The Lighthouse Clinic in Essex is a trusted provider of alcohol detox services for the south-east of England. Renowned for its compassionate and professional care, our clinic has helped countless people achieve lasting recovery from addiction. Located in the picturesque setting of Southend-on-Sea, The Lighthouse Clinic is dedicated to offering safe, supportive and effective detox programmes tailored to meet each client’s needs.
What Is An Alcohol Detox?
If you’re struggling with alcohol dependence and want to stop drinking, detoxification is the first step towards sobriety. An alcohol detox requires complete abstinence as your body begins to eliminate the chemicals from your system. However, detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous, and in some cases, fatal. A medically managed detox at a registered clinic is always advised to prevent
An effective detox addresses the physical aspects of addiction but also prepares you for the psychological and emotional challenges ahead. Without proper detox, the risks of severe health complications and relapse significantly increase.
With a team of experienced healthcare professionals, our clinic ensures that every aspect of the alcohol detox process is managed with the highest standards of care.
Why Choose Alcohol Detox in Essex?
At Step By Step Recovery, we want to help people looking for alcohol detox in Essex, begin their journey to sobriety. The Lighthouse is approximately an hour’s drive from central London and is easily accessible via public transport. Our clinic is set within a quiet residential street just a short walk from Shoeburyness train station and close to Shoebury East Beach. Our purpose-built, modern alcohol rehab facility provides clients with the perfect environment to focus on healing to live a life free from addiction.
Choosing your detox programme is an extremely important decision, one that may seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to start or which factors you need to consider. You must take into account your needs when selecting the right detox facility.
Most alcohol detox programmes in Essex provide residential care, however, if you have any co-occurring mental or physical health problems, your treatment may be more complex. If you’re suffering from alcohol or drug dependence you will want to ensure that any withdrawal symptoms are appropriately managed during your treatment. Once you’ve established the level of care you require, you should then look into the quality of care and cost.
Our admissions team can help you determine the type of treatment best suited to your needs and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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Our Alcohol Detox Programme
At The Lighthouse Clinic, we understand the importance of medical supervision during detox. Having a medical team on hand gives our clients and their families peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe environment in the capable hands of professionals.
Our dedicated clinical team is always on hand to provide medical intervention where necessary. They will also help you safely manage any severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and provide immediate medical intervention if necessary. Regular monitoring helps mitigate the risks associated with alcohol detox, such as severe dehydration, seizures and other medical emergencies that can arise during the withdrawal phase.
Detoxing from alcohol can be a challenging and potentially dangerous process, which is why having access to round-the-clock medical supervision is always recommended to ensure your safety and comfort.
Personalised Alcohol Detox Plans
Detox will differ for each client and your experience will depend on several factors, such as the type of addiction, the duration of use and your overall health. We offer tailored detox plans based on thorough individual assessments that take place on admission. These assessments evaluate your specific needs, medical history and severity of your addiction.
Depending on the information you provide during your assessment our medical staff will create a detox plan that incorporates a variety of specific therapies and medications. For example, if you require alcohol detox, medications like benzodiazepines may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of seizures. The medical team will adjust your plan if necessary to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal phase.
Comfortable and Safe Detox
The Lighthouse Clinic is committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment for all clients undergoing detox. Our clinic’s facilities are designed with patient safety and comfort in mind, offering a calm and supportive setting that promotes healing and recovery.
Our dedicated detox room is equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a peaceful and restorative experience. This space is equipped with everything needed to support the detox journey, allowing clients to focus on their recovery in a secure and supportive setting. Our staff is trained to provide compassionate care, ensuring that each client feels valued and understood.
What to Expect During Alcohol Detox
Deciding to detox from any substance can be daunting, but understanding what to expect can help alleviate some of the anxiety. Here’s a brief outline of the detox process at The Lighthouse Clinic:
Assessment and Planning
Before detox can begin, our medical team will conduct a thorough assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to provide us with details of your medical history as well as information about the severity of your alcohol use disorder.
This is an opportunity for you to inform us of any additional needs or co-occurring disorders, as these will need to be considered when creating your treatment plan. The information you provide will help our medical team tailor a plan to meet your specific needs. This plan will outline the therapies and medications used to manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome and support the detox process.
Alcohol Withdrawal Management
Once your treatment plan has been established, you will receive your first dose of medication. This medication will help alleviate any discomfort, allowing you to complete your detox as comfortably as possible. Our medical team will monitor and adjust medication if necessary. The Lighthouse features a separate detox room which provides a safe space for clients to undergo detox.
Are Alcohol Detoxes Free In Essex?
There are currently no free residential detox facilities in Essex, however, there are some services offered by the NHS. Referrals can be obtained through your GP and then your GP will refer you to other NHS services or NHS suppliers of addiction treatment. As it is the NHS, there may be waiting lists and resources and budgets in Essex are often squeezed in helping to treat community drug and alcohol users.
An alternative to private treatment is registering at one of the drug and alcohol services run by councils and charities. These clinics can provide an outpatient medicated detox as well as weekly support groups. As is the case, these services are often underfunded and often can’t provide the level of care or quick treatment you find at an alcohol rehab clinic, such as ours.
If you require an urgent detox in Essex, the only way to do so is by funding the treatment yourself. This also means you can select the rehab you attend, and there are no waiting times for admission.
At Step-by-Step Recovery, we understand that many people are not in a position to finance a residential alcohol detox. To ensure our treatment is accessible to everyone, we offer payment plans which allow you to pay for your addiction rehab in instalments.
How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?
The duration of detox and withdrawal will differ from person to person, however, below you will find a rough idea of what you can expect during this stage of treatment.
Early Alcohol Withdrawal
Occurs around 6 – 24 hours after your last drink.
During early withdrawal, you may begin to experience some mild symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, anxiety and headaches. Our medical team will be on hand to monitor your progress and ensure you feel safe and comfortable.
Acute Withdrawals
Begins 24 – 72 hours after your last drink.
At this stage, withdrawal symptoms may intensify and you may experience increased heart rate, sweating, elevated blood pressure and tremors. It is during this time that more serious side effects like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) can occur, especially if you’re suffering from a severe, long-term alcohol addiction. If you’re detoxing in a residential clinic, medications are usually administered at this point to help you manage these symptoms and prevent further complications.
Late Withdrawal
Peaks around 3 – 7 days after your last drink.
Once withdrawal symptoms have peaked, they will begin to subside. However, some patients report experiencing effects such as mood swings, irritability and fatigue for weeks after. Continuous medical support and counselling are provided to help patients cope with these residual symptoms.
Post-Detox Support and Aftercare
Completing detox is a huge achievement, but it’s only the first stage of treatment. At The Lighthouse, we provide comprehensive therapy to ensure a smooth transition into long-term sobriety. This post-detox support includes:
Counselling and Therapy
Once you have begun your detox and are considered fit to participate, you will have the opportunity to take part in our complimentary and evidence-based therapies. These therapies are designed to address the psychological aspects of addiction, as opposed to detox which treats physical alcohol dependence.
Aftercare Planning
We believe that recovery can truly begin once you leave treatment, which is why we offer free lifetime aftercare to all clients who complete a minimum four-week programme with us. Our aftercare support is focused on helping you utilise the recovery skills you have learned during your treatment and prevent relapse.
Family Support
We provide resources and counselling for family members to help them understand and support their loved one’s recovery process.
How Much Does An Alcohol Detox Cost?
The cost of alcohol detox in Essex varies depending on where you go, the type of rehab you choose and the duration of your treatment.
For more information on the cost of alcohol detox in Essex, please speak to one of our admissions team, who can provide a bespoke treatment quote.
Why Choose Step-By-Step Recovery?
At Step By Step Recovery, we know that alcohol withdrawal can be a frightening prospect, which is why we work hard to ensure that our clients are safe, comfortable and well-cared for during this part of the process.
The Lighthouse is our fully residential and CQC-registered clinic, staffed by qualified addiction specialists who offer evidence-based treatment methods proven to help overcome alcoholism.
Our treatment programme is based on the principle that every client is unique, which is why our treatment plans are completely individualised. Our team of addiction counsellors assess each client and create a bespoke recovery plan based on their individual needs. By receiving treatment relevant to their circumstances, clients have a higher chance of maintaining sobriety once they leave.
How to Get Started
Starting your journey to recovery is just a phone call or email away. If you’re looking for an alcohol detox in Essex, you can contact us as soon as possible. Our friendly and professional team is available to answer any questions you may have and provide the support you need to take the first step towards sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, don’t wait to seek help. Contact The Lighthouse Clinic today to book your initial consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, sober future. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us now on 0800 170 1222 or email us here to start your journey to recovery.
Our alcohol detox clinic is conveniently situated on the outskirts of London, just over one hour away by train from central London, with Shoeburyness train station just a short walk from our premises.
1A, The Lighthouse,
Southchurch Ave,
Shoeburyness,
Southend-on-Sea SS3 9BA
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FAQs
How will I know if I need an alcohol detox?
People who need a medical detox usually can’t stop drinking on their own without shaking, anxiety, sweats, headaches and other withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawals are so disturbing and severe that a medical detox is the only safe way to stop drinking. Contact us to find out more about alcohol detox, and why it is the best – in terms of safest and success – first stage of treatment in alcohol addiction.
How long does alcohol withdrawal take?
Withdrawal doesn’t follow a rigid timeline, instead, it depends on how severe addiction is, and which substances are involved. For example, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are generally mild and will usually calm down after 2-3 days. However, opioid withdrawal symptoms can take weeks to subside. While some symptoms may still be present for a few weeks, a detox is technically complete once there is no more alcohol in your system.
Where can I receive a supervised medical detox in Essex?
In addition to residential rehabs, many free alcohol recovery services can provide medical detox. However, the level of supervision will vary depending on which option you choose. Free services do not offer residential treatment, so you will be expected to return home after receiving your medication.
Whereas inpatient treatment means you will have medical staff on hand to manage medication and increase doses where necessary. While undergoing an alcohol detox at home is convenient, it is advised never to begin a detox alone due to the risk of adverse withdrawal symptoms.
Can I detox without medication?
You can detox without medication provided this has been approved by a medical professional.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause a range of unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms, the results of which can be life-threatening. Due to the intensity of the physical and psychological side effects of alcohol withdrawal, it is not uncommon for people to start drinking again to quickly relieve them of the discomfort. With this in mind, it is always best to accept a medical detox when it is offered to lower the risk of relapse.
How can I pay for alcohol detox in Essex?
While private alcohol detox comes at a cost, there are various ways you can pay for treatment. If you have private health insurance, contact your provider and find out whether they cover alcohol detox. Another option is to contact the alcohol detox clinic in Essex and ask about payment plans.
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary depending on several factors such as age, gender, weight, general health and duration of abuse.
If you’ve been drinking for prolonged periods, the likelihood is that you will develop both physical and psychological symptoms during your detox. Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, depression, restlessness and insomnia.
Why choose Step by Step?
- Fully Residential
- Around-the-clock care
- Medical detox unit
- Extended family support
- After care support service
- Nutritional food cooked by our chefs
- Outstanding quality of care
- Highly experienced team
Alcohol Treatment Options
