If you are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, then taking the first step towards recovery can often feel stressful and overwhelming. In fact, for many people, the recovery process begins with a safe and structured detox.
In Liverpool alone, there are several medical detox options available for people suffering from an addiction, including both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment as well as home-based treatment, usually referred to as a home detox.
Understanding how detox works, what to expect and which route may be most appropriate for you and your specific circumstances can help you to make an informed decision.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team specialise in helping people access trusted detox services across the UK, including in Liverpool.
Whether you are considering a private detox or exploring NHS-funded detox options, our team of specialists can guide you towards the right help and support.
An alcohol detox is the process of allowing the body the chance to rid itself of alcohol or other addictive substances, whilst managing withdrawal symptoms.
When someone has developed a physical dependence to alcohol, then stopping suddenly can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms that may be incredibly uncomfortable or even dangerous for the individual [1].
It is important to understand that a medical detox is not the same as rehab treatment.
Whilst rehab treatment focuses on therapy, a medical detox specifically addresses the physical side of addiction, so that you can continue the rest of your treatment without being physically dependent on alcohol or other addictive substances.
There are a number of different withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, which can include some of the following withdrawal symptoms listed below [2]:
As you can see, some of these withdrawal symptoms pose huge risks to the individual.
This is why a medically supervised detox is strongly recommended, as some of these withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening if they are not managed around the clock by trained professionals.
When it comes to undergoing an alcohol detox in Liverpool, there are two main options that will be available to you. This includes a residential detox or a home detox.
In fact, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you are addicted to, how severe your addiction is, what your health status is and your personal circumstances.
Below, we will delve into the ins and outs of inpatient rehab treatment as opposed to a medical detox [1].
Inpatient alcohol detox takes place in a rehab clinic or rehab facility, where you stay within the facility for the duration of your detox treatment. This will usually last between 7 – 14 days, depending on the severity of your addiction.
Inpatient alcohol detox is often considered the safest and most effective way to detox from alcohol when someone suffers from a moderate to severe alcohol addiction.
During your stay in an inpatient rehab clinic, you will undergo your detox where you will receive around the clock care and support.
During this time, you will also receive medication such as Librium which will help to ease any withdrawal symptoms. Doctors and other trained professionals will be on hand to check your vitals and to monitor your withdrawal symptoms [1].
Opting for this type of detox offers you a higher level of safety, continuous access to doctors and a reduced risk of a relapse at a later date. Likewise, you will benefit from a more structured environment to detox in.
An inpatient detox is recommended for those who have a severe addiction to alcohol, have a long history of addiction, have previously recovered but relapsed or who have previously experienced severe withdrawal symptoms.
In contrast to an inpatient detox, a home detox allows individuals to undergo alcohol withdrawal in their own environment.
This means that you will be provided with medical support remotely, via the phone and the internet.
It is important to note that this option is usually only suitable for people who have mild to moderate addiction issues and those who have a stable home setting [1].
During a home detox, you will be assessed and monitored carefully remotely and prescribed any medication that will be sent in the post. You will also receive regular check-ins with medical professionals to ensure that your withdrawal symptoms do not become life-threatening.
It is important to understand that a home detox is not suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment is required to determine whether it is safe for you, and only those with a mild addiction issue will be approved for a home detox.
In addition to this, a private home detox in Liverpool typically costs anywhere between £1,200 and £1,700, depending on the complexity of the individual’s addiction and how much support and treatment they will need.
If you are struggling to gain access to a private detox, then accessing a detox through the NHS or local council services is possible, although availability for this can be limited.
In fact, Liverpool offers lots of community-based addiction services that will be able to provide you with outpatient support, harm reduction advice and relapse prevention.
However, it is important to understand that waiting times for this can be long, and access to an immediate detox is not always guaranteed.
In the past, people were able to arrange a home detox through their local GP. However, it is important to understand that this is now incredibly rare due to a number of different safety concerns and limited funding and resources.
In urgent situations, individuals who need a rehab detox might go to A&E. However, this is not recommended. In Liverpool, this would typically involve visiting the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
However, asking for a detox through A&E is generally only provided if symptoms are life-threatening and you should never leave it that late to seek professional help and support.
For this reason, relying on A&E or other emergency services for a medical detox is not recommended.
Many people who suffer from an alcohol addiction have to decide and choose between private and NHS-funded detox. Which one is best for you depends on your specific circumstances, the urgency of your addiction and your budget.
There are a number of benefits associated with a private detox, including fast access to treatment (usually immediately) as well as being able to choose which facility you will recover in.
You will also be under constant, around-the-clock medical supervision and will be offered the chance to pay for your own private room.
However, it is important to understand that opting for a private detox is very expensive, often costing over hundreds or a thousand pounds a day, depending on where you are in the country.
NHS-funded detoxes usually involve a longer waiting list, meaning that some people could be waiting months in order to receive their detox treatment. This means that there is limited ability for this type of detox treatment and less availability when it comes to treatment options.
It is important to understand that a medical detox is only the first stage when it comes to addiction recovery. While the detox addresses your physical dependence, it does not tackle the underlying causes of your addiction, such as trauma or mental health issues. This is where therapy comes in.
After your medical detox, many people will continue with therapy, outpatient support and relapse prevention.
Without the right follow-up help and support, the risk of relapse can be very high, especially if you have struggled with addiction or mental health issues for a number of years. Combining a detox with therapy is the best chance you have at overcoming your addiction for good, without relapsing at a later date.
As discussed above, an addiction to alcohol can have a serious impact on your physical health, your mental wellbeing and your day to day life.
Undergoing a medical detox is the first step when it comes to overcoming your addiction and breaking the cycle of your addiction. However, your recovery and detox must be approached carefully and with professional help.
In Liverpool, individuals who need addiction treatment have access to both inpatient detox treatment and home detox treatment options.
While NHS-funded detox support can provide fantastic treatment, many people suffering with a severe addiction to alcohol choose to opt for private detox treatment for faster access and a higher level of care.
If you are suffering from an alcohol addiction and are considering an alcohol detox, then reaching out for professional support is the first step towards recovery.
To enquire about a private alcohol detox either taking place at your own home or residential settings, you can contact us on 0800 140 4690. You can also email our team in confidence by using our online form.
