For anyone feeling ill and overwhelmed after long-term substance use, the first step toward recovery is detox; this is a monitored period of abstinence, which is a safe and effective way to help your body reset.
Attending a detox clinic can seem daunting, and it’s natural to feel uncertain and anxious about what to expect. But with a safe and welcoming space to heal, the process can feel more hopeful. Our detox programme is like holding an umbrella over you in a storm. While we can’t stop your clothes from getting wet or the wind from blowing, we can shield you from the worst of the rain, offering genuine care and encouragement to help shelter you until it passes.
What is detox?
Detoxification, often referred to as detox, is the process of allowing your body to clear itself of addictive substances. It is one of the first stages in addiction treatment, helping the body safely remove drugs or alcohol so clients can face the recovery steps with a clear mind. This is best done in a professional environment with access to medication and support from those who have been there themselves.
While some people choose to detox alone, this isn’t a safe or effective option for long-term substance abuse. At The Haynes Clinic, clients frequently tell us that while the early days of withdrawal feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, having 24/7 support and professional guidance considerably helps them cope and feel less alone.
Detoxification withdrawal symptoms
When the body has adjusted to regular drug or alcohol use, suddenly stopping can be a shock. Addictive substances mimic the brain’s natural chemicals, and over time, the brain expects this external source of hormones and reduces its own production.
When that source is suddenly removed, the body and mind need time to adjust to lowered endorphin levels, and the physical reaction to this change is called withdrawal symptoms.
Common physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
- Sweating, chills, or changes in body temperature
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort
- Disturbed sleep, including insomnia or vivid dreams
- Muscle aches or general physical discomfort
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings, low mood or depression
- Intense cravings for the substance
Withdrawal is a normal part of detox and is best handled with professional support.
The danger of detoxing alone
When the decision is made to stop using drugs or alcohol, it can feel easier to keep it to yourself. You may want privacy, to avoid worrying others, or to prove that you can do it alone. You might tell yourself that staying at home and pushing through for a few days means it’s over with quickly.
These feelings are entirely natural. Wanting to protect yourself and your family, or show strength, is something we hear often. But attempting to stop substances suddenly without professional support, commonly known as “going cold turkey”, can be dangerous, with risks such as seizures, dehydration, or heart problems. Even symptoms that are not life-threatening can become so overwhelming that people return to the drug simply for relief. Without a support group and medical staff there to walk you through the process, home detox can carry more risk than not detoxing at all.
How to withdraw safely at a detox clinic
Detox is safest when carried out under medical supervision. In a clinical detox centre, you are not left to cope alone. You have:
- 24/7 medical care to keep you safe and respond if your health changes
- Access to medication, where needed, to make withdrawal more bearable
- Emotional and therapeutic support, so you always have someone to lean on when things feel overwhelming
Why detox with us
At The Haynes Clinic, we combine medical care with compassion. We know detox can feel daunting, and most people avoid it because they are anxious about giving up their safety net. Even those who won’t have dangerous physical withdrawal symptoms can suffer from severe anxiety and stress about what to expect.
Here is what we offer in our detox rehabilitation programme:
Our detox programme is built from personal experience
While we can’t stop you from experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms, we can make the process much more bearable, creating a safe space for you to sleep and live with others who are going through the same process.
All of our staff have experienced detoxification and can help you prepare for the most challenging moments, as well as all the wonderful feelings to expect once it’s over.
We offer a wide range of support tools
We integrate support groups and workshops into our detox programme, so everyone has the chance to talk about thoughts that arise as their system clears of harmful substances and clarity returns.
This is one of the hardest parts of the recovery process. However, with the support of everyone at different stages in the recovery process, plus the guidance of professionals, the process becomes not only easier, but many clients discover a community in which they feel like they are finally understood.
We combine therapy with holistic healing
Therapies such as mindfulness, yoga and massage help you calm and focus your mind as you adjust to a life without drugs or alcohol.
Detox is not enough to tackle addiction
Detox is a vital and brave first step to overcoming substance abuse, but it is not a cure on its own. Clearing substances from your system allows your body to reset, but it does not address the reasons you started using in the first place or the suffering that keeps you going back.
When detox ends, the physical cravings may ease, but the emotional and psychological pull to use often remains. Without rehab support, this is when people are most vulnerable to slipping back into old habits. Combining detox with ongoing therapy and structured care gives people the best chance of long-term recovery.
At The Haynes Clinic, our holistic recovery programme, combining detox with supportive therapies, workshops, realistic goals and a sense of community, is what helps people break the cycle for good.
Helping someone through addiction detox
If you are supporting a loved one through detox, it is natural to feel worried when you see them struggling. It may be helpful to remember that discomfort in this stage is a sign that the body is healing, and that overcoming it opens the door to real progress. Your encouragement can make the difference between someone giving up and pushing through to the next stage of recovery.
Taking the first step
Detox is the moment where change begins. It untangles the body and mind, restores balance, and gives you the strength to move into the next stage of recovery. While it may feel daunting to take that first step, you do not have to do it on your own.
The Haynes Clinic is here to guide you safely through detox with care, compassion, and understanding. We know how important it is to feel supported, and we are here to help when you feel ready to make a change.
If you would like to discuss the detox process, reach out to us today. Taking that first step could be the start of something life changing.
Detox FAQs
Is detox painful?
Detox can feel uncomfortable, but you should not feel pain. With professional support and appropriate medication, the most difficult symptoms can be eased. Many people find it is less frightening than they imagined once they have the proper care around them.
How long does detox take?
The length of detox depends on several factors, including the substance, how long you have been using, and your overall health. Some people begin to feel better within a week, while others may take longer to adjust. At The Haynes Clinic, we create a plan around your individual needs, so you are supported for as long as it takes.
Can I detox at home?
While many people think about trying detox at home, it is rarely safe. Without medical support, withdrawal symptoms can quickly become overwhelming and dangerous. Having trained professionals by your side makes the process safer and far more manageable.
What happens after detox?
Detox is one part of the recovery process, not the end of the journey. While your body clears itself of substances, it’s important to address the psychological and emotional patterns that cause cravings. At The Haynes Clinic, we combine detox with therapy and support groups so you have the best chance of building lasting recovery.
Will anyone understand what I am going through?
Yes. Many of our staff members have undergone detoxification themselves. They know first-hand how it feels and can offer support from real experience, not just theory. This understanding makes a big difference in encouragement and creating realistic expectations.