Name of the Procedure:

Alcohol and/or Drug Services; Sub-Acute Detoxification (Residential Addiction Program Inpatient)

• Common Name(s): Inpatient Detox, Residential Detox
• Technical/Medical Term: H0010 - Sub-Acute Detoxification in a Residential Addiction Program

Summary

This is a medically supervised detoxification process for individuals with substance use disorders. It involves closely monitoring patients to safely manage withdrawal symptoms in a residential facility.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed: Substance use disorders involving alcohol, opioids, and other drugs.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: Safely manage withdrawal symptoms, begin the path to recovery, and prepare for ongoing addiction treatment.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions Warranting the Procedure: Severe withdrawal symptoms, high risk of medical complications, failed outpatient detox attempts, co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Patient Criteria: Patients with a history of heavy substance use, those who need close medical monitoring, individuals without a stable home environment supportive of detox.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may need to stop specific medications or substances before admission. They should arrange personal affairs and inform caregivers about their absence.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Initial evaluations include physical exams, mental health assessments, and possibly blood tests to gauge overall health status.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. Admission Assessment: Review medical history, substance use history, and perform a physical exam.
  2. Detoxification: Patients are provided with medical and emotional support to manage withdrawal symptoms. This may include medications to ease symptoms.
  3. Monitoring: Continuous or frequent monitoring of vital signs, mental status, and progress.
  4. Therapeutic Activities: Counseling and support groups to start building coping skills and mental resilience.
  5. Planning for Next Steps: Develop a discharge plan and transition to a long-term treatment program.
• Tools/Equipment: Vital signs monitors, medication for withdrawal management, therapeutic resources.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Generally not required, although sedatives may be used to manage severe agitation or seizures.

Duration

Typically lasts between 3 to 7 days, but the duration can vary based on the patient's needs and response to treatment.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a residential addiction treatment facility equipped for medical monitoring.

Personnel

• Physicians specializing in addiction medicine
• Nurses trained in substance use disorder care
• Mental health counselors or therapists
• Support staff for daily care and assistance

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild symptoms like nausea, headache, anxiety, and sweating.
• Rare Risks: Severe complications like seizures, delirium tremens, or cardiac issues.
• Management: Medications, continuous medical monitoring, and emergency care if needed.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Safe management of withdrawal, stabilization of physical and mental health, and preparation for further addiction treatment.
• Realization Time: Initial benefits may be noticed within a few days, with full stabilization often within a week.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Hydration, nutrition, ongoing counseling, and continued medical supervision.
• Expected Recovery Time: Few days to a week post-detox. Full recovery involves long-term treatment.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up: Avoid substances, adhere to treatment plans, and attend follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Outpatient detox programs, medication-assisted treatment, or rapid detox.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Outpatient Detox: Less intensive, suitable for mild cases; risk of incomplete detox.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment: Effective for many; may require long-term medication.
  • Rapid Detox: Faster; higher risk of complications and not broadly endorsed.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients may feel a range of withdrawal symptoms but will receive support and medications to manage discomfort.
• After Procedure: Improved physical well-being, initial relief from substance dependence, and a clearer path towards long-term recovery.
• Pain Management/Comfort Measures: Medications for symptom relief, counseling, and supportive therapies are provided to ensure comfort.