Addiction Advisor

The following points of information on detox are prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information on detox can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0845 370 0102.

Types of Detox?

For anyone with an addiction the first step towards abstinence involves withdrawing from the substance. When unmanaged, the withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous. It is important that the appropriate medication, care and support is provided during this time to ease this difficult period and allow a safe and controlled withdrawal period.

Alcohol detox

Withdrawal symptoms for alcohol include shaking, sweating, vomiting, delirium tremens (the DTs), or in some cases, seizures. An alcohol detox aims to alleviate as many of these symptoms as possible. Medication such as chlordiazepoxide (known as Librium) is typically used for alcohol withdrawal. Vitamins and other medications may also be prescribed during this time.  

Heroin detox

Whilst withdrawal from heroin is not life-threatening, the symptoms of it can be very unpleasant. These symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, cold sweats with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), and involuntary leg movements. A heroin detox aims to alleviate as many of these symptoms as possible. The medications typically used to support heroin withdrawal are methadone, or Subutex.

Cannabis detox

There is no known formal detoxification medication for cannabis, because cannabis withdrawals are largely psychological.  The focus will be on making the person as comfortable as possible. Medication can be provided to help sleep, or to reduce anxiety levels.

Cocaine detox

When cocaine use is stopped or when a binge ends, a ‘cocaine crash’ follows almost immediately. A cocaine crash is significant drop in mood, motivation and optimism. It is usually accompanied by a strong craving for more cocaine.  Additional symptoms include fatigue, lack of pleasure, anxiety, irritability, sleepiness, and sometimes agitation or extreme suspicion. Continued abstinence from cocaine can lead to symptoms including increased sleep, depression and anxiety.

Although there is no formal detoxification medication prescribed, and the focus is on relieving some of the symptoms and making the person feel as comfortable as possible.

What are the warning signs that indicate someone needs to detox?

Withdrawal is when the substance is removed but the body continues to physically crave it. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical - sweating, shaking, and vomiting, or psychological - intensely obsessing about a substance, depression or anxiety.

Sudden withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can be life-threatening in some circumstances. For other substances, such as heroin sudden withdrawal is not normally life-threatening, but can be extremely unpleasant.

Detoxification may therefore be required to reduce the risk of withdrawal and where possible alleviate the symptoms to make the person feel as comfortable as possible.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one requires treatment, call us on 0845 370 0102. We can advise you on the most suitable treatment and where it can be accessed.

Why professional detox?

It is important to access a professionally managed treatment due to the associated risks of withdrawal from certain substances. When accessing residential treatment we can help ensure that the clinic is properly regulated and its staff are registered with the appropriate professional body.

Residential treatment is generally considered safer than outpatient options for medical reasons. Ongoing supervision occurs regularly and qualified staff are on hand to deal with complications if they occur. Being in a clinic also reduces the risk of accessing drugs or alcohol during the detox.

Triage Healthcare works with specialist approved treatment centres for immediate access to addiction treatment, and we offer home detoxification for alcohol where required.

How long could treatment at a detox center take?

The length of treatment will depend both on the severity of the dependence and the substance being taken. Treatment for withdrawal from alcohol will take between 7 and 10 days while heroin will usually require 14 days.

For the best outcomes, a detox should be accessed as part of a full psychological treatment programme. This is supported by the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) in 1996 that showed those who completed a minimum of 28 days in a treatment centre were four times more likely to maintain abstinence than others.

Where to detox

Private residential clinics provide the most immediate access to treatment for drug and alcohol treatment. Residential treatment is preferable as it is considered safer (medically) and offers more psychological care during this time. The best outcome will be when treatment is accessed as part of a complete addiction programme that offers psychological treatment as well. In addition, residential clinics offer psychological, educational and social therapy to address all aspects of the dependence. Residential treatment provides a safe and supportive environment away from many associations and triggers.

It is possible to access private overseas services. 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.

Although residential treatment is advised primarily for medical reasons, some individuals may wish to consider home treatment. Alcohol detoxification can take place in the home if an assessment indicates it is appropriate. The procedure for Triage Healthcare home detoxes is monitored by our Medical Director, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych. Traetment is delivered by qualified and professional nursing and medical staff who are registered with their appropriate professional bodies. Live-in professional carers can also be arranged on request or when necessary.

How much does a private detox cost?

Costs can vary depending on the duration of treatment, facilities, accommodation standard and location of the clinics. The level of medical cover may also have an impact on the cost.

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK.  In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors on 0845 370 0102. Our advice is all completely free and confidential. We can offer guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs. Our advisors are ethically bound to give you advice according to the latest evidence of what works, and not according to a profit motive.

Where to find Detox Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare provides access to a wide range of specialist treatment centres around the UK and abroad to offer you immediate treatment. In addition to residential treatment Triage Healthcare also offers home detoxification, where required.

It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual - addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our advisors have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of treatment services and programme options throughout the UK and abroad.

Call us today on 0845 370 0102 to find out more about treatment which is suitable to meet your needs, budget and location. We offer an immediate response service. Our helpline is open 7 days a week, and has a 24 hour messaging service which will be responded to by one of our trained advisors as soon as possible should you call out of hours.

References

 NTORS The National Treatment Outcome Research Study: Summary of the project, the clients, and preliminary findings: First Bulletin. (1996). Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., Edwards, C., Lehmann, P., Wilson, A., & Segar, G. Department of Health: London.