Alcohol Detox
The Process of Detoxing From Alcohol
Castle Craig has a specialist detox unit to assist people who need medically assisted alcohol withdrawal. We provide treatment in a setting that is most appropriate to your age, the severity of your dependence and the presence of any physical or psychiatric conditions.
A Detox Process You Can Trust
According to NICE guidelines, inpatient, medically managed residential detoxification should be conducted by a 24-hour medical and mental health nursing support team.
As Castle Craig adheres to NICE guidelines for detoxification, we can offer pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to support effective treatment of substance misuse and other significant psychological comorbidities like depression.
Medically Managed Detox
Castle Craig has experience with all of the latest approved medications to decrease cravings and alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms as recommended by NICE.
The medical team prescribe a diminishing dose of medication to ensure a smooth withdrawal process.
You have the opportunity to start your therapy at any time whilst still in detox at Castle Craig
Three Fundamental Elements of Detox
1. Evaluation
Before starting treatment, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment that consists of a full overview of your physiological, psychological and social needs.
Before entering treatment, our medical and therapy team will conduct various assessments to provide an accurate picture of your psychological and social needs.
Prior to detox admission, our detox team will also conduct comprehensive medical assessments like baseline urea, electrolytes and liver function tests, including bloodtests, as recommended in the NICE guidelines.
2. Stabilisation
Stabilisation is part of the process where we provide therapeutic, supportive care, and when necessary medical intervention to help manage heavy symptoms of the withdrawal period. The time frame is anything from 1 to 10 days.
During this period, we will also begin to introduce you to the addiction treatment programme that you’ll be following for the next couple of weeks.
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During detoxification, patients will receive:
- A balanced healthy diet
- Adequate hydration and fluids
- High levels of hygiene and sleep hygiene
- Round-the-clock monitoring from general nurses
- Support from mental health and staff nurses
3. Residential integration
Following the end of the detox, we foster patient readiness and integrate them into our addiction treatment programme and emphasise the need for continued treatment after residential support.
This is the stage of treatment where our network of therapists will engage, motivate, and work with you to achieve your sobriety goals and begin to treat any dual diagnosis conditions.
Dosage and duration of detoxification
When our healthcare professionals determine the starting dose, duration, and regimen (linear or stepped) of detoxification we consider the following set out in the NICE guidelines:
- The severity of your dependence
- The stability of the user (polydrug or alcohol use and psychiatric comorbidity)
- Pharmacology of the chosen detoxification medication and any adjunctive medication
- The setting in which the detoxification will take place
The duration of detox will also depend on the substance used.
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What the clinical assessment involves
- Urinalysis to aid the identification of substances
- Clinical assessment of the current withdrawal symptoms
- Previous history of substance abuse or any current treatment for these problems
- Any current or previous physical health issues or comorbid mental health conditions (and any treatment for these conditions)
- Any risk factors of self-harm or the potential to increase illicit drug or alcohol use
- Social and personal circumstances, including living arrangements, social support or presence of physical dependants.
Helpful Resources
- Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (Feb 2011.). www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg115
- Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and management of physical complications. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (updated Apr 2017). www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg100
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.