Alcohol Detoxing: What to expect at Delamere

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. What is an alcohol medical detox?
3. How long does an alcohol medical detox take?
4. Benefits of a planned alcohol medical detox
5. What to expect from Delamere during medical detox from alcohol?
6. How Delamere’s approach is different

Attempting to detox from alcohol without medical supervision can be as dangerous as excessive drinking itself.

According to StatPearls, those addicted to alcohol who attempt to quit without medical supervision risk severe complications, including seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and even Wernicke’s encephalopathy (a condition caused by severely low thiamine levels). 

At Delamere, we advise guests addicted to alcohol to undergo a medical detox at Delamere, as it is a proven, safe and effective way to help the body withdraw from alcohol.

What is an alcohol medical detox?

A medical detox from alcohol provides a safe, structured environment where alcohol is gradually cleared from the body under the supervision of licensed medical professionals.

Unlike attempting to stop drinking alcohol by going “cold turkey”, a supervised medical detox is specifically designed to reduce risks and ease discomfort during what is often a physically and emotionally demanding stage of addiction recovery.

To manage withdrawal symptoms, medications such as benzodiazepines and pregabalin are usually prescribed. These help stabilise withdrawal symptoms safely.

How long does an alcohol medical detox take?

The duration of a medical detox varies from person to person.

Delamere adopts a person-centric approach, tailoring every medical detox to the individual, including timelines for detoxification from alcohol. 

Factors that influence the length of detox include:

• Severity of the alcohol dependency
• Daily alcohol consumption levels
• The guest’s mental and emotional state
• History of previous medical detoxes (repeated medical detoxes can make withdrawal harder and longer, which is known as kindling)

Benefits of a planned alcohol medical detox

A carefully planned medical detox can make a significant difference to a guest’s recovery journey.

By planning ahead, the medical team can anticipate potential challenges and manage withdrawal symptoms from the very start, creating a smoother and safer experience.

Planning also gives guests a sense of preparedness and reassurance. 

Knowing that every step of their detox has been considered from medical supervision to emotional and psychological support, can help reduce anxiety and allow them to focus fully on their recovery journey.

What to expect from Delamere during medical detox from alcohol?

At Delamere, we understand that every recovery journey is unique. 

That’s why we avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach to medical detox, instead focusing on creating personalised care plans designed to help each guest move beyond addiction and towards lasting recovery.

Our medical detox programmes prioritise safety, comfort, and support at every stage. 

Before beginning detox, guests undergo two to three comprehensive assessments with a dedicated medical professional. These assessments explore each guest’s history, previous experiences with addiction and overall health, allowing the team to create a tailored detox plan with the right medication and doses that is ready from the moment they arrive.

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During the detox from alcohol, guests receive 24/7 care from a dedicated medical team, ensuring they are closely monitored and fully supported throughout the entire process. 

Daily check-ins with doctors allow plans to be adjusted as needed, ensuring the detox remains safe and effective.

Holistic support is provided throughout the stay, addressing emotional and psychological needs alongside physical detox. This ensures guests feel understood, secure, and cared for in a new environment, giving them the confidence and reassurance they need to focus fully on their recovery journey.

How Delamere’s approach is different

Delamere sets itself apart by combining medical expertise with compassionate, person-centred care. 

Every detox is customised, regularly assessed and supported holistically, ensuring that guests feel safe both physically and emotionally. 

Having 24-hour care ensures guests are monitored continuously, providing both safety and peace of mind throughout the detox process.

Many Delamere staff members have personal experience with recovery, either themselves or through someone close to them.

This shared experience provides guests with mentors who truly understand the journey and offer empathy, guidance, and reassurance.

At Delamere, a medical detox is the first step toward a life beyond addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and want to find out if a medical detox is appropriate, book a consultation over the phone on 0330 111 2015.

Summary

Article Name

Alcohol Detoxing: What to expect at Delamere

Description

Attempting to detox from alcohol without medical supervision can be dangerous. Learn more about our alcohol detox programme.

Author

Dr Catherine Carney

Publisher Name

Delamere Health Ltd

Publisher Logo

About the author: Dr Catherine Carney

As a psychiatrist with a specialist interest in addiction treatment, Catherine is a real asset to Delamere. Coupled with her experience in working with addictions for over a decade, Catherine’s grounded and down to earth approach is something our guests and clinical team value greatly.