What happens after alcohol detox?.
Completing an alcohol detox is a significant and genuinely difficult achievement. But it is the beginning of recovery, not the end of it. Understanding what comes next — and having a plan for it — is one of the most important factors in long-term sobriety.
Begin your assessmentThe first few weeks
Immediately after detox, most people experience a period of physical and emotional adjustment. Sleep may still be disrupted. Mood can be unpredictable — both the relief of having completed the detox and the anxiety of facing life without alcohol can be present simultaneously. Physical cravings, while reduced compared to early withdrawal, may still be significant. This is why aftercare planning starts during your programme — not after it.
Relapse prevention medication
For suitable patients, Acamprosate (Campral) or Naltrexone can significantly reduce the physical craving for alcohol in the weeks and months after detox. Both are NICE-approved and have a good evidence base. Your prescriber will discuss these options during your programme and advise on whether they are appropriate for you.
Counselling and therapy
Addressing the psychological and social drivers of alcohol dependence typically requires more than a detox programme alone. Your Ash Rehab team can refer you to a range of support options including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for alcohol dependence, motivational interviewing, and specialist addiction psychology.
Peer support
Peer support organisations — including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and We Are With You — provide ongoing community support that complements clinical care. Many people find peer support an important part of their long-term recovery alongside any medication or therapy they access.
Your GP
Your GP receives a clinical summary on completion of your programme (unless you ask us not to). This ensures they are aware of your detox and can support your ongoing care appropriately.
A prescribing doctor.
From your sofa.
Your first assessment is a 25-minute video call with a GMC-registered prescriber. No waiting room, no clinic, no disclosure to anyone you have not chosen to tell. Four short questions, answered honestly, will tell us whether a home detox is the right setting for this moment in your life.