Alcohol Detox in the UK
The short answer
A medically supervised alcohol detox takes 7–10 days and costs roughly £2,500–£4,000 privately, or is free through an NHS community service with a wait. Alcohol is one of the few drugs where stopping suddenly without medical cover can be dangerous, so a prescribed reducing regime matters.
Call 0800 000 0000 for a confirmed priceWhat it costs
| Option | Detox | 28 days |
|---|---|---|
| NHS community detox Prescribed and reviewed locally; suitable for lower-risk withdrawal. | Free | 1–3 week assessment wait |
| Private inpatient detox CQC-registered, 24-hour observation through the risk window. | £2,500–£4,000 | 7–10 days, with sleep and mood settling over 3–4 weeks |
| Detox plus 28-day programme Detox followed by the therapy programme that prevents an immediate relapse. | £2,500–£4,000 | £4,500–£14,000 |
These are market ranges gathered across CQC-registered UK providers, not quotes. Only the clinic can confirm a final price, and it depends on your assessment. Prices checked July 2026.
Alcohol detox timeline
6–12 hours
Tremor, sweating, anxiety, nausea and a rising heart rate begin.
24–48 hours
Peak risk window for seizures. Blood pressure and observations are checked regularly in a clinical setting.
48–72 hours
Highest risk of delirium tremens in heavy, long-term drinkers. Confusion or hallucinations need immediate medical attention.
Days 4–7
Physical symptoms fade as the medication is tapered down. Sleep is still broken.
Weeks 2–4
Mood, sleep and concentration recover gradually. This is when relapse risk is highest without a follow-on programme.
Why this one needs medical cover
Unmanaged alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and, rarely, delirium tremens — which is a medical emergency. If you drink daily and heavily, do not stop abruptly without speaking to a doctor first.
Medication typically used
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) on a reducing regime
- Thiamine (vitamin B1) to protect against Wernicke's encephalopathy
- Anti-sickness and sleep support as needed
Can you do a alcohol detox at home?
A home alcohol detox is possible for lower-dependence drinkers, but only with a GP or specialist service prescribing and reviewing. It is not recommended if you drink through the night, have had a withdrawal seizure before, or have no sober adult at home.
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are physically dependent, speak to a doctor before you change your intake — including reducing it.
Common questions
How long does a alcohol detox take?
7–10 days, with sleep and mood settling over 3–4 weeks. A medically supervised alcohol detox takes 7–10 days and costs roughly £2,500–£4,000 privately, or is free through an NHS community service with a wait. Alcohol is one of the few drugs where stopping suddenly without medical cover can be dangerous, so a prescribed reducing regime matters.
Is a alcohol detox dangerous?
Unmanaged alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and, rarely, delirium tremens — which is a medical emergency. If you drink daily and heavily, do not stop abruptly without speaking to a doctor first.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
A home alcohol detox is possible for lower-dependence drinkers, but only with a GP or specialist service prescribing and reviewing. It is not recommended if you drink through the night, have had a withdrawal seizure before, or have no sober adult at home.
What medication is used for a alcohol detox?
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) on a reducing regime; Thiamine (vitamin B1) to protect against Wernicke's encephalopathy; Anti-sickness and sleep support as needed. Everything is prescribed and reviewed by a doctor — nothing here should be sourced privately or online.
How much does a private alcohol detox cost?
Expect £2,500–£4,000 for a medically supervised inpatient detox, depending on length of stay and room type. NHS community detox is free but involves an assessment wait.
Do I need rehab afterwards?
Detox handles the chemistry, not the habit. Relapse rates after detox alone are high, so plan the following four weeks before you start — a residential programme, structured outpatient therapy, or at minimum a weekly group and a named person to call.