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Onsite Medical Detoxification Services PDF Print E-mail

ARC, West Los Angeles  California

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If you or someone you know is in need of detoxification services, then ARC offers a variety of medical detox solutions. All medical detoxification services are facilitated onsite and are designed to address physical withdrawal symptoms. The ARC detoxification protocols utilize the most advanced techniques available in order to effectively assist individuals struggling with all kinds of addiction issues. Some examples include; alcohol detox, prescription drug detox, opiate detox, heroin detox, soma detox and percocet detox. For detailed information on how you or a loved one can successfully detox from any drug, call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.

The importance of facilitating onsite detoxification services that are coupled with clinical support is paramount to a successful recovery process. For more information see clinical continuity of care during detox.

Safe and Effective Detox Begins with a Phone Call

Prior to enrollment at ARC each client is initially evaluated by credentialed intake staff through a telephonic assessment that is designed to gather information about the history and extent of alcohol or drug abuse. During this evaluation all medications currently being prescribed for co-occurring conditions are ascertained, so each client can continue medication protocols assigned by any primary psychiatrist or referring physician.

Once the client arrives at the center, the intake specialist they have worked with up to this point will greet them and introduce each client to their doctor, who will supervise the client during the detoxification period.

Our medical affiliates consist of physicians and nurses who have trained in hospital-based detoxification systems, and chosen to align their knowledge with the philosophy of our center, which embodies the belief that detoxification can be a dignified, comfortable process.

During intake each client receives an extensive history and physical, with services including; blood-work, a toxicology report and additional independent testing protocols for any medical conditions related to the primary substance of choice.

From the physician’s intake evaluation, medications are prescribed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. During the early withdrawal period, the physician will conduct rounds to determine both through observation and the clients expression, whether adjustments need to be made to heighten the effectiveness of the medications being provided.

Our nursing staff visits with the client every half-hour to provide reassurance and to supply fluids and nutrients as necessary. The nursing staff also observes each client to determine whether there is any area of the detoxification period that can be supplemented by additional medications, such as the clients sleeping pattern.

During the detox period the nursing staff is trained to report any psychological concerns to the clinical staff. The clinical staff is a resource that will intervene on any intense emotions that are heightened during the withdrawal phase. The client’s primary clinician, having already been assigned, begins to work with the client on articulating on processing these emotions. This helps to serve as a venting process and prevents an emotional eruption that could lead the client to leave treatment unfinished.

This medical and clinical interface during the withdrawal period is an essential factor ensuring the client will complete the detoxification program. Both disciplines working in unison helps to facilitate an overall smooth transition out of the detoxification program and into Phase 1 (Primary Care).

Acute Withdrawal vs. Post-Acute Withdrawal

ARC provides onsite medical detoxification services for sub-acute and post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms are mainly manifest in physical symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms are typically the easiest to recognize and include:

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Vomiting
  • Tachycardia (rapid heart beat)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) are more subtle to the outside observer but highly recognizable to the person experiencing them. PAWS are both physical and psychological. They can induce feelings that are extremely uncomfortable and difficult to overcome without medical and clinical support. ARC is one of the few programs in the country that treats post-acute withdrawal symptoms with both medical and clinical measures.

Some general examples of Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) are:

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Cravings
  • Depression
  • Sleeplessness
  • Stress sensitivity
  • Memory problems
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Coordination problems

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary based on a person’s substance of choice, length of abuse and method of consumption. We have found that the nature of these symptoms make it imperative to treat them both medically and clinically. These symptoms can be present for weeks after acute withdrawal has been completed. Untreated post-acute withdrawal symptoms are often the intricate pre-cursor to client relapse.

Our treatment focus is on providing a full spectrum of care that takes into account individual challenges medically, psychologically and circumstantially that can inhibit the personal process of recovery.

If you or someone you know is in need of comprehensive detoxification services, call 877 415 HOPE to begin the assessment process today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.