Alcohol Pre-detox Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service (BSDAS)

What is a detoxification?

Detox (short for detoxification) is a process which is designed to reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (most commonly, shakes, sweats, feeling sick and retching) with the help of medication. This is prescribed and monitored by the BSDAS team.

What medication is used?

The main drug we use is called chlordiazepoxide (Librium), a minor tranquilliser similar to diazepam (Valium).

It is a safe medication and does not cause addiction problems when used short-term.

It is gradually reduced daily over the duration of the detox.

The other medications we use as part of a detox may include pabrinex injections, oral vitamin tablets and acamprosate. We can give you information leaflets to explain why we prescribe these medications and common side effects.

How long does a detox take?

Eight, ten or twelve days, depending on your symptoms.

How often should I attend for detox?

All detoxes start on Monday mornings.

The first appointment will be with one of our doctors who will assess suitability for detox and prescribe medication if appropriate.

The appointment usually takes about 30 minutes.

The person in detox will be given 24 hours supply of tablets and will need to attend the clinic each day for the rest of the week. You will be seen by one of our detox nurses daily who will review how the detox is going and dispense your medication.

Daily medication is usually dispensed between 9am and 12 noon.

You will be given enough medication on the Friday to cover you for the weekend. You will have a follow-up appointment with the nurse again on the following Monday.

What if I drink during detox?

Drinking alcohol during the detox defeats the purpose of the detox which is to enable you to stop drinking with the least discomfort.

It is also unsafe to mix alcohol with this medication and therefore the detox must be stopped on safety grounds.

If you have drunk any alcohol during the detox, then we need to know and it’s likely that the detox will be stopped.

We breathalyse people daily to make sure the detox is going to plan.

It is dangerous to have repeated detoxes and so you should carefully consider if you are ready for detox before you start. The best detoxes are ones that are carefully planned with a clear aftercare plan.

How should I prepare for a detox?

We recommend engaging with a preparation group such as those run by Bristol ROADS.

What else should I do during detox?

It is best to have family and/or friends supporting you through detox. They can help by coming with you to appointments and can be a source of support and encouragement during and after the detox. A person in detox should also try to avoid stressful situations, eat regularly and drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

Where can I get more support?

Research shows that detoxes without on-going support are rarely successful in helping people remain alcohol free.

Without support, people often relapse back into heavy drinking, but with support, the likelihood of relapse is greatly reduced.

Bristol ROADS

Tel: 0117 440 0540

Drugs and Alcohol commissioned support in Bristol, including DHI, BDP and AWP.

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/drug-and-alcohol-misuse-support

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Free National Helpline: 0800 9177 650

A self-help group offering regular meetings across Bristol.

SMART Recovery meetings

National Helpline: 0300 053 6022

www.smartrecovery.org.uk

Please ask your key worker for details of Bristol meetings.

Samaritans

Telephone: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)

Please ask your key worker for a more detailed list of support organisations.

A person in detox should not drive a vehicle. You will already have been given advice about driving and your responsibility regarding the DVLA. The medication may make you drowsy and unwell which can impair your ability to drive.