A plate with DETOX written on it

Drug Detox Safely & Comfortably

The Perry Clayman Project specialises in providing detox to people that are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We have multiple private drug detox clinics across the UK, providing Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) registered and regulated services.

Facing the prospect of detoxing from drugs is scary, but when done in the right setting and with the right people around to support and assist you, it is in most cases, not as bad as people initially think. Our medical staff follow strict NICE guidelines and the British National Formulary (BNF) , to ensure that prescribing meets the needs of our patients. We have staff working around the clock to provide 24 hour observation, support and monitoring to ensure that no-one suffers any untoward withdrawal symptoms – our standards are exceptionally high and our detox programs have a great success rate.

A drug detox, whilst a major step in arresting active addiction, needs to be immediately followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, in order that recovery can be maintained and relapse prevented.

What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction, aka substance abuse disorder, is a nasty disease that affects your brain and the way that you behave, leading to an inability to control the amount of drugs you consume, whether prescribed or illegally obtained. Various substances like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana are also classed as drugs and when you have an addiction you are likely to continue to use despite being aware of the damage that they may be causing to your mind, body, and the people around you.

Drug addiction can start off as simple experimentation. Perhaps you began using a certain drug recreationally with friends. For other people addiction may have started with prescribed drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines and through frequent exposure led to negative side effects, including feelings of dependency, and can often lead to progression on to harder drugs.

The risk of, and severity of addiction depends on the drug in question. Whilst all drugs are bad for you when consumed in high doses, some take a firmer grip and are harder to kick than others. For example, crack cocaine, heroin and other opioids as well as some painkillers have a much higher risk and are highly addictive.

As time passes and you continue to consume drugs, your tolerance will increase. This leads to you having to consume higher doses in order to achieve the same high that you experienced in the first place. Additionally, the longer you continue to consume a drug the more difficult it will become for you to go without it. This is when any attempt to stop using the drug causes intense cravings, painful withdrawal symptoms, and may even make you feel physically ill.

Man with head in his hands in despair - vile of pills spilled on the table in front of him

Below we will list some tell-tale symptoms of addiction. If any of the following apply to you then you may wish to consider seeking out the appropriate health services such as private drug detox and assistance with your substance abuse:

  • You feel as though you have to use a certain drug regularly – often daily and even sometimes several times a day.
  • You have intense feelings to take the drug often blocking out any other thoughts or feelings.
  • Over time you end up having to take more of the drug in order to feel any high at all.
  • You have begun taking much more of the drug and over a longer period than you initially intended.
  • You are always going to lengths to ensure that you have enough supply of the drug and don’t run out.
  • You are frequently spending money on the drug even when you cannot afford it.
  • You are not keeping up with your social or work obligations and find yourself cancelling plans and cutting back on your passions due to your drug use.
  • You cannot help but continue using the drug even though you are aware of the side effects and the damage that it is causing in your life.
  • You are doing things – or considering doing things – that you would never normally do in order to get the drug (i.e., theft).
  • You find yourself doing reckless and dangerous things under the influence, such as driving.
  • Much of your time is spent securing the drug, taking the drug, and recovering from the after effects.
  • You have tried to stop taking the drug multiple times but fail each time.
  • Whenever you try to stop taking the drug you experience painful withdrawal.
  • You are experiencing mood swings and feel yourself becoming quick to anger if you cannot take your drug.
  • You feel your health slowly beginning to decline, including high blood pressure, acne or skin lesions, jaw and teeth issues, including changes to your mental health and general well-being.

If any of the above apply to you then there is a good chance that you have a substance abuse problem. If you are interested in learning more about drug addiction treatment and how we can help you free you from the physical and mental stress that comes from long term drug abuse, then read on for more information. The first step on your path to drug detox and recovery is learning more about the long-term effects, and indeed the way your life can improve once you are free of it.

A group of people taking in a Drug Detox support group

Addiction Detox Treatment Options

There are many different forms of drug addiction treatment and the one that is best for you depends on the drug that you are addicted to and the severity of your addiction. At PCP, our addiction treatment programs are broken down into three key parts:

  • Drug Detox
  • Rehabilitation
  • Aftercare

The first step is to get you checked in and begin the detoxification process. This will be medically assisted and depending on your addiction may include various medications. Detoxification is dangerous, particularly for those who have had a substance abuse problem for quite some time. You will experience some painful side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but you will have the highest quality care and support from our certified medical professionals. We will get you through this!
Following that, the rehabilitation process begins. This is where you will have group therapy, and one on one counselling, where you can speak with a professional psychologist to get to the bottom of your addiction. Identifying any long-term underlying issues that may have led to your addiction in the first place is a crucial step in ensuring that you do not relapse in the future, and you can maintain your sobriety after you leave.

Finally, as you approach the end of your drug rehab, you’ll be ready to leave and return home to your life. This is when we will come up with an aftercare plan for you. We understand that just because you are finished with rehab, it doesn’t mean that returning to normal life will be easy. Should you need someone to talk to, we will always be here to support you. It’s a long road to recovery but we will be with you every step of the way.

Medical Detox

A medical detox is necessary when someone has a severe addiction to dangerous drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines that have a notoriously hard detoxification process. A medically assisted detox refers to going through this detox process, which may include certain medicines that will essentially make the withdrawal symptoms less painful. This means treating some of the more severe symptoms with medicine, such as hypnotics for those suffering from insomnia or using a substitute drug to help wean a user off another drug.

Those who are long term addicts will benefit greatly from the substitution process during a drug detox as it can significantly reduce the painful impacts and initial shock of giving up a drug and is often much safer (and often a necessity) rather than going cold turkey.

As part of the medical detox program, you will be required to stay with us at one of our residential rehab facilities. That way you can receive round-the-clock clinical care from licensed medical professionals for your safety and convenience.

A Doctor prescribing a patient in Medical Detox

What Drugs are Used for Medically Assisted Detox?

The drugs that are used for medically assisted drug detox and to help with the withdrawal symptoms depends on the substance of abuse and the nature of the associated symptoms of withdrawal. As an example, antidepressants will be prescribed to counter the depression, particularly in the case of long-term withdrawal, while as mentioned above, various hypnotics may be prescribed to counter insomnia.

For weaning and substitution, opioid addicts may be prescribed methadone or buprenorphine / naloxone. These are opioids, only they have a lighter effect and have less severe withdrawal symptoms – making them suitable for clinical prescription.

Please note that many of the drugs that are used in medically assisted detox are potentially addictive and habit forming. Rest assured that they will only be administered by experience medical professionals for the appropriate period of time. Additionally, before going ahead and prescribing a certain medication you will go through a clinical assessment to ensure that you are safe to receive the treatment.

Detox Process

Drug detox is the process of clearing any harmful substances from your body. When you stop using a drug and attempt to go through the detoxification process, you will go through a number of withdrawal symptoms, many of which can be uncomfortable. Your mental health will be tested and your body may go through various uncomfortable changes. In any case, this is your body’s response to clearing itself of the poison that you have been putting in your body.

As part of your treatment plan, you will have to go through the detoxification process. This is the first step in your drug rehab process and is an essential part of getting you free and clean of your addictions. As a residential inpatient at one of our clinical detox facilities, you will receive a medical assessment before starting any treatment to ensure that you are in a fit state to begin.

If you are ready to free yourself of your addictions and would like to explore our drug treatment and addiction rehab service further then please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free advice and a consultation.

uman blood cells during the Detox Process
Woman with hand on forehead with Drug withdrawal symptoms

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop taking a drug the body will experience withdrawal symptoms. The drug withdrawal symptoms associated with drug addiction can be some of those most physically painful. This is often why many people form addictions in the first place, as the severity and duration of the come down after taking a drug is incredibly difficult, in comparison to the high that comes with taking the drug in the first place. When you go through drug rehab and begin the detoxification process, you may experience the following symptoms:

 

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • High temperature and/or chills
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Restlessness
  • Depression
  • Vivid, unpleasant dreams
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shaking and shivering

The above symptoms of withdrawal can be unpleasant and can be dangerous without the proper medical support and care. Our clinics provide 24/7 medical care and assistance from certified professionals who are well-positioned to give you all of the support that you need to get you through the detox process in one piece.

Certainly, these withdrawal symptoms look scary, but know that once you are through the worst of it, you can get back to living the life that you deserve. If you do not go through the bad in the short term, the long-lasting after effects of addiction will be far more devastating to your life.

Rest assured that when you are drug free and on the successful road to recovery, these withdrawal symptoms will be a thing of the past and you will finally be able to feel like yourself again.

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription medications are vastly different from illegal drugs in that they are prescribed to the patient with legitimate medical purposes. However, the clear benefit of prescription is also one of the biggest traps. This is because even though they may be prescribed to treat real medical problems, it doesn’t mean that they are any less addictive or less dangerous (when abused) than illegal drugs. The sad reality is that prescription drug addiction is every bit as real as any other form of addiction.

Here’s a list of some of the most common prescribed drug addictions in the UK:

  • Opiates (such as Codeine, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Fentanyl)
  • Antidepressants (some antidepressants have shown abuse potential)
  • Insomnia/Sleeping pills
  • Weight loss pills
  • Anti-anxiety medication (Benzodiazepines, Pregabalin)
  • ADHD medication (Ritalin)

Some people who are addicted to prescription drugs may have started out with legitimate prescriptions issued to them by their doctors. For example, someone who needed pain management medication after surgery. Once a patient goes beyond their doctor’s instructions and advice, their tolerance and eventual addiction to the drug can be the devastating result.

Other people form prescription drug addictions without ever having legally obtained a prescription themselves. This could be by either buying the drugs illegally on the street, online, or by using a friend or family members prescription. The frightening thing is that the rate at which these drugs are being made available on the black market is growing at a staggering pace, making them cheap and easy to get a hold of.

A Doctor prescribing prescription

References:

The following sources were used when drafting this article to ensure factual accuracy when providing medical information:

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/buprenorphine-for-pain/

https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/naloxone-hydrochloride.html

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/

"I have never felt so comfortable whilst going through detox....it's not easy but the staff are always on hand to support you'

Drug Addiction Treatment FAQ's

A Loved One is Taking Drugs - How Do I Broach the Subject of Going to Drug Rehab?

If you suspect that a loved one has a substance abuse problem it can be a stressful time. Before broaching the subject first you must ensure that they do have a problem. If any of the following apply then it’s a good sign that they have a problem with drugs:

  • They are having problems with school or work, frequently missing days and have shown a loss of interest.
  • Physical health issues such as a lack of energy and motivation, including weight loss.
  • A neglected appearance such as poor grooming and hygiene.
  • Sudden changes in behaviour such as being short tempered, aggressive, and secretive.
  • Money problems that lead to frequently asking you for money and perhaps even items going missing from the home.

These are text-book characteristics of someone who may have an addiction problem. If you are certain that a loved one is using and you are not quite sure how to broach the subject, here are some tips to help you:

  • Read up on addiction and get as much information as possible. The better your understanding the easier it will be to approach the subject with care and consideration.
  • Find the ideal moment to talk to them – preferably on a one to one basis when they appear to be sober.
  • Be kind and broach the subject with patience. Avoid telling them that they should be ashamed and instead remind them that everyone needs help now and again and that you are there to support them.
  • Choose your language carefully. People who are taking drugs will be especially sensitive and the last thing you want is to put them on the defensive. Don’t call them a junkie or tell them that they have a dirty habit. Try and be sensitive to the fact that they are going through a difficult time and likely want to get clean just as much as you want them to.
  • Listen more than you talk. While it’s important to say your bit and share your feelings, now is a great opportunity to let them air their feelings so you can really understand where their head is at.
  • Be prepared for mood swings. Substance abuse takes its toll on a persons mental health and when they are approach about their drug use they may not take it especially well. Be patient and try to understand how frightening and frustrating it can be for them.
  • Believe them. Whatever they tell you, if they share their feelings and express a desire to get clean then believe them. Even if you know that it will be a difficult process and they might not get it right the first time, they need to know that you support them, and that you believe in them.
Is it Possible to Home Detox?

While it is possible to home detox it isn’t recommended – particularly if you have been using drugs for quite some time. The detox process is typically accompanied by painful withdrawal symptoms which can be dangerous without the proper medical care and guidance. If you do want to detox from home we recommend consulting with your local GP and having a close family member or friend support you through it. In any case, our advice would be to detox in a licenced centre with the appropriate car

What Does Going 'Cold Turkey' Mean?

Cold turkey refers to the process of stopping taking a drug altogether. Rather than weaning yourself off the drug and slowly taking smaller dosages over a period of time, going cold turkey means packing the drug in for good. This is something that can be incredibly dangerous, depending on what drug you are addicted to. For example, if you have an opioid or benzodiazepine addiction, stopping altogether can lead to severe withdrawal and a number of painful symptoms.

What is Psychological Withdrawal?

Psychological withdrawal refers to the process of readjusting to life mentally without the drugs that you have been abusing for some time. The symptoms that accompany psychological withdrawal include:

  • Mood swings
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Psychosis (in the more extreme cases).
What Treatment Options Are There for People Suffering from Substance Abuse?
People who are suffering from substance abuse have a number of difference treatment options:
  • Group therapy and talking therapies as part of our community
  • Treatment with medicines
  • Detoxification
  • Inpatient / outpatient programmes
When is a Drug Detox Necessary?

A private drug detox will become necessary when someone has built up a dependency. Once a person has a psychological and physical dependency on a drug and they wish to stop taking it personally, they will need to go through a medically assisted detoxification process including recovery therapy.

How Long Does Withdrawal from Drugs Last?

The exact duration of withdrawal depends on a wide variety of factors, including the physiology of the addicted person, the substance that they have been abused, the dosages consumed, and how long they have had a substance abuse disorder. Generally speaking, withdrawal can last for about one and two weeks with the symptoms of withdrawal peaking after several days. That said, the symptoms can persist for much longer.

Rehab Today by PCP - Get help with your addiction to alcohol drugs gaming gambling codependency

What We Do

We provide safe and confidential medical drug detox treatment at all of our trusted private drug rehab centres. Our drug detox treatment is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and is overseen by a team of experienced in-house doctors and nurses. From the moment you check in with us, whether as an impatient or outpatient, you will receive the highest quality care. Together, we will get you free of your addiction and back to living your life.

How We Can Help

Most addicts feel completely hopeless, no matter how much they want to stop. However, it is possible with the right care and support, to stop and remain clean of your addictions. Our team has helped thousands to recover from active drug addiction and can help you do the same. From therapy, treatment, and detoxification, we can help by guiding you through the entire recovery process.

Why Choose Us

We operate some of the UK’s leading private drug and alcohol rehab centres and have been successfully treating people for over 15-years. At PCP we treat our clients with respect and dignity. We take great pride in creating a safe and comfortable environment for you to receive your drug detox treatment and will tailor your rehab program to fit your individual needs and unique situation.

A number of our dedicated staff members have suffered from drug and alcohol addiction themselves and know all too well the physical and mental pressure that you are under. Having the care, support, and understanding of those who have been where you are right now, will make your rehabilitation much more bearable. That, and they stand testament to the fact that is possible, there is light at the end of the tunnel and that there is a better life waiting for you!

How to Get Help

Getting professional help is the first real step to overcoming your drug addiction. If you would like to explore our services further then please feel free to use the live chat function to get in touch with a member of our team or contact us via telephone for immediate support and admission. Call today on 0800 0380 480. One of our friendly members will answer any questions that you might have and we can start working toward your recovery, together.