If you’ve been taking alcohol and/or drugs for long, you’ve probably started experiencing unpleasant physical reactions when you try to stop. These are known as withdrawal symptoms. To overcome withdrawal symptoms safely, medically-supervised detox is highly recommended. In this article, we will discuss about the alcohol detox options provided by the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya. The topics discussed in this article include:

What are withdrawal symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

How alcohol changes the brain leading to withdrawal symptoms

What is alcohol detox and how is it done?

Other medical interventions for alcohol addiction

Top 5 Rehabilitation centres in Kenya offering medical detox

What are withdrawal symptoms?

Prolonged alcohol or drug use changes the way the brain functions, leading to dependence. Consequently, the brain fails to function normally when the alcohol/drugs are withdrawn.

Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and mental discomforts that occurs when one stops taking the alcohol/drugs. People experience withdrawals differently based on their overall health and the type and amount of substance abused.

Withdrawal symptoms can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. Therefore, you should seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing them. To help you identify the best alcohol detox centres in Kenya, I will review the top 10 best rehabilitation centres in Kenya providing medical detox for alcohol and drugs later in this post.

Click here to learn about the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol is the most abused substance in Kenya, with a study by NACADA revealing that 1 in every 20 Kenyans is addicted to it.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realise they are struggling with alcohol addiction until it’s too late. Also, many regular alcohol users try to stop, but are not able due to the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be mild, moderate, or extreme and life threatening. The table below published on the website of one of one of the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya classifies alcohol withdrawal symptoms by severity.

Severity	Symptoms	Typical onset after the last drink	Clinical notes
Mild	Anxiety and irritability, Restlessness and insomnia, Headache, nausea, and lack of appetite Tremors (Hands) Rapid heart rate	6 – 12 hours	Symptoms subsides with medical intervention and gets worse if left untreated
Moderate	Worsening tremors, Increased blood pressure and heart rate, Confusion or mild disorientation, More pronounced nausea/ vomiting, Heightened sensitivity to light/sound	12 – 48 hours	Signals increasing brain hyperactivity; treatment is necessary to prevent severe withdrawal.
Severe (Likely life threatening)	Seizures (Tonic-clonic) Delirium tremens (shaking, confusion, dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate, fever, vomiting, sweating, hallucinations, psychosis. Withdrawals may lead to severe disruption of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions.	48 – 96 hours	Requires emergency care; without treatment, mortality can reach 15–35% for people experiencing the Delirium Tremens symptoms

How alcohol changes the brain leading to withdrawal symptoms

High alcohol intake changes the brain by enhancing the effect of GABA neural transmitter and supressing the Glutamate neural transmitter effect. Think of GABA and Glutamate as chemical messengers that trigger or reduce brain activity. GABA helps you calm down while Glutamate makes you feel excited.

By enhancing GABA and supressing Glutamate, alcohol makes you feel relaxed and less anxious. Overtime, chronic alcohol use reduces GABA receptor sensitivity and increases glutamate activity to compensate. Low GABA sensitivity and high glutamate activity in alcohol withdrawal leads to increased restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and irritability.

Also, as shown in the table above, low GABA + high Glutamate leads to increased Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity, flooding the body with adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones. This leads to high blood pressure, heart rate, palpitations, profuse sweating, muscle twitching, light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.

The ANS through its Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) divisions controls vital body functions such as digestion, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, pupil size, urinary and faecal excretion, and sexual arousal.

Low GABA + high Glutamate during alcohol withdrawal leads to high ANS activity (by removing inhibition from the hypothalamus and brain stem centres) therefore sending the SNS into overdrive.

CNS vs ANS alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Below is a table prepared by one of the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya, separating alcohol withdrawal symptoms by whether they’re mainly caused by autonomic nervous system (ANS) over activity or central nervous system (CNS) over activity.

CNS – The brain command center (mental and neurological symptoms driven by brain over activity)

ANS – The brain regulatory center (Physical symptoms driven by adrenaline/noradrenaline release

System	Primary Cause in Withdrawal	Symptoms	Typical onset	Life threatening risks
Autonomic Nervous System	Sympathetic overactivation from low GABA + high glutamate removing inhibitory control over hypothalamus/brainstem	Elevated heart rate, High blood pressure, Sweating, Flushed skin, Tremors (hands)Dilated pupils, Sensitivity to light, Nausea, vomiting, Heightened startle reflex	6-24 hours	Severe hypertension leading to stroke/MI Hyperthermia in DTs
Central Nervous System (CNS)	Rapid firing of neurons due to low GABA sensitivity and glutamate upregulation	Anxiety, irritability, Insomnia, Restlessness, Confusion/disorientation, Hallucinations (visual, auditory, tactile)Seizures	6 – 72 hours	Seizures → status epilepticus, Delirium tremens with severe confusion, agitation

The best rehabilitation centres in Kenya not only provide treatment but also provide psychoeducation to help patients understand their symptoms.

Alcohol detox process in the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya

Alcohol detox helps manage the withdrawal symptoms safely and repair the brain from the damage caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

Consequently, it’s extremely important for rehabs to provide medical interventions first. Unfortunately, not all rehabilitation centres in Kenya provide medical interventions.

In this section, we will discuss the basic components of a good alcohol detox program in the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Here is a step by step guide through the detox process.

STEP 1 – Medical/ psychiatric assessments

Before anything else, the patient is reviewed by a medical/psychiatric doctor. The review captures vital information such as the presenting withdrawal symptoms and their severity. The doctor conducts physical exam for the heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and blood sugars.

Other tests may be recommended based on how the patient presents. The best rehabilitation centres in Kenya provide medical/psychiatric assessments and at least 3 baseline lab investigations to all patients.

Psychiatric assessments help detect and treat underlying mental conditions such as alcohol psychosis, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Read a story about Bill’s struggle with depression here.

STEP 2 – Withdrawal risk scoring

Assessing the severity of the patient’s withdrawal symptoms is mandatory since some can be life threatening. Moreover, the assessment helps the doctor to determine the necessary alcohol detox intervention.

The best rehabilitation centres in Kenya use the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale (CIWA-Ar). The assessment is done by a doctor or the attending psychiatric nurse. 

STEP 3 – Medical management

The doctor in any of the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya prepare the alcohol detox medical management plan based on the patient’s history and CIWA-Ar score. Medical management includes:

• • Benzodiazepines – This type of medications help calm the overactive brain activity, therefore, reducing anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, irritability, insomnia, restlessness among other symptoms. The dosage and duration is adjusted based on symptoms severity.  It’s worth mentioning that these medications aren’t sold over the counter, so patients must be reviewed by a psychiatrist and given a prescription. You can get a psychiatric review in any of the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya.

• • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) replacement therapy – Thiamine is a vitamin that helps turn food into energy in the brain and helps nerve cells make neural transmitters and maintain proper function. Heavy alcohol use interferes with the absorption of thiamine in the gastrointestinal tract, therefore reducing the amount available to the body. Moreover, alcohol metabolism consumes thiamine and also it damages the liver, therefore, impairing its ability to store and utilise thiamine. Additionally, alcohol disrupts active transport of thiamine across cell membranes. Low levels of thiamine leads to withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, loss of coordination, severe memory loss, abnormal eye movement, and confabulation (making up stories without knowing). The brain disorder characterised by these symptoms is known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. When left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent brain damage (Korsakoff psychosis) or heart failure and nerve damage (beriberi). The best rehabs in Kenya provide thiamine replacement therapy to all patients presenting with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Thiamine replacement is usually done intravenously or through injection and a typical dose is administered within 3 to 5 days. The doctor may also administer oral thiamine after the 3-5 IV/injection. 

STEP 4 – Nursing care

Nursing care is a cornerstone of the detox process. During the delicate acute withdrawal phase, nurses not only administer prescribed medications but also provide continuous monitoring to detect any early signs of complications.

They track vital signs, assess withdrawal severity, offer comfort measures, and give emotional reassurance, ensuring the patient is kept safe, stable, and supported every step of the way.

Detox should ideally be done in an inpatient setup for close monitoring. The best rehab centres in Kenya provide tailored alcohol detox programs for patients who aren’t able to commit to the more comprehensive 90+ days treatment program.

Please note

Alcohol falls in a class of substances known as depressants. Other depressants include barbiturates, some sleeping pills, and benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines are used in alcohol withdrawal medical management, they can be addictive, so they should only be used under medical supervision.

Other alcohol addiction medical treatment options offered in the Best Rehabilitation Centres in Kenya

The best rehab centres in Kenya also provide other medical interventions to help reduce alcohol cravings and pleasurable effects of drinking. These interventions help reduce alcohol craving and make its consumption less pleasurable. The aversion therapy treatment options available in the best rehab centres in Kenya include;

Opioid antagonists therapy

Alcohol indirectly activates the brain’s endogenous opioid system leading to a release of dopamine. It’s the release of dopamine that makes alcohol consumption pleasurable. Opioid antagonist medications block the opioid receptors, therefore, reducing alcohol craving and pleasure from drinking.

Example of opioid antagonist medications is Naltrexone, which is available as an implant, injections, and tablets. The best rehab centres in Kenya provide Naltrexone therapy.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors (Aversion therapy)

Two key enzymes are required to metabolize alcohol in the body; Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ADH converts alcohol (ethanol) to acetaldehyde and then ALDH further converts acetaldehyde into acetate. Acetate is further converted to CO2 and water and released through breath and urine.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors blocks enzyme ALDH, therefore, preventing alcohol metabolism. When a person taking ALDH tablets takes alcohol, acetaldehyde builds up in the blood, causing unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, and flushing. The fear of these unpleasant symptoms discourage the person from drinking.

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is the most popular aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor medication. You can find it in any of the best rehab centres in Kenya. The table below summarises the key differences between Opioid antagonists and aversion therapy interventions.

Feature	Opioid antagonists e.g. Naltrexone	Aversion therapy (e.g., Disulfiram)
Goal	Reduce craving and reward from drinking	Make drinking physically unpleasant to discourage use
How it does so	Blocks opioid receptors, blunting alcohol’s pleasurable effect	Causes an unpleasant reaction e.g. nausea, vomiting, headache, etc.
Effects if drinking occurs	Drinking feels flat or less satisfying	Strong physical discomfort
Psychological approach	Cravings reduction	Fear-based deterrent

Top 5 Rehabs in Kenya offering medical alcohol detox

If you are struggling with withdrawal symptoms, you can contact any of the five best rehabilitation centres in Kenya reviewed below. According to the many reviews posted on Google, these centres stand out on program quality and level of care.

Moreover, they provide tailor-made short term detox plans for patient who can’t afford the comprehensive 90 days program.

Primrose Rehab and Wellness

Primrose Rehab and Wellness is featured prominently on many expert reviews. Furthermore, it’s top-rated by many clients on Google and other search engines. An analysis of the reviews reveal that it provides a high quality alcohol detox program both on inpatient and outpatient basis. 

The inpatient program takes a minimum of 10 days, while the outpatient program takes between 3 to 5 days. Inpatient is highly recommended for patients experiencing intensive alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Primrose Rehab and Wellness also provides other medical interventions including naltrexone therapy. Other treatment programs include the 90 days and six months treatment programs.

Primrose is registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC) and the National Authority for the Campaign against Drugs Abuse (NACADA). Primrose Rehab and Wellness is SHA accredited and they also accept other private insurers.

Nairobi Place Rehab Centre

Nairobi Place Rehab Centre is another top-rated Kenya rehabilitation centre providing alcohol detox. The centre also provides other medical interventions, including the naltrexone therapy.

Nairobi Place is located off Mokoyeti Road, Karen, Nairobi Kenya. The rehabilitation centre is registered as a nursing home, so it’s licensed by KMPDC. It’s also licensed by NACADA.

Chiromo Hospital

Chiromo Hospital is the most established mental health institution in Kenya. The hospital has a psychiatric unit and a rehab facility. Both the psychiatric unit and the rehab provide medical detox for alcohol addiction.

The psychiatric unit is based in Muthangari road, Nairobi Kenya. Chiromo Hospital is among the most expensive rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Consequently, most of the patients admitted at the center are insurance payers. Chiromo Hospital is owned by the renowned government psychiatrist – Dr Frank Njenga.

The Retreat Rehab

The Retreat Rehab is a premier rehabilitation center in Kenya, also founded by Dr Frank Njenga. It has branches in Ngong, Kajiado County, and in Limuru, Kiambu County. The Retreat Rehab has been around since 2017, so it’s a well-established institution.

Being registered as a KEPH level 2 hospital means that it’s licensed to provide medical alcohol detox. Also, like other rehabilitation centres in Kenya, The Retreat is licensed by the National Authority for the Campaign against Drugs Abuse (NACADA).

The rehab centre provides alcohol detox on both inpatient and outpatient basis. Moreover, the centre accepts a wide range of insurance providers.

The Optimum Center for Specialized Treatment

The Optimum Center for Specialised Treatment Rehab is located in Karen, Nairobi Kenya. They provide treatment for all substance use disorders, including alcoholism and drug addiction.

The rehab is registered by NACADA and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Commission. Their detox centre provides inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Best Rehabilitation Centres in Kenya – Top Alcohol detox centres

In this post, we have discussed alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the detox process. Most people struggling with alcohol addiction try to stop by themselves, but aren’t able because of the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening when not addressed appropriately.  That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing them. In this post, we’ve reviewed the top 5 best rehabilitation centers in Kenya providing medical detox.

These centers also provide long-term treatment programs that cater for underlying psychiatric and psychological issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures?

Alcohol use alters the brain by enhancing GABA’s calming effect and supressing glutamate. GABA is a brain chemical that reduces nerve activity, therefore, making a person calm down and relax. On the other hand, glutamate increases brain activity, leading to excitement. In chronic alcohol use, the brain learns to depend on alcohol to enhance GABA receptor sensitivity.  Without alcohol, the reduced GABA effect plus high glutamate receptor sensitivity causes excessive brain activity, which can cause seizures. The best rehabilitation centres in Kenya manage are well-equipped to handle the complications that could result from the seizures.

Why does alcohol withdrawal cause hallucinations?

When someone drinks heavily for a long time, their brain adapts to alcohol’s calming effect by becoming less sensitive to its natural calming chemical, GABA, and more responsive to its stimulating chemical, glutamate. Alcohol keeps this overactive system in check. When alcohol is suddenly taken away, there’s no calming boost – just unopposed stimulation. This over activity affects the parts of the brain that process sights, sounds, and touch, causing them to misfire. The brain then misinterprets these faulty signals, creating hallucinations — seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t really there. The medical detox provided in the best rehabilitation centres in Kenya helps restore the normal brain chemicals balance.

Disclaimer

This article shares general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical care. If you’re dealing with alcohol-related problems, reach out to any of the best rehab centres in Kenya for qualified medical assessment and proper support.