Adult Detox FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is medication assisted withdrawal?

The sustained use of opiates or alcohol causes adaptations within the body. Once the use of those drugs is discontinued, those adaptations can result in painful or uncomfortable symptoms. These are known as acute withdrawal symptoms and may include anxiety, restlessness, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, insomnia, and others. Medication can be provided to decrease the severity of these symptoms as much as possible.

What medications will I be given while in withdrawal?

• Diazepam (Valium) – for anxiety, nausea, restlessness, and other detox symptoms
• Trazodone (Desyrel) – to help with sleep
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) – for anxiety
• Promethazine (Phenergan) – for nausea and vomiting
• Dicyclomine (Bentyl) – for abdominal cramps
• Ibuprofen and Tylenol – for pain
• Thiamine, folate, and multivitamins
• Other medications, if needed

Additionally, to treat opiate withdrawal symptoms, buprenorphine (Subutex) and methocarbamol (Robaxin) are provided.

Does De Paul offer Suboxone for withdrawal?

For opiate withdrawal, De Paul works with Healthworks NW to provide buprenorphine (Subutex, the key medication in Suboxone) for clients. Once your opiate withdrawal symptoms become apparent, an initial dose of buprenorphine will be provided to you. You will continue to receive doses of buprenorphine for the next 24 hours according to the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. This process is known as induction.
Before beginning treatment, you will have a conversation with a physician at Healthworks NW to determine whether you want to taper off buprenorphine while in treatment or continue on a maintenance dose once completing treatment. After induction, you will continue to receive buprenorphine, and the physician orders for the medication will be based on that initial conversation you have with the physician.

What will I do during withdrawal?

You will share a room with up to one other person of the same gender. Television, videos, and reading materials will be provided for you. A staff member will check in with you every two hours and assess your symptoms every 1-4 hours. Trained staff will be available 24 hours a day to assist you if needed.

How long does withdrawal take?

While in the medication assisted withdrawal program, your condition will be assessed daily by medical staff. For alcohol withdrawal, once the severity of your symptoms has decreased enough to allow you to be comfortable without diazepam, you will be transitioned into the residential program. This can last anywhere from 2-10 days.
For opiate withdrawal, you will be in the detox room for 1-2 days. After that, you will be transitioned to the residential program, though you will continue to receive buprenorphine according to the physician’s orders.

What happens once I complete withdrawal?

Upon completion of medication assisted withdrawal, De Paul staff will help you transition directly into the De Paul Residential Program.

Will I be able to make phone calls or receive visitors?

You can make phone calls on and after the fifth day after admission into the withdrawal program. If a release of information is in place to allow staff to speak to them, your family can call 503-535-1171 for information regarding your condition 24 hours a day. Visitors cannot be accommodated during withdrawal. Family and friends can leave messages for you at 503-535-1171.

Will I be allowed to smoke?

Smoking, nicotine gum, and chewing tobacco are not allowed during withdrawal. If needed, please bring nicotine patches or lozenges with you.

How can I find out more?

Contact an admissions specialist at (503) 535-1180 or the admissions supervisor, Andrea Quicksall, at (503) 535-1171 for more information.

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