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Medically Supervised Drug Detox

Medically supervised detox is based on an individual assessment, rather than assuming that the substance being detoxed from consistently affects people the same.

At Southern Hill, we assess each individual before treatment to consider factors like the severity of the drug addiction, mental health and withdrawal risks, which will determine whether a medically assisted detox is needed.

As a hospital, the level of care we can provide includes enhanced medical and nursing oversight for those who need it.

What Is Detoxification?

Drug detox is the process of managing withdrawal from a substance under medical supervision. The aim of this process is to help someone remain as safe as possible and stabilise in a professional setting.

Drug withdrawal treatment may include getting medication to alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms. Typically, detox is the first stage of a larger rehabilitation programme, focusing on the physical impact of addiction before moving onto the psychological side.

Not everyone who enters rehab, though, requires a medically managed detox.

Why Medical Assessment Matters Before Detox

Like further drug rehabilitation, detox should be personalised to the person. Not everyone experiences withdrawal, and it's important the support received is suitable for what they are going through.

A comprehensive assessment is used to inform the detox programme, what level of support is needed, how long it might take and what medication is suitable.

Getting as much information beforehand as possible is key, so factors that can influence our inpatient drug detox include:

  • Substance/s being used

  • Pattern of substance use and duration

  • Medical history and current physical and mental health

  • Any medication currently prescribed

  • Safeguarding concerns

  • Previous withdrawal or treatment experiences

  • Withdrawal risks

What Happens During a Drug Detox?

An initial admission assessment will determine if a detox is the right next step and will also be the basis for creating a personalised care plan. This will provide details for detox requirements and suggest the structure for overall recovery.

Nursing support and monitoring will be provided throughout the detoxing process. Medication can be used for those who are finding detox uncomfortable and to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Comfort and safety are at the forefront of the detox programme. If people undergoing detox feel safe and are comfortable, they'll be in a better space to engage in their planned therapeutic approaches.

Hospital-Based Drug Detox

Medically-assisted detoxes can be beneficial for many reasons. If a case is more medically complex and requires more intensive or round-the-clock care, being on site with medical professionals ensures more immediate care.

We cater to any additional physical health requirements by combining clinical expertise with therapeutic intervention. As mentioned above, we create personalised care plans for every individual and treat detoxification accordingly.

What Happens After Drug Detox?

Detox is not rehabilitation. It can help with ending physical dependence, but without dealing with underlying issues, the risk of relapse may increase.

Rehabilitation involves engaging in therapeutic work to understand addiction, learn more about how it impacts day-to-day life and work on healthier coping strategies. The treatments and therapies that make up a personalised care programme may involve addressing triggers and developing coping skills to aid positive behaviour changes.

Support with rebuilding relationships, improving mental health and relapse prevention can also be critical parts of a wider treatment programme.

Drug Detox Treatment Programmes

Whilst detox can be a part of all our offered treatment programmes, we have two more detox-focused pathways.

  • Restore – A 10-day detox programme with a focus on withdrawal management and physical stabilisation.

  • Restore Plus – A 14-day detox programme if extended withdrawal care is necessary and more time is needed to stabilise properly.

Relapse and Overdose Awareness

Knowledge is power in recovery. Being aware of the potential risks that come after detoxing can support your recovery efforts.

Relapse prevention is important for lasting recovery, giving you the education and tools to better identify triggers, work on practical prevention strategies and know where and how to access appropriate professional support after leaving rehab.

Learning about overdoses is critical too. You should know about how your tolerance reduces once you get clean, increasing the risk of an overdose if you begin taking drugs again. It’s important to learn warning signs and when to seek emergency assistance.

Arrange a Drug Detox Assessment

Southern Hill offers private drug detox to those who require a managed withdrawal from a substance they are physically dependent on.

It can form one part of larger treatment, and we offer a pathway into a rehabilitation programme within the hospital.

We accept both private and professional referrals. For private self-pay or Private Medical Insurance enquiries, call 0330 159 6158. NHS, Local Authority and professional referrals, contact us at 0330 236 8231 or referrals@ihcm.co.uk.

If you have any more questions, use the contact form on our website, and we'll get back to you promptly.

Drug Detox FAQs

  • Drug detoxification is a structured process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms as substances leave the body, helping to end physical dependence.

  • This can depend on personal circumstances, such as the substance, the severity of addiction and health. An assessment helps with determining what support is needed during detox.

  • Not everyone requires hospital drug detox. It may be recommended when medical supervision and a structured, supportive environment are beneficial to overall recovery.

  • Detox is typically followed by rehabilitation. This will involve psychological therapies and relapse prevention to support long-term recovery.

  • No. Detox focuses on withdrawal and stabilisation, while rehabilitation is concerned with dealing with underlying issues and developing skills to support sustained recovery.

 
 

Southern Hill Hospital is a part of IHCM

Integrated Health Care Management Group (IHCM) is a UK-based health and social care management organisation. IHCM operates and manages a network of hospitals, residential and nursing care homes and supported living services, providing governance, clinical oversight and strategic leadership across the Group. Individual services are registered and regulated through their respective provider organisations, with IHCM providing the management infrastructure and support to deliver safe, high-quality and compassionate care.  ihcm.co.uk