How to Safely Detox from Alcohol in Greater London

Alcohol Addiction Screening Tools

Alcohol Addiction is a condition that affects your physical health, your mental health, your relationships, and your life. You may have noticed that alcohol detoxification is not an easy task, and the process of alcohol withdrawal can cause dangerous symptoms without medical assistance. This makes alcohol dependency difficult to manage by yourself.

Alcohol addiction filters into all aspects of your life and can put your future to edge if you don’t take the necessary steps to overcome alcoholism. When you have decided that it is time to overcome alcohol dependency, there are 3 steps that you can safely detox from alcohol in Greater London. Let’s take a closer look at your choices including understanding the process of detox and managing withdrawal…

What is an Alcohol Detox & Why is it Necessary?

If you and your family are badly affected by your way of drinking, it is important to know what you need to do to achieve recovery. The path to sobriety is an alcohol detox. Only once the substance is no longer in your body and you are good to commit to the process can you stop the problems associated with frequent and heavy alcohol consumption. Withdrawing from alcohol might be a procedure but once you have successfully achieve withdrawal and you enter into a treatment programme, you can achieve health and balance.

To know why detoxing is necessary, we have to realise its importance in recovery. Detox is defined as a action in which you stop drinking alcohol and the value of substance in your body decreases over days to weeks.

Alcohol addiction can increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression, but it can also have a negative impact on your physical health. Research has shown that alcohol dependency is connected to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, inattention, and possible strokes. Not only can alcohol detox help you improve your focus and prevent heart disease, it can also protect you from mental health conditions.

The process of detoxing from alcohol involves stopping drinking alcohol until it is absent from the body. The challenge of trying to detox without medical assistance or a local GP is the experience of withdrawal. When you lack the appropriate support, treatment, and options, you may relapse or suffer from life-threatening symptoms.

One way to prevent hangovers, the blackouts, and to get your life back on track is to pursue detoxing from alcohol. One simply cannot recover from alcohol addiction if the alcohol is still in your system. Detoxing helps you start with a clean slate, and it reduces the risk of suffering relapse when you have taken the initiative to work on your recovery and health.

To know the impact of alcohol withdrawal and the importance of finding the help that you need in Greater London, we look at the nature of withdrawal symptoms and steps to cope with the difficulties of addiction.

Will I Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?

heroimage

Individuals who develop alcohol dependency also have an alcohol tolerance. Tolerances occur when you need to consume more of a substance to experience its effects and to stop withdrawal symptoms from developing.

Withdrawal symptoms are not pleasant but when you have the right treatment, it becomes easier to get through. Some of the symptoms that may occur include tremors, dizziness, headaches, and poor temperature regulation. A more severe group of symptoms known as Delirium Tremens causes hallucinations and seizures that could also be life-threatening as you go into shock. Rather than risk these symptoms and your life, you can depend on medical support and trusted rehab services.

For those affected by severe alcohol dependency, detox from alcohol should be medically managed. Experienced staff or a trusted GP in Greater London can help ease the discomfort caused by withdrawal but more importantly, it can safeguard against relapse and symptoms such as rapid heart rate, tremors, nausea, and Delirium Tremens.

Delirium Tremens is a group of dangerous symptoms including hallucinations, fever, paranoia, and seizures caused by alcohol withdrawal. It must be medically managed as without the proper professional treatment, DT can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and even death.

Greater London and the Addiction Crisis

According to NHS’s latest data, in 2018/19, during the beginning of the pandemic, hospital admissions for poisoning by drug misuse were 18 per 100,000 in the City of London, higher than the average for London, which was 13 for this period. However, this is not the standard in Greater London. The England average of 33 per 100,000 people is much higher. The battle against drug misuse in the City of London seems to be going well for Kensington and Chelsea, with the admissions being just 20 for the entire period. However, it is worth noting that many private sector addiction treatment services are not accounted for in these statistics.

How Do I Safely Detox from Alcohol in Greater London

Detox & recovery is a personal path that needs determination and unconditional support from people who are in your corner. There are 3 ways to alcohol detox safely which includes the assistance of a GP, via a residential rehab or detox facility, and a private home detox service. We explore the benefits and the limitations of these options so you can make an informed decision.

Via a Residential Detox or Rehab Facility Near Greater London

Because inpatient detox and rehabilitation provide the best chance at achieving recovery and balance, it is a suitable choice for those who have enough money or medical insurance to settle the cost for treatment. The biggest risk of relapse is when you are exposed to the same cause, problems, and habitat without the skills to recover in a constructive or healthy manner. When you detox from alcohol in a residential rehab you are removed from these hindrance. You also have access to experienced medical staff and doctors who can assist you when your symptoms of withdrawal symptoms become hard to manage.

Inpatient services are a costlier choices for rehab, but it does offer the choice to receive the necessary therapy and professional care once detox is completed. It is necessary to know that even mild cases of alochol addiction require constant support and care to prevent relapsing.

If you decide to find a residential rehab that includes a detox programme, you will need to think about the average cost per week. A standard inpatient detox is £1000 weekly while the higher end rehabilitation centres request £5000 stays per week. To make sure that you find a rehabilitation for your needs, look into the programmes and the affordability.

Via a Private Home Detox Service

A private home detox service provides individuals with option and the chance to receive a caring, attentive, and supportive form of treatment in the comfort of home in Greater London. The detox from home starts with an examination and includes a medically assisted detox overseen by experienced and qualified staff. The service includes telephone support to encourage you during difficult withdrawal period.

To be in a reliable home detox service, you will need to find a provider who is government agency listed. The purpose is to avoid approaching a service that is unqualified or suggested to help you through your detox. With some investigation and medical assistance, you can find a home detox programme to suit your needs and support your health.

Make sure that the private home detox services you are interested adhere to safety guidelines and are regulated. This will secure a trusted service is assigned to your circumstance to encourage the best possible recovery.

Via a GP

You can detox from alcohol with medical support who is experienced in alcohol rehabilitation. GPs assist in the recovery process by assessing their patients to find out the severity of alcohol addiction. Once patients are assessed, your GP will advise on a detox management plan to help lessen your withdrawal and reduce the chances of relapse. With the assistance of a GP, you can have a safe alcohol detox in Greater London. Your doctor can also endorse an NHS facility if you require additional treatment or round the clock monitoring.

A GP supported detox offers economical solutions rather than expensive inpatient programmes. The limit of such services is that you remain exposed to the same disruptions and the probability of relapsing.

Need Help with a Safe Alcohol Detox in Greater London? We can Help!

home-based-therapy

Our home detox service is fully registered & compliant.

You can recover from alcoholism, but you need the appropriate level of support to prevent relapse and to encourage a safe detox.

For safe at home detox from alcohol in Greater London you can speak to us for customised solutions and at-home detox including the services that are listed below:

Additional Alcohol Detox Services We Provide in Greater London

Sober Coach

Our sober coach will provide unique and highly individualised support throughout your recovery. Because it is so difficult to keep sobriety during withdrawal and detox, sober coaches help to minimise stress, encourage social participation, and will support balance in your life to prevent the ongoing cycle of alcoholism.

Home Based Addiction Therapy

When you need to manage alcoholism, one of the best steps you can take is to receive a supported and medically monitored home detox. Our at home detox does not entail inpatient or residential rehab so you can continue to stay with your family while receiving the healthcare that you need.

Alcohol Detox FAQ

How long does an alcohol detox take?

The symptoms of withdrawal can start hours after you quit drinking but generally lasts between 24 and 72 hours. Some people can experience withdrawal for weeks after detox; however, the intensity and the duration of symptoms during detox will be influenced by health issues, the period of alcohol dependency, and whether other substances are used.

What should I do during an alcohol detox?

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be challenging but with rest, a balanced diet, and keeping hydrated, you can ease much of the stress that is placed on your mental and physical health. Practicing meditation and managing stress can help you cope and overcome addiction.

How does alcohol detox medication work?

Because alcohol detox can lead to very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, medication is used in treatment. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to reduce the possibility of seizures while slowing the activity of the central nervous system. This creates a relaxing effect on the mind and body while reducing symptoms such as muscle cramps and high levels of anxiety.

Can I still work during a home alcohol detox?

Owing to the nature of withdrawal and the severity of symptoms that you may experience during detox, it is best to take some time off to dedicate to your health and recovery.

jason-shiers

Author / Jason Shiers / Dip.Psych 

Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist who is a specialist in addiction, trauma and eating disorders. He has been working in the field of addiction for 25 years now.

Scroll to Top