Safely Detoxing as an Outpatient
Please call (585) 723-7740 to schedule an evaluation. To learn more about outpatient detoxification, please call (585) 723-7428.
Rochester Regional Health has helped hundreds of people in the Rochester, NY area to safely detoxify by reducing the effect of alcohol withdrawal and/or opiate withdrawal. This rapid detoxification program is appropriate for many people, but not everyone (more information below).
Successful outpatient detoxification (or ambulatory detoxification, or rapid detoxification) generally involves treatment with Suboxone ® (buprenorphine) for opiate addiction and phenobarbital for alcohol dependence, followed by ongoing addiction outpatient treatment. In some instances of long-term substance use, we recommend a period of maintenance level dosage.
Our medically supervised program lasts seven to ten days, with daily appointments lasting about an hour. Initial evaluations are generally available within two days.
Our supportive environment is ideal for people that have a stable living environment and have reliable phone service and transportation. Clients cannot drive while taking detoxification medications and must arrange private or public transportation.
About Alcohol Withdrawal
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability, jumpiness or shakiness, mood swings, nightmares. A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause agitation, severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, seizures. Other symptoms may include clammy skin, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, pallor, rapid heart rate, sweating, tremor of the hands, or other body parts.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms get worse in 48 - 72 hours, and may persist for weeks. Alcohol withdrawal is a severe condition that may rapidly become life-threatening. Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you think you might be in alcohol withdrawal, especially if you were using alcohol often and recently stopped.
About Opiate Withdrawal
Opiates include both illicit drugs such as heroin, as well as numerous prescription drugs intended for the relief of pain. Examples of prescription opiates include codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone), morphine, Oxycontin & Percocet (oxycodone), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), Duragesic (fentanyl).
Early symptoms of opiate withdrawal include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, increased tearing, insomnia, runny nose, sweating, yawning. Late symptoms of opiate withdraw include: abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goosebumps, nausea, vomiting. Opioid withdrawal reactions are very uncomfortable but are not life-threatening. Symptoms usually start within 12 hours of last heroin or pain pill use.