Comprehensive drug detox guide
Learn how drug detox works and how you can begin safely reducing your dependence on an addictive substance.
Drugs (including street drugs and prescription drugs) are highly addictive substances that can result in physical and/or psychological dependence.
Detoxing from drugs is a necessary step towards recovery from addiction, but it can be a dangerous process that needs professional help and support.
What is drug detox?
Drug detox (or detoxification) is when the toxins from drug use are broken down and leave the body. Detox is often the first step towards treating drug addiction during rehab, and is safest when undertaken with professional supervision.
Detox at Priory takes place as part of a comprehensive, medically assisted process, led by our specialist team. We’ll help you to manage your withdrawal symptoms and ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the process. For example, we can prescribe carefully controlled medication to help with anxiety or insomnia if those apply to you. Priory experts ensure that the process is safe and thorough, taking place in our clinical but welcoming environment.
Once you're physically stable and the substances have cleared from your system, you'll be in a stronger position to continue with your recovery – whether that involves further treatment, therapy, or other forms of ongoing support.
Compassionate and supportive care is just as important as medication within the drug detox process. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional care to those we support through detox, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to expect from drug detox and timeline
Initial assessment
Our free addiction assessment is a confidential, no-obligation consultation that usually lasts for up to 90 minutes. During the assessment, you can find out everything you need to know about detox at Priory, and take the first step towards treatment with us.
During the assessment, a supportive, non-judgemental specialist will ask about your addiction and any related health issues, before advising on a suitable treatment path.
The goal of the assessment is to identify the most appropriate addiction treatment service for your specific needs, which may include detox. We’ll give you clear information on how we can support your journey to recovery as well as a thorough understanding of your options, to help you feel more confident about pursuing treatment.
Drug detox
Detox is the process of safely and gradually removing a toxic or addictive substance from your body. This takes place on an inpatient basis with 24-hour care from medical and nursing staff to ensure your safety and comfort throughout.
Controlled medication may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms, support sleep, reduce anxiety and help you feel more stable during this phase. The aim is to clear the substance from your system so you're physically well enough to continue your recovery.
The structure and length of your detox plan will depend on a range of factors, including how much and how often you’ve been using, the severity of your withdrawal symptoms and your overall physical health. For most people, the detox process takes between 7 and 10 days.
After detox, many people go on to receive further treatment and therapy to support their long-term recovery – but the next step will depend on your individual needs and goals.
Symptoms to expect during drug detox
Drug withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable process as the body responds to the absence of the drug it’s become dependent on. The sudden removal of substances can cause unpleasant, uncomfortable and sometimes distressing withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Physical symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, stomach aches, sweating, shaking and shivering
- Psychological symptoms: Intense cravings for the drug, depression, anxiety and paranoia
More severe withdrawal symptoms include:
- Seizures: During withdrawal, some people may experience seizures. These seizures can be dangerous and indicate a severe level of physical dependency. Seizures are most commonly associated with withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Hallucinations: Some people in withdrawal may experience hallucinations. These can be visual, auditory or tactile (you may see, hear or feel things that aren’t there) and can be very distressing. Hallucinations are most commonly associated with withdrawal from alcohol, or certain prescription drugs
These severe symptoms are known as delirium tremens (DTs). They can be life-threatening and need urgent medical care. They’re a sign that your body is undergoing significant stress due to the absence of the substance it’s become dependent on. Medical supervision in a controlled environment is strongly advised for people who are at risk of experiencing these severe withdrawal symptoms.
Next steps after detox
Detox is often the first stage in overcoming drug addiction, helping you become physically stable and ready to move forward. What comes next will depend on your individual needs and goals. Many people continue their recovery with therapeutic support to explore the emotional and psychological factors behind their addiction.
At Priory, we offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches, which may include the 12-step model, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and transactional analysis (TA). Therapy can take place in various formats, including one-to-one, group, or family sessions, depending on what’s most suitable for you.
To support your overall wellbeing, we also offer activities such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and exercise, which many people find helpful during their recovery journey.
Our aim is to support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse – whether through structured therapy, ongoing support, or a more flexible treatment pathway tailored to you.
Where to access a drug detox
At Priory, we have experienced specialists who support people through drug detox and wider addiction recovery. Detox can be accessed at a number of our locations across the UK, either as a standalone service or as part of a broader addiction treatment programme.
If you go on to complete one of our more intensive addiction treatment programmes, you’ll also be eligible for 12 months of free aftercare to support your ongoing recovery. Whatever your needs, we’ll work with you to find the most appropriate level of support.
Options for free drug detox
Priory offers private addiction treatment for people who are paying for their treatment themselves, using private medical insurance (PMI) or are funded through corporate funding arrangements. Free services may be available elsewhere. You can speak to your GP about what’s available to you, or refer to Mind’s list of support organisations for drug addiction.
FAQs
Discover some commonly asked questions about the drug detox process.
What happens if I experience severe withdrawal symptoms during detox?
Our specialist team is experienced in detox and will provide you with the medical care you need if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Can I detox from drugs at home?
Trying to detox by yourself at home, without any monitoring or support, can be dangerous. Going ‘cold turkey’, without medical supervision, can lead to serious issues and can even be fatal.
How do I know if I need professional detox?
Typical signs and symptoms of addiction include being secretive or dishonest about your drug use, mood swings or paranoia and a change in sleep habits, amongst many others. Our team will be happy to advise whether you need a drug detox. Contact us or book in for a free addiction assessment to find out more.
What’s the difference between detox and rehab?
Detox refers to the removal of substances from your body and is usually the first stage of addiction treatment. Rehab is another way of describing our addiction treatment programmes, which can include detox, therapy and aftercare.
Will I need medication during detox?
We assess each client individually. When you arrive, you’ll work with a specialist to determine the best approach for you, including whether you’d benefit from carefully controlled medication.
What support is available for my family during my detox?
At Priory, many of our rehab programmes encourage family involvement as part of the recovery process – both during treatment and in the months that follow. If you're taking part in a more comprehensive programme that includes therapy alongside detox, your family can be involved in your recovery.
Can I go to work during detox?
No, detox requires 24/7 care in a medical setting.
