FAQs

I've tried to detox before. How can you get me clean in just five days?

We offer a 5-day detoxification programme. We administer light sedation, which allows you to sleep through the first few days of your detox process. Pain relief medication alleviates any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Following detox we use a medication known as naltrexone which blocks the effects of opiates in the brain. This prevents them from giving you a high. The use of naltrexone helps patients maintain abstinence and prevent relapse.

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

Ask your GP to read the web page For Professionals. Your GP is welcome to ring our clinical staff to discuss concerns.

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

We cannot accept you onto the programme without a medical referral. 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 permission. If you continue to have problems with your referral, our staff may be able to offer further advice.

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 block with opiates in order to get a 'high'?

We strongly advise the people not to 'test' the block especially during the first few days post discharge. If the daily dose of naltrexone is kept up, relapse will not occur. It blocks the effects of all opiates.

How long should I continue taking naltrexone?

We recommend 12 months post-detox. Our consultant will advise you on this during your admission assessment.

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?

We can safely introduce it earlier under medical supervision in an inpatient setting.

How can you be sure I will be asleep?

We make you as comfortable as possible throughout your detox. We rely on your complete honesty when providing information to our Consultant before treatment. In this way, we can be sure that the medication prescribed for you during your detox will be appropriate and safe.

When the treatment starts will I be by myself?

No. Our nursing staff will be close by at all times. They will monitor you to make sure you are safe, secure and comfortable.

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. We can talk through the details of costs involved, and how to pay for the treatment.

Aftercare Support

1. How long before I feel better?

You need a week off after detox to recuperate. You may experience some symptoms which feel a bit like flu. We will give you medications to take home to treat these symptoms. We will also be available to advise you by telephone.

Symptoms do not last beyond the end of the second week. By this time sleep will improve. You may still feel weak if you have not been eating much.

The second week your energy will increase. Regular sleeping and eating patterns become established.

The third week most patients feel 'back to normal'. If methadone has been used regularly prior to detox, the recovery period can be 2-3 weeks longer.

Avoid the temptation to use alcohol or other substances to 'make you feel better'. You may be in danger of continuing your addictive behaviours but replacing the substance.

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. If you use even once without the protection of Naltrexone, you will relapse.

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

It is common to have symptoms of depression after a detox. Insomnia is also common. Depression and insomnia are major relapse triggers for people who are newly opiate-free. The anti-depressants aim to prevent and treat depression. They also help you to establish a normal sleeping pattern. For most people the anti-depressant is only needed for 3 months.

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

You will give yourself a better chance of long term success if you can move away from that 'lifestyle'. Get in touch with non-using friends from the past, take up an outdoor hobby, find something you can do regularly (e.g. going to the cinema or bowling). 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.

5. You recommend counselling, but I don't really think I need it.

Some patients need counselling if they have issues which hinder their ability to stay off drugs. Relapse Prevention (from your local Drug Team) is extremely useful. Support Groups like Narcotics Anonymous help many people stay off drugs. The more you understand about addiction, the more you 'arm yourself' against relapse.

Check the BACP website (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), this will give information. You may want to try acupuncture or massage.

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

It is possible to take two tablets on alternate days. Our nursing staff can help your supervisor to plan for this before your discharge. If you have the implant, the supervisor is not needed for this.

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

This is possible but has drawbacks. You may forget to take it or think you don't need it without regular encouragement from family or friends. You should think about having a naltrexone implant.

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