Alcohol Detox
Taking the first step into alcohol detox can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At The Lighthouse in Essex, our residential medical alcohol detox is carried out by an experienced clinical team, 24 hours a day, in a safe, supportive and comfortable environment.
Assessment and referral are also available through our outpatient clinics in London and Birmingham, with same-day admissions available when a space is open and sober transport from London arranged on request.
What is an Alcohol Detox?
An alcohol detox is the medically supervised process of safely eliminating alcohol from the body. It is almost always the first step in treating alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder (AUD). During detox, medications are prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and keep the client as safe and comfortable as possible. Detox typically takes between 5 and 14 days, depending on the individual’s level of dependency, medical history and overall health.
Alcohol detox is recommended for anyone who has developed a physical alcohol dependence characterised by withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce drinking. This includes people who drink daily, people who drink very heavily, and people who have experienced withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating or anxiety when they have not had a drink.
At Step By Step Recovery, our medically managed alcohol detox takes place at The Lighthouse in Essex, the UK’s first purpose-built residential rehab clinic, just 45 minutes from London. Our clinical team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout your detox. Same-day admissions are available when a space is open, and we can arrange sober transport from London.
Important: Stopping alcohol abruptly after a period of heavy or prolonged drinking can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
Never attempt to detox alone. Call us on 0800 170 1222 or speak to your GP before making any changes to your drinking. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999.
Why Supervision is Essential
Alcohol withdrawal is medically distinct from withdrawal from most other substances; without proper care, it can be life-threatening.
Here is why supervised detox is not optional and what it provides.
- Risks Without Medical Care
- Withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, and nausea persist even with care
- Risks of seizures
- Delirium tremens, a rare but most dangerous complication that can be fatal if missed
- Cardiovascular strain
- Medication risks: Benzodiazepines help but need careful dosing
- Other complications, such as nutritional deficiencies and liver damage
- Benefits of Medical Detox
- Significantly safer than detoxing alone or at home
- Withdrawal symptoms managed and minimised throughout
- Removal from triggers and access to alcohol
- Psychological support during the most physically difficult phase
- Smoother transition into the rehabilitation programme
- Peace of mind for family members knowing their loved one is safe
The Detox Timeline: What To Expect
The thought of detox can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect makes a real difference. Here is what happens at The Lighthouse, day by day.
Days 1-2: Active Phase
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 24-48 hours of the last drink. Expect shaking, sweating, anxiety, insomnia and nausea. This is the most medically intensive phase, and our team monitors you closely and adjusts medication as needed.
Assessment on Arrival
- On arrival at The Lighthouse, you will be warmly welcomed and introduced to your clinical team.
- A comprehensive assessment is conducted by our doctor or psychiatrist, covering your medical history, drinking history, any previous detox experiences and current health status.
- Based on your assessment, a personalised detox plan is created, including the appropriate medication regimen and monitoring schedule.
- You will be shown to your room and helped to settle in. Meals are provided, and there is no pressure to engage in therapeutic activities during this early phase.
Medication and Monitoring
- Medication, typically chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or diazepam, is prescribed and administered to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of seizure.
- Vitamin B (thiamine) supplements are administered to protect against Wernicke's encephalopathy.
- Clinical observations are conducted at regular intervals, including vital signs, CIWA-Ar scoring, and overall wellbeing checks.
- Psychological support is available throughout. Individual therapy sessions can begin once you are medically stable.
- Medication dosage is reviewed and gradually reduced as withdrawal symptoms ease.
Days 3-5: Stabilisation Begins
Symptoms begin to ease as medication takes effect.
- Most clients begin to sleep better and feel more comfortable.
- Appetite starts to return.
- Light therapeutic activities may begin.
Days 6-14: Stabilisation Phase
Physical withdrawal is largely complete.
- Medication is tapered off under clinical supervision.
- Clients begin engaging more fully with the therapeutic programme in preparation for rehabilitation.
- Timeline Varies by Individual
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Care During Detox
Detox at The Lighthouse is about far more than medical management. Our team provides wraparound care (physical, psychological, nutritional and pastoral) throughout your stay. With a maximum of 11 clients at any one time, every person receives genuinely personalised attention.
Medical Monitoring
Round-the-clock clinical observations by our medical team. Regular CIWA-Ar assessments throughout your detox. Immediate response to any change in your condition.
Medication Support
Prescribed medication to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, tailored to your medical history and reviewed daily. Vitamin supplementation is included as standard.
Nutritional Support
Freshly cooked, nutritious meals prepared daily by our in-house chef. All dietary requirements catered for. Good nutrition is a clinical component of recovery, not an afterthought.
Pastoral Support
Our support staff are available around the clock for conversation, reassurance and practical help. Many have personal experience of recovery; they understand what you are going through.
Pre-Therapy
Once you are medically stable, individual therapy sessions can begin, exploring the underlying factors driving your drinking and preparing you for the full rehabilitation programme.
Free Family Support
We provide free telephone support to the families of clients in detox. Family therapy sessions can be arranged. One visit per week is permitted during your residential stay.
Do You Need A Detox?
If you are reading this page, you are probably already concerned about your drinking or a loved one’s. The checklist below covers the most common signs that a medically supervised detox is needed. If any of these apply to you, please call us. Our team will assess your needs and recommend the right level of care.
- You drink every day, or nearly every day
- You have experienced withdrawal symptoms when you have not had a drink - shaking, sweating, anxiety or nausea
- You have tried to stop or cut back and found it physically difficult or impossible
- You feel you need alcohol to function normally
- You have had seizures or blackouts related to drinking
- You drink first thing in the morning
- Your drinking is affecting your health, relationships or ability to work
- You have tried to detox at home before and struggled or relapsed
- A doctor or healthcare professional has told you that you need to stop drinking
Not sure if you need detox? You do not need to have ticked every box to ask for help. If any of these feel familiar, we would encourage you to call.
Life After Detox: Your Recovery Journey Begins
Detox is an essential first step, but it is only the beginning. Removing alcohol from the body addresses physical dependency; it does not address the psychological, social and behavioural factors that drove the addiction.
Without ongoing treatment, the risk of relapse is significant. At Step By Step Recovery, we strongly encourage all clients who complete detox to continue with a rehabilitation programme.
Outpatient Programs
For clients who are unable to commit to a full residential stay post-detox, our outpatient programmes in London and Birmingham provide structured therapy, group sessions and relapse prevention support that work around your life.
Outpatient treatment is also the natural continuation pathway for those stepping down from residential care.
Available Monday to Saturday.
Residential Treatment
The most effective post-detox pathway is to continue with a full residential rehabilitation programme at The Lighthouse in Essex.
A minimum four-week stay provides the time and structure needed to address the root causes of addiction, develop coping strategies, and build the foundations for lasting sobriety.
Clients who complete a four-week programme receive lifetime access to weekly group therapy.
- Seamless Transition
During your detox process, Step By Step Recovery will work closely with you to plan your next stages of rehabilitation.
If you choose not to commit to a full residential stay, we will ensure you have all the necessary referral points to access recovery support in the community safely.
Common Questions
FAQs
Deciding to go through detox raises a lot of questions, and we want to make sure you have the answers you need before you call. Here are the questions we hear most often. If yours is not here, our team is available 24 hours a day on 0800 170 1222.
How long does detox last?
Detox addresses physical dependency, but the psychological causes of alcohol addiction remain. Without ongoing treatment, relapse rates are significantly higher. We strongly recommend continuing with a residential rehabilitation programme at The Lighthouse in Essex, or an outpatient programme at our London or Birmingham clinics. Our team will discuss your options with you before, during and after detox.
Detox addresses physical dependency, but the psychological causes of alcohol addiction remain. Without ongoing treatment, relapse rates are significantly higher. We strongly recommend continuing with a residential rehabilitation programme at The Lighthouse in Essex, or an outpatient programme at our London or Birmingham clinics. Our team will discuss your options with you before, during and after detox.
What medications are used during detox?
The most commonly used medications are chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or diazepam, both benzodiazepines that reduce the risk of seizure and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Vitamin B supplements (thiamine) are also given to prevent alcohol-related brain damage.
The exact medication and dosage is determined by your assessment and medical history and reviewed daily by our doctor. All prescribing decisions are individual.
After detox, what comes next?
Detox addresses physical dependency, but the psychological causes of alcohol addiction remain. Without ongoing treatment, relapse rates are significantly higher.
We strongly recommend continuing with a residential rehabilitation programme at The Lighthouse in Essex, or an outpatient programme at our London or Birmingham clinics.
Our team will discuss your options with you before, during and after detox.
Is alcohol detox dangerous?
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening if not properly managed, particularly the risk of seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
This is why medically supervised detox is essential for anyone with a significant alcohol dependency.
At The Lighthouse, you are monitored around the clock by qualified clinical staff throughout your detox.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
Home detox is not recommended for anyone with a significant physical dependence on alcohol. Without clinical supervision and access to appropriate medication, the risks are serious, including potentially fatal withdrawal complications.
If you are unsure whether you need residential detox, please call us on 0800 170 1222 and speak to a member of our clinical team.
How much does alcohol detox cost?
The cost of residential alcohol detox depends on the length of stay and level of care required. We can provide a personalised quote following your assessment. For detailed pricing information, call 0800 170 1222.
The cost of residential alcohol detox depends on the length of stay and level of care required. We can provide a personalised quote following your assessment. For detailed pricing information, call 0800 170 1222.
Can I get same-day admission for detox?
Yes. Same-day admissions are available at The Lighthouse in Essex when a space is open. Sober transport from London can be arranged on request. Call 0800 170 1222 to speak to our admissions team.
Will my family be able to visit during detox?
One visit per week is permitted during your residential stay at The Lighthouse. We also provide free telephone support to the families of clients in detox, and family therapy sessions can be arranged. Our team is happy to speak with concerned family members at any stage.
Other Treatments
Alongside alcohol detox, Step By Step Recovery offers a full range of treatment programmes for drug and alcohol dependence.
Alcohol Rehab
Following detox, residential alcohol rehabilitation addresses the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction.
Drug Detox
Medically supervised detox for drug dependency, including opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine and prescription drugs.
Drug Rehab
Our residential rehabilitation programme treats all substance addictions, not just alcohol.
Three specialised Clinics
Explore Our Other Clinics
Our medically supervised alcohol detox takes place at The Lighthouse in Essex, just 45 minutes from London. Assessment and referral are available through our outpatient clinics in London and Birmingham.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 01702 296 006
Start Your Recovery Journey Safely
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