Alcohol Detox
You're not alone
Alcohol is a normal part of everyday life for millions of people in the UK, which is exactly what makes addiction so difficult to spot and so easy to minimise.
Whether you are questioning your own drinking or worried about someone you love, this page is here to help you understand what alcohol addiction is, what causes it, and what treatment is available.
You are not alone, and help is here when you are ready.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcohol dependence, is a recognised, chronic medical condition. It is not a choice or a character flaw. When someone develops a dependency on alcohol, their brain chemistry changes: the body comes to rely on alcohol to function, and reducing or stopping drinking triggers withdrawal symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week as a guide to lower-risk drinking; regularly exceeding this level significantly increases the risk of dependence.
Alcohol addiction exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who struggles with drinking is physically dependent. Binge drinking, drinking to cope with stress, and using alcohol to manage anxiety or low mood are all forms of misuse that can escalate into dependency over time. Many people with alcohol addiction are described as high functioning, meaning they hold down jobs and maintain relationships while privately struggling with their drinking. This can make it harder for them and those around them to recognise that a problem exists.
The brain’s reward system is genuinely altered by prolonged alcohol use. Dopamine pathways that once produced pleasure from natural experiences become recalibrated around alcohol. This neurological change is at the core of physical dependency, and it is why willpower alone is rarely enough to overcome it. Effective treatment addresses both the physical dependency and the underlying psychological factors that sustain it. According to NHS England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, there are approximately 608,000 alcohol-dependent adults in England, yet only around 18% access specialist treatment each year.
Recognising the Signs
Alcohol addiction can look different from person to person. The signs below may help you reflect on your own drinking or identify concerns about someone you love.
Behavioural signs
- Drinking more than intended, or for longer than planned
- Repeated failed attempts to cut down or stop
- Spending significant time thinking about drinking, or recovering from it
- Giving up hobbies, work or social activities because of drinking
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
- Hiding alcohol or lying about how much you drink
- Drinking alone or first thing in the morning
- Drinking to manage stress, anxiety or difficult emotions
- Mood swings, irritability or anxiety when not drinking
- Denying that a problem exists, or minimising how much you drink
Physical Signs
- Shaking or tremors, particularly in the morning
- Sweating without physical exertion
- Bloodshot eyes and burst capillaries on the face
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Increasing tolerance, meaning needing more alcohol to feel the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as shakes, sweating and anxiety
What Causes Alcohol Addiction?
There is no single cause of alcohol addiction. It develops through a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Understanding why addiction happens is an important part of the recovery process.
Brain Chemistry
Research suggests that genetic factors account for around 50% of the risk of developing alcohol addiction. Growing up in an environment where heavy drinking was normalised, early exposure to alcohol, and social pressure can all increase vulnerability. Family history is a significant risk factor, but it is not a destiny. Many people with a family history of addiction never develop dependency themselves, particularly with the right support and awareness.
Genetics & Environment
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, the brain's reward chemical, producing feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, the brain adapts to expect this response and begins to need alcohol to feel normal. This neurological change is at the core of physical dependency and explains why simply deciding to stop is so rarely sufficient on its own.
Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly increase the risk of alcohol misuse. Many people begin drinking to manage their symptoms before they have received a diagnosis or any formal support. This pattern is known as 'dual diagnosis' or 'co-occurring disorders'. It is extremely common among people seeking treatment, and effective care must address both the addiction and the underlying mental health condition.
The Impact on Your Health
Alcohol addiction affects every area of life, not just physical health but mental wellbeing, relationships, work and finances. Understanding the impact can be an important part of deciding to seek help.
Physical Health Risks
- Liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Damage to the brain, pancreas, kidneys and nervous system
- Increased cancer risk, including mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast
- Weakened immune system
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Alcohol poisoning in cases of very heavy drinking
Mental Health Risks
- Depression and anxiety, both worsened by and often caused by alcohol
- Increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Memory loss and cognitive decline
- Relationship breakdown with partners, family and friends
- Difficulties at work, including absences, performance issues and job loss
- Financial problems
- Social isolation
- Recovery Changes Everything
Many of the physical and psychological effects of alcohol addiction begin to reverse when drinking stops. Liver function can improve significantly within weeks. Mental health often stabilises considerably once alcohol is removed and proper support is in place. With the right treatment, relationships can be repaired, cognitive function can improve, and life can look and feel completely different. Recovery is not simply the absence of alcohol. It is the return of everything alcohol took away.
Your Path to Recovery
Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible, and with the right support, it is achievable. At Step By Step Recovery, we provide a joined-up treatment pathway from medically supervised detox through to residential rehabilitation and long-term aftercare.
Medical Detox
For most people with alcohol dependency, treatment begins with a medically supervised detox. Stopping alcohol suddenly after a period of heavy or prolonged use can be dangerous, causing withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Our clinical team at The Lighthouse in Essex manages withdrawal safely, using prescribed medication to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Detox typically lasts between 3 and 7 days, depending on individual circumstances.
Residential Treatment
Following detox, clients enter the residential rehabilitation programme at The Lighthouse. Structured daily therapy, group sessions, holistic activities and family support take place in a purpose-built clinic with a maximum of 11 clients at any one time. The minimum recommended stay is four weeks. Same-day admissions are available when a space is open.
Ongoing Support
Recovery continues long after treatment ends. Clients completing a minimum four week programme receive lifetime access to weekly group therapy. Continued outpatient support is available at our London and Birmingham clinics, alongside a dedicated aftercare and mentoring programme for clients at every stage of their recovery.
Important: Never stop drinking suddenly without medical guidance, especially after prolonged heavy use.
Please call us first on 0800 170 1222 before making any changes to your drinking.
Common Questions
FAQs
We know that asking for help raises a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often, answered honestly and without judgement. If you would like to talk about something, our team is available 24 hours a day on 0800 170 1222.
How do I know if I have a drinking problem?
If alcohol is taking up more and more space in your life, mentally or physically, that is worth taking seriously. Common signs include drinking more than you planned, feeling anxious or unsettled without a drink, hiding how much you drink, or using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions. You do not need to have lost everything to have a problem. If you are asking the question, it is worth talking to someone.
Can I just cut back instead of quitting completely?
For some people, cutting back is possible. But for those who have developed a physical dependency on alcohol, attempting to reduce or stop without medical support can be dangerous. We recommend speaking to our team before making any changes to your drinking. We can help you understand whether a managed reduction or a supervised detox is the safer option for you.
Is detox dangerous? Do I need medical supervision?
Alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious. Unlike withdrawal from many other substances, it can cause seizures and a condition called delirium tremens (DTs) in people who have been drinking heavily for a prolonged period. Medically supervised detox at The Lighthouse in Essex ensures you are safe, comfortable and supported throughout. We strongly recommend never stopping suddenly without professional guidance.
What is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence?
Alcohol misuse refers to a pattern of drinking that causes harm but has not yet resulted in physical dependency. Alcohol dependence, or alcohol use disorder, means the body has become physically reliant on alcohol to function, and withdrawal symptoms occur when drinking stops. Both are serious, and both benefit from professional support, but the treatment pathway is different. Our team can help you understand where you are on that spectrum.
How long does alcohol rehab take?
The minimum recommended residential stay at The Lighthouse is four weeks. Research consistently shows that longer treatment periods lead to better long-term outcomes. Some clients stay for six to twelve weeks. Following residential treatment, outpatient support and aftercare are available at our London and Birmingham clinics. We will help you plan the right length of stay during your free assessment.
The minimum recommended residential stay at The Lighthouse is four weeks. Research consistently shows that longer treatment periods lead to better long-term outcomes. Some clients stay for six to twelve weeks. Following residential treatment, outpatient support and aftercare are available at our London and Birmingham clinics. We will help you plan the right length of stay during your free assessment.
How do I help a family member with alcohol addiction?
Supporting someone with alcohol addiction can be exhausting and emotionally difficult. The most important things you can do are to avoid enabling their drinking, encourage them to seek professional help, and look after your own wellbeing. Step By Step Recovery offers free telephone support for family members of people with addictions. Our team can advise you on how to approach the conversation and what treatment options are available.
How much does alcohol addiction treatment cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the length of stay and level of care required. For detailed pricing information, please call 0800 170 1222 for a personalised quote. We can also advise on whether your private health insurance covers any part of your treatment.
Other Addictions We Treat
Alcohol addiction often occurs alongside, or can lead to, other substance dependencies. Here are some of the related addictions we treat at Step By Step Recovery.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Many people with alcohol addiction also develop dependency on prescription medications, including benzodiazepines, sleeping pills or painkillers. These combinations can be particularly dangerous and require specialist clinical management.
Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis is frequently used alongside alcohol, and dependency can develop in people who use it to manage anxiety or stress. Treating both conditions together significantly improves long term recovery outcomes.
Cocaine Addiction
Alcohol and cocaine are commonly used together. The combination produces a compound called cocaethylene in the body, which is more toxic than either substance alone and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular harm.
Three specialised Clinics
Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Essex, London and Birmingham
Step By Step Recovery operates three specialist clinics providing residential detox and rehabilitation in Essex and outpatient treatment in London and Birmingham. Wherever you are in the country, help is closer than you think.
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 Alcohol Recovery Safely
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Your enquiry is completely confidential. We’re here to help, not to judge.