When it comes to overcoming addiction, one of the first — and often most important — steps is detox. However, detox is not the same for everyone. What kind of substance is involved, how dependent is the person, and the person’s physical and mental needs will dictate the support that is offered.
At Detox First, we help people across the UK to find the right type of detox and rehabilitation services for their needs. Whether you are struggling with heroin, cocaine or alcohol — or supporting someone who is — knowing the differences in the detox pathways is important in making the right decisions.

Heroin Detox
Heroin and other opioids (like morphine or codeine) create intense physical dependency, and withdrawal symptoms can be extremely distressing.
Common symptoms include:
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- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Muscle cramps, bone pain
- Insomnia
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Intense cravings
Detox Options:
Detoxing from heroin should always be done with medical support. Many centres across the UK offer:
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- Medication-assisted detox (using Subutex or methadone)
- Supervised care in a calm, safe environment
- Early emotional support to reduce relapse risk
At Detox First, we help match people to clinics that offer opiate-specialist programmes — often including medication, clinical monitoring and therapy-based transition into longer-term rehab.
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox can be dangerous, especially for those who have been drinking heavily or over a long period. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within hours of stopping, and in some cases, can become life-threatening.
Possible symptoms include:
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- Tremors, sweating
- Anxiety or panic
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Detox Options:
Because of the serious medical risks, alcohol detox should always be supervised by healthcare professionals. Centres typically provide:
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- Librium-based detox regimes
- Thiamine supplementation (to protect brain health)
- 24/7 observation and monitoring
- Gradual tapering and withdrawal support
We work with a wide network of clinics offering safe, medically led alcohol detox — ensuring you or your loved one are in the best possible hands from day one.
Cocaine Detox
Unlike alcohol and opioids, cocaine withdrawal is not usually physically dangerous — but the emotional and psychological effects can be severe.
Common symptoms include:
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- Low mood or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Strong cravings
- Agitation or paranoia
- Risk of relapse
Detox Options:
Cocaine detox focuses on psychological and emotional support, including:
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- Secure, drug-free environments
- Therapeutic support for cravings and mental health
- Monitoring for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, trauma or ADHD
At Detox First, we help direct people to centres that can provide immediate emotional care, structure and expert support during the early stages of stimulant withdrawal.
Why Matching the Right Detox Matters
Choosing the wrong kind of detox — or attempting to quit without support — can make the recovery process harder than it needs to be. That’s where Detox First comes in.
We act as a dedicated referral and information resource, helping people in the UK:
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- Understand what kind of detox they need
- Find reputable, high-quality clinics across the country
- Make informed decisions with confidence and compassion
Whether you need a medically supervised detox, an integrated rehab programme, or simply clear advice on your options — we’re here to guide you.
Take the First Step with Confidence
If you or someone you love is facing addiction, the first step is often the hardest — but it doesn’t have to be taken alone.
Contact Detox First today for confidential advice on your detox options. We’ll help you find the right support, at the right time, in the right place.