FAQs

You may be looking for some specific information about our programme, but some of the most commonly asked questions and answers are found here:

I've tried to Detox before, so how can you get me clean in just five days?

Detox 5 is an intensive treatment for opiate addiction. By day three of the programme your system will be 75% clean of opiates. On day four we administer a 25mg tablet of Naltrexone under controlled conditions, which cleans the remaining opiates from your body. We'll conduct a thorough assessment prior to the Detox and - with close medical supervision throughout the week - we are able to monitor your progress. Getting your life back really could be closer that you think.

What do I do if my GP won't refer me?

We occasionally come across this situation. You can explain to your GP that by completing the referral he is not agreeing with our treatment, just giving Detox 5 the information that means we can treat you. He or she can always call us on 0800 515 282 if they have any questions.

But, what do I do if I don't want to tell my GP about my addiction?

We can't accept you onto the programme without a medical referral for your own safety, but we do understand your concerns about confidentiality.

Your GP has to hold your medical records in complete confidence. He or she is not allowed to discuss these with anyone else (including your family), without your express permission. You can of course arrange a private referral with a private hospital locally.

I have been on Methadone and became addicted; will I become addicted to Naltrexone?

No. Naltrexone is a NON addictive, NON habit forming drug, so even when you stop taking it you will not have any side effects.

What happens if someone deliberately tries to override the Naltrexone blockade with opiates in order to get a 'high'?

During the first few days post-detox (especially on days 6,7 and 8), we strongly advise the person not to 'test' the blockade. Some individuals may experience stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea should they do so. If the 50 mg per day blockade dose of Naltrexone is kept up, no relapse will occur.

How long does the maintenance therapy last?

We recommend 12 months of post-detox treatment for most people. This is subject to discussion with a drug counsellor and GP after detox.

How can you give me Naltrexone on day four; I've been told you have to be clean for at least 14 days before you can take it?

Because you have been through our intensive and controlled care we are able to give you Naltrexone earlier under medical supervision. It's only when you detox naturally that you must be opiate free for 10 to 14 days before it can be administered.

How can you be sure I will be asleep?

We take every precaution to ensure you are satisfactorily sedated through the first phase of Detox 5. To do this, we rely on your complete honesty when providing information to our nursing team and Consultant Psychiatrist before the treatment starts. This way, we can be sure the medication prescribed for you during your Detox will be the appropriate safe and satisfactory dosage.

When the treatment starts will I be by myself?

No. When your family has left the ward your bedroom door will be left slightly open. A nurse will then discretely watch over you from just outside your room, during your stay. This is to make sure you are safe, secure and in not undergoing any un-necessary discomfort.

What can I do if I want to get clean but don't think I can afford Detox 5?

Call us. You may qualify for Detox 5's new financing plan, Swan Finance; we can talk through the details of costs involved, and how to pay for the treatment with your personal circumstances in mind.

Aftercare Support

1. How long before I feel better?

We ask that you take a week off after detox to recuperate. You may experience some cramps and sickness which we provide medication for. You may also have diarrhoea which you must not take any medication for as the usual products contain opiates which usually makes it worse.

By Friday, most, if not all these symptoms will be gone, sleep will have improved but you may still feel weak if you have not been eating much.

During the second week your energy will increase as a regular eating pattern becomes established.

By the end of the third week most patients feel 'back to normal'. However if methadone has been used regularly prior to detox the recovery period can be 2-3 weeks longer, but still with gradual noticeable improvement.

Avoid the temptation to use alcohol or other substances to 'make you feel better' as you won't get the 'feel good factor' that a lot of people experience from being clean.

2. Why do I have to take the Naltrexone, now that I am clean and don't intend to use again?

Naltrexone is a 'safety net' for the inevitable times that you may be tempted or are going through a difficult period in your life. If you use even once without the protection of the Naltrexone you are likely to relapse.

3. Why do I have to take an anti-depressant. I would rather be off everything.

Drug use can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain and it is common to have symptoms of depression after a detox. The anti-depressant is to help address this imbalance. Some patients are concerned that Naltrexone blocks the endorphins and while this is true, the use of opiate has caused damage already and it can take up to a year for things to get back to normal. Anti-depressants work on other pathways involved with wellbeing, dopamine, serotonin etc and will help to keep your mood stable. For most people the anti-depressant is only needed for about 3 months.

4. If I use other drugs will it affect the treatment I have had?

During the first few weeks after detox it is not advisable to use any non prescribed substances as, although you may feel better in the short term, the downside usually lasts longer, however the treatment is not affected as such. You will give yourself a better chance of long term success if you can move away from that 'lifestyle'. Try and get in touch with non using friends from the past, take up an outdoor hobby, find something you can do regularly, cinema, bowling, so that you have things to look forward to.

If you continue to use other substances and stop taking Naltrexone for any reason your risk of relapse is high, particularly if you use cocaine and/or alcohol. Many patients have relapsed simply by going out for a few too many drinks.

5. You recommend counselling, but I don't really think I need it as I have had quite a good life really.

Some patients may need general counselling if they have issues which they think may hinder their ability to stay off drugs. Relapse Prevention Information, e.g. from your local Drug Team or via Internet would be useful for most people. Support Groups like Narcotics Anonymous have helped many people stay clean and they are always there, when perhaps your other support networks have dried up. The more you understand about addiction the more easily you can 'arm yourself' against the dangers.

Check the BACP website (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) this will give you details of Practitioners in your area. You may want to try acupuncture, Indian Head Massage. There are various therapies available which may teach you how to relax.

6. I don't know whether my supervisor can come every day to give me my Naltrexone.

A daily dose of Naltrexone 50mg is the usual advice but it is also possible to take 2 tablets on a Monday, 2 on a Wednesday and 3 on a Friday. This may be more convenient for a lot of people and leaves everyone free for the weekend.

7. I have a chance of working abroad so could I take the Naltrexone myself?

This is possible but has drawbacks. It may be difficult to obtain continuous supply unless a GP abroad prescribes it. You may forget to take it or think you don't need it without regular encouragement from family or friends. In this situation you may want to think about have a Naltrexone Implant which removes the need for you to take a daily tablet.

If you have any other questions, remember that you can contact us in confidence on 0800 515 282 or email us at info@detox5.co.uk