What is a detox treatment?

A detox treatment comprises a period of time spent removing alcohol or drugs from the body. This is a necessary step in the treatment for drug and alcohol addictions, and typically medication is used to help make the process as safe and comfortable as possible. Detox treatment is most effective when combined with further psychological and therapeutic care.

Residential detox treatment works by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects that are often present in alcohol and drug addictions. You or your loved one can expect to take part in individual and group therapy sessions, which often focus on cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention, amongst others. More holistic and therapeutic therapies may also be incorporated during detox treatment, such as reflexology, acupuncture, art therapy, yoga and anger management classes.

Detox treatment is an effective means of combating many addictions. This includes alcohol, heroin, methadone, benzodiazepines and some prescription drugs, amongst others.

When should someone seek a detox treatment?

Detox is necessary in many alcohol and drug addictions. Trathen et al. (2008) outline that withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines has the potential to be life threatening. As an example, the shaking and sweating commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal can progress into seizures, fits and other symptoms of Delirium Tremens. If left untreated, these can result in death or brain damage. Thus, a medicated detox is essential in benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction treatment.

A drug addiction detox is also extremely beneficial for other drug addictions. Although the withdrawal symptoms are not typically fatal, ceasing the use of drugs such as heroin can be extremely uncomfortable. This can make the initial weeks of abstinence very disheartening. Therefore, a medicated drug addiction detox will make the process as comfortable as possible.

There are a number of signs to help you recognise whether your loved one has an addiction and needs a drug addiction detox. There may be noticeable behavioural or mood changes, such as agitation, secrecy and deception. Their behaviour may become very unpredictable. Their sleep may be disturbed and they may appear continuously unwell. You may also find drug paraphernalia amongst their possessions, such as cigarette papers, needles and small weighing scales. Their social habits may change as well. For instance, you may notice your loved one keeping strange hours or unusual company.

Types of detox programmes

Treatment to drug addiction detox can be accessed immediately if funded privately. Often the urgency of admission will be a key factor when considering treatment options. Triage Healthcare work with drug rehabilitation centres all over the UK. Our team of advisors are on hand to help you find a rehabilitation clinic suited to your budget and needs.

Treatment to drug addiction can also be accessed overseas. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed help in the UK with limited success. By travelling overseas to access treatment, the person is completely removed from their problematic surroundings. Overseas treatment can also represent better value for money in some cases.

In some instances, an alcohol detox can also take place in the home. Residential detoxes are always the preferred option because of the medical, psychological and therapeutic benefits. However, we understand that in some cases people may have difficulties travelling or may be opposed to in-patient treatment. Depending upon a medical assessment, you may be able to access alcohol detox within your own home.

It may also be possible to access treatment to drug addiction via the NHS. Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive treatment without having to pay for it, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between availability of addiction treatment in the NHS and the demand in the community. Therefore, there can often be long waiting lists involved when trying to access the NHS options. However, this option is better than seeking no help at all.

How long could detox for drug addiction take?

The length of time spent detoxing is dependent upon individual circumstances. However, as a guideline, detox for an alcohol dependence typically lasts one week. For drug dependences this may be longer. You should be aware that any detox is going to be much more effective if followed by a period of residential rehabilitation. Also, upon returning home individuals stand a much higher chance of successful recovery if they engage in a comprehensive aftercare support programme, namely one to one aftercare counselling.

How much does a private detox treatment cost?

The cost of private detox will depend on a number of factors. These include location, the standard of accommodation, and the level of medical and psychiatric care that may be required or desired. Be assured that at no point will you or your loved one need to compromise on the quality of psychological and therapeutic support when accessing a best-value residential rehab therapy programme.

Where to find a drug or alcohol rehab program in the UK

Triage Healthcare has an in-depth knowledge of the full range of residential rehab therapy services and programme options throughout the UK and abroad, and will advise you independently of any particular centre.

Triage Healthcare Ltd is a specialist healthcare company dedicated to the treatment of addictive illness. We were formed in 2005 by Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

References

Trathen et al (2008). Guidelines for the best practice treatment of Substance Misuse. Triage Healthcare: Canterbury, UK.