Medically Supported Withdrawal Care Without an Overnight Stay

When you arrive, our team will welcome you and your support person and help you get settled. We will review your prescreening information and ask about:

• The substances you have been using

• When and how much you last used

• Current withdrawal or intoxication symptoms

• Previous withdrawal experiences or complications

• Current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements

• Relevant medical and mental health conditions

Because urine testing may be part of your assessment, please speak with a staff member before using the restroom after arrival.

Your initial safety screening may include:

• Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen level

• Urine drug screening

• Breath alcohol testing

• Pregnancy screening when clinically appropriate

• A standardized withdrawal assessment, such as COWS for opioid withdrawal or CIWA-Ar for alcohol withdrawal

• A complete medical assessment by a qualified prescriber

These assessments help us determine whether ambulatory detox is appropriate and establish a safe, individualized treatment plan.

Our team will explain:

• What to expect during the withdrawal process

• The recommended treatment plan

• Potential benefits and risks

• Medications that may be used

• Possible side effects or medication interactions

• When to contact Altium Health

• When emergency care may be necessary

You and your support person will have an opportunity to ask questions before signing the applicable treatment and medication consent forms.

Depending on your symptoms and medical needs, your prescriber may recommend medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, nausea, anxiety, sleep disruption, elevated blood pressure, or other concerns.

For opioid withdrawal, treatment may include buprenorphine or another clinically appropriate medication. Alcohol withdrawal may require different medications and closer monitoring. All medications are prescribed and administered based on the patient’s individual assessment.

IV hydration, vitamins, or other supportive nutrients may also be provided when medically indicated. These services are not automatically required for every patient.

Throughout the visit, our team may repeat:

• Vital signs and oxygen monitoring

• COWS or CIWA-Ar assessments

• Symptom evaluations

• Medication response checks

• Safety assessments

Your provider may adjust the treatment plan based on your symptoms and response to medication.

Detox is an important first step, but it is not the entirety of treatment. As you begin feeling more stable, our clinical and case-management teams will work with you to identify the support needed after withdrawal.

This may include:

• Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT

• Substance use or dual-diagnosis intensive outpatient programming

• Individual or group therapy

• Psychiatric care and medication management

• Recovery-support services

• Assistance with living arrangements or other practical needs

• Referrals to a higher or different level of care when appropriate

Our goal is to help you move directly from withdrawal management into meaningful, ongoing support.

Before leaving, you and your support person will receive clear verbal and written instructions covering:

• How and when to take prescribed medications

• Safe medication storage

• Symptoms to monitor

• Activities or substances to avoid

• When to contact the clinic

• When to seek emergency care

• The date and time of your next appointment

A responsible support person may be required to assist with transportation, medication accountability, and monitoring between appointments. Patients should not drive after receiving medications that may cause sedation or impairment.