Is it safe to stop taking drugs suddenly?

It depends on the substance. Stopping heroin, benzodiazepines or alcohol suddenly can cause serious and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Always seek professional medical advice before stopping and call 999 if someone has a seizure, loses consciousness or becomes difficult to wake.

What is a medically assisted drug detox?

A medically assisted drug detox is a planned withdrawal from substances following clinical assessment. Depending on the drug involved, prescribed medication may be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and risks, alongside monitoring and support.

How long does drug detox take?

It varies by substance. Heroin withdrawal typically peaks over 2–3 days and settles within 5–10 days. Benzodiazepine detox can take weeks or months with a gradual reduction. Cannabis withdrawal usually resolves over 2–3 weeks. Individual history and health also affect the timescale.

What is the difference between drug detox and drug rehab?

Drug detox manages the physical process of withdrawal from substances. Drug rehab addresses the psychological, behavioural and social factors connected with addiction through therapy, structure, recovery planning and aftercare. Detox is often the first step; rehab supports longer-term change.

Which drugs does The Wellbourne Clinic treat?

The Wellbourne Clinic provides treatment for a range of drug addictions including cocaine, cannabis, prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, codeine and tramadol, heroin and other opioids.

Private UK care • Linked to The Wellbourne Clinic

Drug Rehab and Detox in the UK.

Clear, responsible guidance on drug addiction treatment, medically assisted detox and residential drug rehab — plus confidential access to The Wellbourne Clinic when you are ready to talk.

Common substances we treat

Medically informed: Withdrawal from drugs is assessed carefully, with clinical support and appropriate supervision throughout.
Residential support: A calm, structured environment away from substances, familiar pressures and everyday triggers.
Confidential: Private conversations, clear guidance and treatment shaped around the person behind the addiction.

Enquiries

Handled privately

Two women having a calm, private recovery conversation at home

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Personal support

Private conversations shaped around your needs and recovery goals.

5-star Google reviews

Call us today on 0330 043 1715 for a free, confidential conversation. We’ll listen and help you understand your options whenever you’re ready.

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Residential • Therapeutic • Personal

Addiction is a health condition, not a moral failing.

What is drug rehab?

A supported path from dependency to recovery.

Drug rehab is residential, structured treatment for drug addiction. It goes beyond detox — addressing the psychological, behavioural and social factors that sustain substance use, through therapy, routine and personalised recovery planning.

At The Wellbourne Clinic, treatment begins with a thorough clinical assessment. Care is then planned around the individual — the substances involved, their health history, personal circumstances and recovery goals.

Clinical assessment before treatment

Medically supervised detox where needed

One-to-one and group therapy

Relapse prevention and aftercare planning

Common substances we treat

Drug addiction takes many forms. We treat them all.

The Wellbourne Clinic provides residential assessment, detox and rehab for a range of substance dependencies. Each cluster below links to focused information and relevant treatment pages.

Stimulant

Cocaine

Cocaine produces intense but short-lived highs followed by difficult crashes. Dependency can develop quickly — structured support helps break the cycle.

Learn about Cocaine

Cannabinoid

Cannabis

Regular cannabis use can lead to psychological dependency and significant mental health impacts. Professional support can help people reduce use and rebuild wellbeing.

Learn about Cannabis

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Depressants

Prescription Drugs

Benzodiazepines, opioid painkillers and similar medications can cause physical dependence even when used as prescribed. Safe, structured detox is particularly important.

Learn about Prescription Drugs

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Opioids

Heroin & Opioids

Heroin and opioid addiction involves severe physical and psychological dependence. Medically supervised detox significantly reduces the risks associated with withdrawal.

Learn about Heroin & Opioids

Cocaine addiction Crack cocaine Cannabis and mental health Cannabis withdrawal Benzodiazepine addiction Codeine dependency Tramadol dependency Heroin addiction Opioid withdrawal Dual diagnosis

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Recovery is personal

“You do not have to know the whole way forward to take the next step.”

A first conversation can simply be a chance to understand what support could look like, privately and without pressure.

The drug detox process

What happens when you come to us.

From the first conversation to aftercare planning, our approach is individual, medically informed and built around the whole person — not just the substance.

A clinician explaining treatment during a private assessment

Clear clinical guidance, explained person to person.

A private first conversation

We listen carefully, understand the substances involved and your health history, and explain your options honestly. There is no pressure.

Clinical assessment

A thorough assessment identifies the physical and psychological dimensions of your addiction, so detox can be planned safely and appropriately.

Medically supported withdrawal

Detox is managed with clinical oversight. Where appropriate, prescribed medication reduces withdrawal symptoms and minimises risk.

Therapy and recovery work

Once the physical phase has settled, therapeutic care explores the reasons behind substance use and builds practical strategies for lasting change.

Aftercare and ongoing support

Support doesn't stop when treatment ends. Aftercare planning helps you transition home with a realistic, personal recovery plan.

Drug detox at Wellbourne

Withdrawal symptoms by substance

What withdrawal looks like depends on the drug.

Symptoms, severity and timescales vary significantly across substance types. This is a general guide — individual experience depends on many factors including duration of use and overall health.

Withdrawal timeline by substance

Cocaine

Cannabis

Heroin & Opioids

Prescription / Benzo

Acute / primary phasePsychological / tapering phase← shorter longer →

Source: NICE CG52 (opioid detoxification); clinical pharmacology guidance for cocaine and cannabis withdrawal; NICE CG76 and BNF benzodiazepine tapering guidance. Timescales are typical ranges — individual experience varies significantly.

Select a substance

Always seek professional advice before stopping any substance.

Stimulant withdrawal01 / 04

Primarily psychological — but significant.

Cocaine withdrawal does not typically cause dangerous physical symptoms, but the psychological effects — cravings, depression, fatigue and anxiety — can be severe and difficult to manage alone.

Intense cravings
Fatigue and low energy
Low mood and depression
Anxiety and irritability
Disturbed sleep
Increased appetite

Timeline

Acute phase: days 1–10. Psychological symptoms can persist for weeks.

The psychological impact of cocaine withdrawal is a significant relapse risk without structured support.

Drug rehab vs drug detox

Two different things. Both matter.

Detox and rehab are often confused — and both are important. Understanding the difference helps you or someone you care about find the right level of support.

Phase one

Drug Detox

Focus

Managing physical withdrawal safely

Duration

Typically 7–14 days

What happens

Clinical monitoring, medication where appropriate, stabilisation

Who it helps most

People who are physically dependent and need to withdraw safely

Is it enough alone?

Detox alone addresses the physical dimension — addiction often has deeper roots

Phase two

Drug Rehab

Focus

Addressing the psychological and behavioural roots of addiction

Duration

28 days or more, depending on individual need

What happens

One-to-one therapy, group work, routine and relapse-prevention planning

Who it helps most

People ready to work on the causes of addiction and plan lasting change

Is it enough alone?

Most effective when it follows detox and addresses the whole person

Most people benefit from both. Detox addresses physical dependency; rehab addresses the deeper causes of addiction and equips you for lasting recovery. The Wellbourne Clinic provides both.

Explore drug rehab

Why professional treatment matters

Addiction is complex. Treatment doesn't have to be.

The right environment, clinical expertise and therapeutic support make a significant difference to outcomes. Here is what residential treatment with The Wellbourne Clinic provides.

Private from the first call

Your enquiry stays confidential. We'll listen without judgement and help you understand your options.

Expert care, clearly explained

Our experienced team plans drug detox and treatment around your health, substances and recovery goals.

A calm place to recover

Our comfortable residential setting gives you space away from everyday pressures, with support close by.

Built around the person

We see you as a person, not an addiction. Your treatment and aftercare are shaped around who you are.

24-hour support

Help is close by throughout the day and night.

Therapeutic care

Individual and group work to explore triggers and build new patterns.

Protective structure

A substance-free setting with a steady, restorative daily rhythm.

Aftercare planning

A realistic transition plan shaped around your life and needs.

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Recovery rarely affects one person alone.

Treatment can help rebuild trust, communication and a steadier way forward.

Rated 5 stars on Google

“Excellent staff and excellent therapy. I highly recommend Wellbourne.”

Thom Sundblad

Local Guide • 36 reviews • 55 photos · 9 weeks ago

“The Wellbourne Clinic has truly given me the opportunity to turn my life around and I cannot recommend them enough.”

Paul B

1 review • 0 photos · 12 weeks ago

“Where do I start regarding my stay at The Wellbourne Clinic? It was a truly excellent experience.”

Rob Jenkins

3 reviews • 1 photo · 16 weeks ago

“The Wellbourne Clinic is the place to be if you want to sort your life out. I spent 5 weeks there.”

Darren Gilbert

1 review • 0 photos · 17 weeks ago

“Thank you all at The Wellbourne Clinic for everything you have done for me mentally. The care and compassion...”

5 reviews • 0 photos · 19 weeks ago

“I can't put it into words how much I feel this place has helped me.”

tyler higginson

1 review • 0 photos · 22 weeks ago

“Can't recommend the Wellbourne Clinic any higher. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.”

Stephen Hodgkiss

2 reviews • 0 photos · 26 weeks ago

“Brilliant place. My partner went to many rehabs and constantly relapsed. He's now 2 years sober and loving life again.”

Tracey Palmer

5 reviews • 6 photos · 34 weeks ago

“Absolutely amazing staff, felt completely at home. Great atmosphere, food is outstanding, cannot recommend them enough.”

Steph Kinson

1 review • 0 photos · 35 weeks ago

Common questions

Questions about drug rehab and detox.

Talk to us now

A private conversation costs nothing.

Our team will listen without judgement, answer your questions and help you understand what the right next step might be.

0330 043 1715

Substance-specific guides

Drug Rehab and Detox in the UK.

A supported path from dependency to recovery.