Many people drink alcohol responsibly and within the recommended limits which does not put their health at risk. But some people get into serious trouble because of their drinking, causing harm to themselves and those around them.

There is a strong evidence-base of research that shows that alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is a primary, chronic brain disease. Heavy drinking is described as ‘alcohol abuse’ also known as ‘alcohol use disorder,’ when a person drinks heavily, despite negative consequences (such as strained family relationships) on their work, studies or personal life, when they put themselves or others in danger because of their drinking (e.g. drink driving), or if they get into trouble with the law due to their alcohol abuse. (DSM-IV Criteria)

As a result, patients must undergo an abstinence-based programme in order to achieve long-lasting recovery and rehabilitation. 

The specialised residential treatment programme for alcoholism that has been developed here at Castle Craig will help patients suffering from alcohol addiction find get the personlised care they need to combat the disease.

People with alcohol addiction (also known as ‘alcohol dependency’) will have a strong urge to drink and will find that they are consistently unable to stop once they have started. Note: despite this dependency on alcohol, some alcoholics remain functional in their personal life and at work. However, this perceived “functionality” doesn’t change the signs or symptoms of being an alcoholic that include but are not limited to:

  • Having withdrawal symptoms
  • Criticisms from family and friends about their drinking
  • Using alcohol to cope with stress or mental issues
  • Enduring legal consequences from drinking
  • Facing professional consequences from drinking
  • Increased tolerance to the effects of alcohol
  • Substantial time spent planning to abuse alcohol or recovering
  • A desire but inability to cut down drinking
  • Reduced interest and time spent on hobbies or responsibilities
  • Having to constantly excuse or justify drinking
  • Memory lapses
  • Using alcohol to steady nerves and tremors throughout the day

Health Risks & Side Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is toxic to the body’s cells when consumed in amounts other than those recommended. Prolonged heavy drinking and binge drinking have a variety of adverse effects on the body, including:

  • Alcoholic brain damage
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Memory blackouts
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Infertility in men and women
  • Increased risk of many types of cancer
  • Anxiety & depression

Personalised Alcohol Detox Programme at Castle Craig

Detoxification—the treatment of any withdrawal syndrome associated with the abrupt or gradual cessation of the alcohol—is the first step on the road to recovery, and Castle Craig’s 30+ years of experience are what help make our success rates so high.

Our personalised alcohol rehab detoxification programme is supervised by an experienced team who work together to make detox as safe and comfortable as possible.  We understand that this is an extremely difficult time and provide 24/7 round-the-clock care, support, and encouragement.

We closely monitor all patients throughout detox until they are stable; easing withdrawal symptoms and reviewing a patient’s care several times a day. A specialist doctor is available exclusively to Castle Craig, onsite, 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case of emergency.

Detoxification is more supportive when there is a shared room environment and in general patients share a bedroom during detoxification although there is provision for single and single en-suite accommodation.  After detox patients move to a bedroom which is either single or shared.

We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to treatment. Because each patient comes to us with unique life experiences and circumstances surrounding their addiction, the personal treatment needs of each individual are taken into account when we form their alcohol treatment plan.

Our world-class psychiatrists, doctors, nurses and therapists meet regularly to discuss the patient’s ongoing condition and update their treatment plan according to their progress in treatment.  Because our treatment is residential and located on one site, patients can join in the daily routine of individual counselling and group therapy as soon as their physical condition permits.

Castle Craig’s Treatment Model for Alcohol Addiction

Because of our belief that alcohol addiction is a primary, chronic brain disease and that patients must undergo an abstinence-based programme in order to achieve long-lasting recovery, we utilise the 12 Steps, along with other treatment methods.

Often alcoholism is accompanied with other conditions such as depression, eating disorders, or sleeping disorders. We take into account the comorbidity of these conditions in creating personalised treatment programmes.

Our proven treatment model for a life free from alcohol addiction is made up of evidence-based therapies for the treatment of addiction. Our programme includes:

The recovery process is assisted by a combination of exercise and a healthy diet, in peaceful, private surroundings. We assign a personal focal therapist who works with patients throughout their stay, conducts one-on-one therapy sessions and shapes their aftercare plan alongside the Head Nurse and Consultant Psychiatrist.