Assisted Alcohol Detox Centre at Ocean Recovery

At Ocean Recovery, we get to know each one of our patients and their recovery journey individually. Our team of dedicated medical professionals and addiction specialists extends a hand to everyone who enters our rehab clinic for alcohol detox treatment.

Our number one priority is the safety and comfort of our patients, which drives every decision we make and every action we take.

Alcohol Detox

The purpose of our alcohol detox centre extends beyond providing medical support throughout the withdrawal process. We also aim to help individuals develop new strategies to maintain their sobriety, with continuous support to minimise the chance of relapse.

We strive to ensure that when individuals leave our clinic, they have access to an exceptional support system. For this reason, each and every individual who receives treatment at Ocean Recovery receives a FREE 12-month aftercare package. This comprehensive secondary treatment is designed to provide a consistent stream of guidance whenever it is needed. This has proven to help those in recovery remain on the right path.

Undergoing an alcohol detox is the first leap towards sobriety. To help clarify any questions or concerns you might have regarding alcohol detox centres or rehabilitation, we’ve addressed many common queries we receive below. Contact details are also provided on this page for you to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you and guide you through your recovery journey. Please continue reading to understand how we can aid your transformation.

 

 

 

What is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detoxification, often referred to simply as ‘detox’, can be defined as the treatment provided to help regulate physical and psychological symptoms that occur during the withdrawal process and is essential in the recovery process.

While undergoing alcohol detox at home is possible, it’s usually advisable to have the process conducted under medical supervision. This allows for the management of symptoms with appropriate medication and support from addiction specialists through counselling.

Long-term alcohol misuse often leads to heightened tolerance and profound biological alterations, causing a sort of pseudo-balance within the body. Disrupting this imbalance necessitates a gentle, careful, methodical treatment approach to ensure patient safety.

What is Assisted Alcohol Detox?

Assisted alcohol detoxification, also known as a medically supervised alcohol detox, is a process whereby individuals struggling to cope with alcohol use disorder (AUD) receive professional healthcare support to halt their alcohol intake safely.

This approach provides a robust support system, ensuring that the individual isn’t left alone to face what is often described as the most challenging parts of recovery. Instead, they’re granted empathetic, respectful and dignified treatment aimed at making the detox journey much less intimidating and, instead, much more manageable. People need the right support during this stage to stay safe and stable throughout the process.

The detoxification stage is a period of intense physiological healing. This process can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and because alcohol affects the central nervous system, symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe. In some cases, withdrawal can even be life-threatening, making medical supervision essential for monitoring and managing these symptoms effectively.

In addition to medical intervention, the individual receiving treatment in an alcohol detox centre also benefits from psychological support, recognising that addiction is not just a physical but also a mental and emotional struggle. This holistic approach is designed to address all facets of the individual’s health, helping them on their path towards recovery.

Alcohol Detox and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Please be aware that the detox and withdrawal symptoms that are experienced during this stage can vary, similar to how the alcohol detox timeline and duration can vary depending on the individual. However, most people who are dependent on alcohol can experience withdrawal symptoms, which our specialist team can manage.

See below for a list of common alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can range from somewhat mild symptoms to severe.

  • Nausea – this symptom is common and can also escalate to vomiting.
  • Sweating – excessive, uncomfortable sweating, which is also a symptom of the body’s heightened stress response due to withdrawal.
  • Fast heartbeat – also known as tachycardia, a term that refers to a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. It is a common response to withdrawal as the body’s nervous system responds to the sudden lack of alcohol.
  • Hallucinations – experienced within the first 48 hours and found in severe withdrawal cases. This can mean seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there.
  • Tremors – shaking, often occurring in the hands in the early stages of alcohol detox. Tremors can then progress to involve other parts of the body.
  • Irritability – patients may feel waves of restlessness, irritation, and aggressiveness.
  • Fear – withdrawal can come with feelings of fog and confusion, and mild anxiety can also appear early on.
  • Seizures – in severe cases, individuals may experience uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause changes in behaviour, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. Alcohol withdrawal seizures often occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after stopping drinking.

If the alcohol addiction is severe and advanced, a condition known as Delirium Tremens (DTs) can develop during detoxification, which is accompanied by severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

When is Assisted Alcohol Detox Treatment Necessary?

Assisted alcohol detox treatment is necessary when an individual has developed both a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or an alcohol addiction. Dependence can develop in people who engage in heavy drinking over an extended period of time, leading to alterations in their brain chemistry.

If a person attempts to stop or substantially cut back on alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can surface. These may range from mild symptoms, such as anxiety and shaky hands, to severe and life-threatening ones, which can include hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens, which is why a controlled detox process in an alcohol clinic is essential.

Detox clinics can provide medical supervision, which helps manage these symptoms safely and significantly reduces the risk of complications. It also provides those dependent on alcohol with emotional support and prepares them for the next steps in their recovery journey, which often includes a comprehensive treatment programme, personalised to the unique needs of the individual.

Understanding The Dangers and Risk Factors of Delirium Tremens

Delirium Tremens (DTs) represents one of the most severe outcomes of an alcohol use disorder and withdrawal. It’s a medical condition that can develop when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long period suddenly stops or sharply cuts back on alcohol, also known as going ‘cold turkey ‘.

Whilst stopping drinking is a positive step in the right direction, this abrupt change can send the body into a state of shock, leading to a range of severe symptoms, and in some cases, serious complications. People experiencing DTs can endure all the symptoms mentioned above, such as physical tremors and hallucinations, but at a much more severe level.

Without timely medical intervention and a properly structured treatment plan, the situation can rapidly escalate, which is where the potential of the condition becoming life-threatening becomes more likely.

Considering everything mentioned above, it’s absolutely essential to acknowledge the grave seriousness of Delirium Tremens. But remember, this condition only emerges in the most severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, indicating an extremely critical stage.

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Landline: 01253 847 553

Email: info@oceanrecoverycentre.com

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Outpatient Vs Inpatient Alcohol Detox

When you enquire about going to an alcohol detox clinic, you will quickly discover outpatient and inpatient options. Whilst the distinction between the two may sound obvious, the benefits and drawbacks of each are often less apparent.

Inpatient addiction treatment often involves more significant expenses than outpatient treatment. However, this cost is well-spent and far more intensive than outpatient treatment. When you attend inpatient treatment, you have a quicker response to medical care, which can be crucial to an alcohol detox.

This means inpatient rehab for alcohol is intensive and, thus, highly effective. Because you are removed from your home, you will also be removed from the stresses of daily life. This allows you to invest your energy solely in your recovery.

During your time at an inpatient clinic, you will participate in group therapy, individual therapy and complementary therapies throughout the day. This treatment is particularly advantageous for those who suffer from dually diagnosed mental and physical health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Outpatient treatment allows you to receive therapy and treatments during the day. However, you return to your home following the completion of daily sessions. The critical advantage of outpatient treatment is that your professional and family life is unimpeded.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for those suffering from mild alcoholism. If you choose to attend an outpatient clinic, you would be well advised to attend an intensive outpatient programme where therapies and treatments run over an entire day and not for just one or two hours a day.

Is it Possible to Attend Rehab Solely For The Purpose of Alcohol Detox?

Yes, it is possible to attend a rehabilitation programme with the sole purpose of undergoing alcohol detoxification. In fact, many people choose to take this route.

Detox programmes are designed to provide the necessary medical supervision and support to help individuals safely withdraw from alcohol. However, it is important to note that detoxification alone is often not sufficient for long-term recovery.

To increase the likelihood of sustained sobriety, it is highly recommended to consider staying for further treatment to build an understanding of the underlying factors contributing to alcohol misuse and reduce the risk of relapse.

How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

The duration of alcohol detox and rehab varies for each individual and depends on the severity of the addiction to alcohol, as well as their general health.

Most withdrawal symptoms subside within 3 to 7 days. For alcohol detox, we recommend this as the minimum duration, as this allows our team enough time to carry out safe and comfortable detoxification and begin preparing individuals for the next steps in their recovery.

At Ocean Recovery Centre, our minimum programme length for detoxification is 7 days, due to the clinical risk presented with alcohol misuse and dependency.

How Much Does Alcohol Detox Treatment Cost?

The price of a medically assisted, comprehensive alcohol detox programme is approximately £3,900 per week.

When it comes to covering the costs of alcohol detox treatment, there are many avenues worth exploring. For example, many alcohol detox clinics allow you to pay for your treatment through a valid health insurance policy – and here at Ocean Recovery Centre, we are no exception in this regard.

Typically speaking, all that would be required is filling out a claim form from your insurer’s website. Then, proceed by simply sending our admission team the claim form so that our physician may complete the process for you.

We then send the completed claim form to your insurer for processing. Your insurer’s claim department will review your application and decide to grant, conditionally, or reject your claim for rehab funding.

What Happens In an Alcohol Detox Centre?

alcohol detox clinic

An alcohol detox within a clinical setting allows you to stop drinking alcohol in a medically controlled environment. After deciding to detox from alcohol, you will be taken through an admissions process to determine your needs.

Initial Assessments

Before your detox begins, you will be assessed by a psychiatrist. You will be assigned to a therapist and key worker; these professionals will be on hand to assist you throughout the programme.

A psychiatrist will ask questions about your alcoholism during the initial assessment. They will gather relevant information about your health and any past alcoholism treatments you may have undergone.

It is vital to answer these questions correctly and thoroughly. The information you provide will help the psychiatrist in developing your individual detox and rehab plan.

The psychiatrist will also complete a physical and mental examination with you. This will help to unearth any conditions that must be treated during your recovery programme. You may then be prescribed suitable medication to help fight off alcohol withdrawal symptoms inevitably arising during the alcohol detox process.

Admissions Day

After completing this initial assessment, you will be shown around the rehab clinic and taken to your room. You will then meet with your assigned therapist and key worker. These professionals will explain what happens during your detox and rehab programme. After completing all the above formalities, you will be supervised for 24-72 hours while you commence your detoxification treatment.

This enables our team to observe how you respond to this treatment and ensure you remain comfortable and safe throughout the process. If you are a ‘chronic alcoholic ‘, you will likely be at risk of very severe withdrawal symptoms. So our team will monitor you closely for signs of serious illnesses associated with alcohol withdrawal, such as delirium tremens.

Alcohol Detox Clinic Treatment

During an alcohol detox programme, much emphasis is placed on mastering the basics of self-care once again. This can include areas such as nutrition, as many of those suffering from alcohol use disorder have also developed problems related to malnutrition.

To help treat malnutrition during your alcohol detox programme, all meals are carefully structured to provide you with exactly what you require. We provide any additional support from an on-site nutritionist and nutritional supplements to help resolve deficiencies during detox. All meals at our alcohol detox clinic are prepared by our highly experienced team of qualified chefs.

Once the first 24-48 hours of detoxification have been completed, our team will work with you to start to plan and build your alcohol rehab programme, which will focus on a range of therapies to help you start to face the complexities of your addiction, understand the root cause of your addiction, how it affects your life and what you want to achieve during your treatment programme with us.

As we highlighted earlier, a typical alcohol detox programme in an alcohol detox clinic is completed over a 7-10 day period. During this time, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will be closely monitored and treated.

At Ocean Recovery, we have experienced addiction staff and therapists, along with a range of psychiatrists and psychologists, who are here to help you through any of your problems. You will be allocated your own worker to help you design your recovery action plan (RAP) and guide you on your new journey to recovery.

How Are Alcohol Detox Symptoms Managed During Treatment?

There are many different ways we can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms during treatment for alcohol detox. One proven way to soothe the negative effects that come with alcohol detox includes a prescription detox medication called Librium. Librium is a benzodiazepine.

It allows you to undergo an alcohol detox by slowly allowing chemicals in your brain to readjust without the sudden ‘jolt’ that would otherwise occur when your alcohol intake or consumption is abruptly stopped.

Librium does not utterly prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms but vastly reduces these symptoms, particularly the more dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as DTs.

We can also prescribe secondary medications that help to reduce alcohol cravings. You will be prescribed Librium and other medications over the course of a 10-day alcohol detox at an alcohol detox clinic. These medications will be gradually reduced over this period.

What Happens After Assisted Alcohol Detox?

If individuals choose to remain at the clinic for further treatment, a personalised treatment plan will be created for them. These programmes are unique and developed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the most effective treatment plan is provided.

At Ocean Recovery, we choose a mix of evidence-based techniques to ensure you have the mental state of mind to maintain your sobriety after you leave our rehabilitation clinic. A very popular and proven method of therapeutic rehabilitation is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you better understand yourself and teaches techniques and coping mechanisms for your cravings.

As part of 12 months of free aftercare, an alcohol detox is usually followed by relapse prevention programmes, which often involve group therapy, helping you understand triggers and hear from others who are in a similar situation to you.

We also offer treatment for co-existing mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. Often these are either the cause or effect of alcohol abuse, and helping you deal with mental health can equip you with a stronger shield against future cravings.

If you have any questions about the alcohol detoxification programme, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 880 7596, and we will provide you with experienced guidance.

Can Alcohol Detox Be Completed at Home?

Yes, it is possible. In fact, according to NHS statistics, in 2021, 167,000 prescription items were dispensed to treat alcohol dependence. However, before attempting it at home, get non-urgent advice from a GP or treatment provider to get further advice.

In reality, alcohol detox is not something you can easily do by yourself. The process of detoxifying refers to treating and managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is a challenging time for many, and having access to a team of professionals who are there with the sole purpose of helping you through it makes all the difference.

As alcohol affects almost every cell in the body, it is very complicated to withdraw from it. Rehabilitation clinics generally recommend that those affected by alcoholism complete an alcohol detox programme before entering rehabilitation.

How to Access a Private Alcohol Detox Clinic

Referrals to a private alcohol detox clinic or private clinics in general come from many sources. We receive enquiries from doctors, therapists and NHS hospitals. We also receive self-referrals from individuals who are seeking help for themselves via our contact form. Family members contact us seeking help for a loved one through our family referral service.

What is vital is that, from the start, the professionals who will be looking after you understand your alcohol addiction right from the very beginning so that they are certain that your specific needs and treatment can be met.

Learn More About Our Alcohol Treatment Options

Get in touch with us today, and we will talk to you about our different treatment options. If you’re worried that you have any of these symptoms of alcohol dependence, or you’d like to learn more about the withdrawal process, then contact us and see how we may be able to help or phone directly today on 0800 880 7596.

There are a number of questions which we are regularly asked surrounding alcohol detoxification, so we have answered some of the most common queries below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right rehab treatment provider can be a life-changing decision; here are some of the most common questions we are asked pre-admission.

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

When you stop drinking after prolonged alcohol consumption, you will more than likely suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Usually, the signs of alcohol withdrawal are divided into two different categories: Physical and psychological signs.

Physical Signs:

  • Hand tremors
  • Nausea and/ vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Hallucinations
  • Minor to moderate seizures

Psychological Signs:

  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
Can You Detox From Alcohol At Home?

An alcohol detox is something you can do at home, but we definitely wouldn’t advise it. Some have had success detoxing from home and using the support of a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. While we do advise our clients to visit these kinds of groups after treatment, we know that alcohol withdrawal can cause severe health issues that will require medical treatment. If severe symptoms develop, call 999 or go to A&E, and don’t attempt to drive yourself.

We know that if you have an alcohol addiction, then it’s very unlikely that you will fully recover without addiction treatment – this is why supervised detox and professional rehab will give you a better chance of maintaining long-term sobriety.

This is why if you are looking for a serious treatment for alcohol addiction, we’d advise using a medically supervised clinic.

What Is Delirium Tremens?

Delirium Tremens, also can be known as DTs or the shakes is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This is quite common with people who have suffered with prolonged periods of alcoholism, or are going through an instant withdrawal from alcohol.

Common symptoms associated with DTs include:

  • Nightmares
  • Hallucination
  • Fever
  • Perspiration
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Heightened heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Increased blood pressure
What to Eat When Doing an Alcohol Detox?

When you undergo an alcohol detox, eating healthy foods is a vital ally in the fight against alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When you attend Ocean Recovery alcohol detox clinic, good nutrition will play a vital part in your early recovery efforts.

Certain foods are thought to possess properties that help to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, foods high in vitamin B, and foods rich in protein. The food you eat during your alcohol detox programme will mostly consist of these food types.

What Can You Expect During An Alcohol Detox

Everyone differs in experience but during detox many individuals feel worse before they feel better. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Common symptoms can include

  • Sweats
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Irritability
  • Flu like symptoms and more
What is a Home Alcohol Detox Treatment?

A home alcohol detox treatment involves self-guided withdrawal from alcohol using prescribed medication, typically under a doctor’s guidance. It can, however, pose serious risks, including severe withdrawal symptoms or medication errors. Therefore, it is not usually recommended, with medically supervised detox at a clinic often considered a safer choice.

Can You Die From Alcohol Withdrawal?

Experts say it is possible to die when going through alcohol withdrawal. But it is extremely rare.

Can You Avoid Alcohol Withdrawal?

This is not possible. If you are dependant on alcohol then your body will certainly go through alcohol withdrawal when you stop drinking.

How Long Will A Person Stay Off Alcohol After Detox?

If you are serious about quitting alcohol, a combination of addiction treatment support, aftercare services, group support and understanding of your friends and family will make it possible for you to stay off alcohol after detox.

What's The Difference Between Alcohol Withdrawal And A Hangover?

A hangover is caused when you consume too much alcohol. Researchers believe a hangover is due to a toxin that’s produced in the liver known as acetaldehyde. In contrast, alcohol withdrawal is caused when sufferers of alcoholism consume too little alcohol. A hangover affects everyone who drinks too much alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms will only affect those who suffer from alcoholism.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 2, 2026

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr. Olalekan Otulana Ocean Recovery

Dr. Olalekan Otulana - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: July 31, 2023

Dr Otulana started practising as a doctor in 2000 and has been in the field of addiction for over a decade. He is an Advanced Practitioner Member of Addiction Professionals and holds a Part 1 Certificate in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. He is excellent healthcare service professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.

Visit Dr Otulana’s Social Profiles:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/olalekanotulana

 

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