If you’re struggling with your alcohol consumption, it can be difficult to take the leap towards sobriety, however there is so much support in Northern Ireland to help you recover.
Alcohol detox is the first step towards recovery from alcohol addiction. It involves quitting drinking and safely managing the withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxing can be unpredictable, and in severe cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can pose dangerous health risks. It’s important to always get a medical opinion before giving up alcohol.
Whether you’re living in Northern Ireland currently, or looking for a destination detox, find out what your options are. Alcohol detox in Northern Ireland ranges from private to NHS and charity-funded programmes.
Alcohol detox is the process of withdrawing from alcohol while being medically supported. Detox becomes necessary if you drink large amounts for an extended period of time, as this can lead to physical dependence – where your body becomes reliant on the alcohol to function normally.
Physical dependence gets more severe over time, so the more you drink and the longer you’ve been heavily drinking, the more likely you will be to experience serious complications of alcohol cessation.
Wherever you choose to detox, you should be offered a medical assessment, which will look at your current alcohol consumption, health and any previous withdrawals, and decide on an appropriate medication schedule.
Throughout detox, you’ll be monitored carefully and treated with medication like Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) to prevent any dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This will also help you feel more comfortable.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention, as they can be deadly in extreme cases. To prevent this, you’ll be prescribed medication several times a day, which can last between 3-5 days depending on how severe your alcohol withdrawal symptoms are.[1]
The length of time your alcohol detox will last depend on your withdrawal severity. It can last for 5-10 days. After this time, you will be assessed again to ensure it’s safe for you to stop being medicated and monitored.
Alcohol detox only treats physical dependence – addiction rehabilitation tackles the psychological side of addiction and promotes lasting recovery.
Alcohol detox options in NI range from private residential facilities and home detox to NHS and charity-funded options.
Inpatient alcohol detox in Ireland takes place in a private specialised rehabilitation clinic. You’ll move into the residential centre while receiving treatment. This 24/7 support will include medical monitoring, and medication to treat any withdrawal complications, as well as the option of ongoing, holistic support.
Residential rehab will be a good option for you if you have a severe alcohol addiction, you’ve had relapses or withdrawal complications in the past, or you don’t have a support system at home. Private care can offer fast admission and a higher level of care.
For a 14-day stay at residential rehab, expect to pay around £5,350.
Home alcohol detox in Northern Ireland is possible for some people through private alcohol detox treatment providers. You’ll detox in your home and receive alcohol withdrawal medication delivered to your house along with regular check-ins.
This type of alcohol detox is only possible for people with mild addictions, no comorbid health concerns and people who have good support at home. You should receive a medical assessment to rule out any risk of severe alcohol withdrawal complications.
As this option is also private, you’ll be able to start treatment immediately, and you may get better access to resources than through statutory or charity-funded options.
Prices range from around £1,200-£1,700, and can change depending on your assessment results and how much support you require.
The NHS no longer offers GP-led detox as it can be dangerous and you will need a higher level of medical monitoring than a GP can offer. The NHS does however offer signposting to other providers, and limited funding for private detox.
This limited NHS funding can be a great option for people who can’t afford to pay for care, but it is reserved for the highest severity cases, and you’ll need to pass strict criteria and face long waiting lists.
Charities like Cuan Mhuire may also be able to offer referrals to private rehabs that offer medically-managed alcohol detox funded by donors.
If you need help in an emergency, call 999. Your local hospital may be able to offer you emergency alcohol withdrawal care.
If you have health insurance, check your policy to see if it covers detox. Many major providers will pay for a basic detox plan.
Once you’ve chosen which alcohol detox route you’ll take, you’ll need to contact your provider. If you opt for non-profit or NHS funding, contact your charity or GP.
Remember that detox is only the first step towards recovery. While cheaper options may offer detox alone, private services offer full rehabilitation programmes that address relapse prevention and provide aftercare.
If you decide to go private, reach out to Rehab 4 Addiction to discuss alcohol detox in Ireland. We offer confidential advice and referrals to top residential centres across Belfast, Country Antrim and many more areas. Call 0800 140 4690 (or +44 345 222 3508 from outside the UK).
Below, we answer some common questions around this topic:
For acute withdrawal, alcohol detox takes around 5-10 days. This is the period at which most people’s alcohol withdrawal symptoms will ease, and it will be safe to leave detox. For some people with severe alcohol addictions, detox can take longer.
Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) is commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms under supervision to prevent dangerous complications like delirium tremens and seizures. After detox, there are other medications you can take to prevent relapse.
If your loved one is open to alcohol detox, help them assess their options. If they’re not willing, you can try to help them see they need treatment by holding an intervention, but ultimately you cannot force them to enter detox if they refuse.
