NHS Alcohol Detox
Finding out about the options for alcohol detoxification on the NHS is important if you’re looking for treatment but don’t want to pay for a private alcohol rehab. The majority of services needed during alcohol detox are available on the NHS, and they are simply broken down into inpatient and outpatient detoxification. Both of these types of treatment should incorporate medicines to help during withdrawal and also provide structured psychological counselling to help the individual tackle the underlying causes of their alcoholism. NHS alcohol detox is widely available, with larger centres usually located in larger urban areas.
Alcohol withdrawal management medicines are one of the most important features of a detoxification programme. NHS alcohol detox centres will prescribe or administer medicines as needed to help individuals through withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to relieve the irritability and anxiety often experienced during withdrawal, and other drugs can block the effects of alcohol or reduce cravings. The majority of doctors will prescribe a combination of medicines to help with alcohol withdrawal.
Counselling is another integral part of NHS alcohol detoxification programmes. Addiction of any type is a psychological problem, often resulting from deep-seated issues which need to be addressed through structured counselling. This helps individuals identify the root causes of their addiction and develop new coping strategies to remove their reliance on alcohol. The physical detoxification process is important, but the psychological aspects take much more time to treat effectively.
Treatment at an NHS alcohol detox can take place on an inpatient or an outpatient basis. Alcohol rehab centres often liaise with GPs to offer their clients withdrawal management medicines or things like anti-abuse medicines in the local community. The most common medicine offered for outpatient detoxification is chlordiazepoxide, which is an anti-anxiety medicine. Most centres will also have appointments for structured counselling available for outpatients. Some NHS alcohol rehab facilities will also have structured day programmes, which use other activities designed to do things like relieve stress alongside counselling to help people get sober.
Inpatient treatment at an NHS alcohol detox offers more intensive support to drinkers because medical staff members monitor the patients’ physical and psychological health 24 hours a day. Any necessary medications can be offered as needed, absolutely ensuring a safe withdrawal from alcohol. More severe drinkers will require this level of care because of the potentially life threatening consequences of withdrawal. The additional psychological assistance and sober, controlled atmosphere also help to facilitate abstinence.
There are some requirements for drinkers attending NHS alcohol detox. These can basically be summed up by saying that the individual must display a genuine desire to make a change in their life. They should have ideally already taken steps to manage their alcohol intake, and they have to be happy to undergo regular breath tests. If at any stage they don’t fulfil their responsibility to the programme their treatment could be refused. In short, if you’re going to an NHS alcohol detox clinic be sure you’re dedicated to recovery.
If you’re considering treatment at an NHS alcohol detox centre for yourself or your loved one, we can help you find the right care. Most of the NHS centres provide the same set of treatments, and medications are always on offer where required. There are likely to be other options for detoxification in your area, and we can suggest alternatives if you’d rather not use the NHS. We’ll also answer any questions you have about treatment and we’ll explain the different rehab services to you. Our advice is completely free, so get in touch with us today!