.avif)
How to support someone during their detox
"You’re giving your loved one a really valuable gift by taking on this role."
What is a detox?
Our Clean Slate Clinical team is here to make this transition safe, more comfortable and smoother for the person going through it by using a short course of medicine. The Clinical Team will regularly check on how the person is doing and reduce the medicine down over about a week.
Common withdrawal symptoms
(Mild to moderate)
Symptom
What they may feel
What you can do to help
General
Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms are common & normal. The medicines help to ease this and it will improve with time.
You can best support them by just being there / talking, ensuring they’re remaining hydrated, having regular nutritious food and getting plenty of rest. If you’re worried, reach out for help.
Anxiety
They may feel more emotional, more anxious or more irritable.
This will improve with time; you can support by being there, talking about how they’re feeling and reassuring them although it’s uncomfortable now, they’re doing their best and will get there.
Tiredness & sleep disturbance
They may feel more tired or have trouble sleeping.
Try to act in a reassuring manner by reminding them it will get better. Discourage too much 'napping' during the day as this may prevent the person from sleeping at night.
Sweating
They may sweat more than normal.
You could help them with washing clothes or bedding if needed. Ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids, water is ideal. Avoid lots of caffeinated drinks.
Cravings
They may have cravings for alcohol.
Keep the detox area calm, quiet and free from alcohol. It’s OK to ask them if they’re having cravings, as encouraging them to talk about how they’re feeling can really help.
What to look out for
If your friend / relative is experiencing any of these, please let Clean Slate Clinic know and refer to the contact details below:
Symptom
Examples
Increasing confusion or agitation
They may be unsure of where they are, what time it is, find it hard to follow conversations, forget what’s just been said or appear disoriented.
Too sedated / drowsy
Unsteady walking, falls, or excessive sleepiness.
Worsening anxiety / panic
Tremors, sweating, or rapid pulse that seem worse rather than improving.
Hallucinations
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real, e.g. seeing shadows or shapes.
"If you’re worried about any of these then REACH OUT."
These are more serious signs that a nervous system is overstimulated. Contact the clinic during business hours, or NHS 111 if out of hours, if these symptoms appear or increase.
Our team operates during the following business hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (excluding public holidays).
For urgent matters during business hours, please call us directly 0203 835 4705.
If non-urgent, you can also email client.support.uk@cleanslateclinic.com.
When to reach out for help
Any symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
You are unsure about if something is urgent (best to get in touch to check).
You are unable to continue the role as support person.
You are in need of support for yourself.
Emergency contacts
If the person becomes unresponsive, collapses, or has a seizure = Call 999 immediately. If they are severely confused, hallucinating, or very unwell = Call 111 for advice (or 999 if unsafe to wait).
As soon as it is safe to do so, then let Clean Slate Clinic know.
You are doing something incredible
Be proud of yourself! Look after yourself! You’re not alone!
%20(1)%20(1)%201%20(1).png)