms
- Symptoms indicative of physical dependence
- Morning drinking/Tolerance and relief drinking
- Concurrent illicit drug use (for example, stimulants)
- Benzodiazepine use/dependence (including illicit use)
- Social circumstances (please raise child safeguarding if the main carer for or around children)
- Involvement with other treatment services/History of domestic violence
What Are We Trying to Achieve?
Alcohol detox is the first step in treating alcoholism.
Addiction is a complex and chronic illness, caused by a person’s environment, life experiences, social circumstances and biological factors such as genetics. Addressing these issues takes time and detox is simply the beginning; it cannot treat the underlying cause.
However, before fully immersing a patient into therapy at Castle Craig, we concentrate on eliminating the alcohol from their body.
Patients then receive the maximum benefit from our addiction treatment programme.
Withdrawing from Alcohol
Withdrawal symptoms often vary depending on the severity of your alcohol abuse and how much/how long you have been drinking. Other factors such as gender, age and physical health can also affect withdrawal symptoms.
While in alcohol detox at Castle Craig, all patients are able to start participating in therapy sessions as soon as they are physically able to. This can be done remotely from your bed should you wish. All patients in detox have access to their focal therapists.
Detoxing From Alcohol Safely
Depending on your alcohol level and how many years you have been drinking, alcohol detox will require medical supervision to safely begin the withdrawal process before embarking on a therapeutic rehab programme.
Medically supervised alcohol detoxes take place at our dedicated facility, where alcohol-dependent patients are cared for round the clock by a detox-specialised nursing team.
Care consists of close monitoring and soothing of withdrawal symptoms and providing emotional support. In addition, patients can rest assured that a doctor oversees our alcohol detoxes. The alcohol detoxification stage typically takes about one week.
Treating Addiction Since 1988
Why Detox is Important
- Detox aims to stabilise your condition before continuing to the deeper therapeutic element of alcohol addiction treatment.
- At Castle Craig, our detox facility is onsite, and once completed, patients can become an active part of our recovery community as soon as their condition permits.
- It’s important to note that detoxing from certain substances (such as alcohol alongside opioid use) can be dangerous and should never be attempted alone.
- Also, remember that detox is only the first step of a rehab programme and should be followed by treatment at our accredited alcohol rehab to support long-lasting sobriety.
Home Detox
It is possible to detox from alcohol or drugs at a local detox facility before coming to residential treatment.
This may be useful if it is unsafe for you to travel to your residential clinic before detox takes place or if an emergency detox is required due to life-threatening medical conditions.
It is not recommended to undergo a detox programme solely; for the best chance of success, alcohol addiction treatments require an advanced level of therapy and techniques to alter addictive behaviours. See alternative detox types.
You Should Not Do This Alone
How Can Castle Craig Help?
How Do I Pay For Rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. The cost of rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through medical insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS.
How Long Is the Rehab Programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at four weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
Who Will I Speak to When I Call?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. Once you have decided that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
What Happens at the End of My Treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online continuing care programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, in order to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.