Most clients come in to treatment needing a detox. This is entirely to be expected. Clients are after all coming in to treatment because they cannot control either their drug or alcohol use.
During the assessment process we will have established what drugs you have been using appropriately and which ones we will need to detox you from. Usually these will be the drugs you have become dependent on. Anti-depressants and drugs required for various medical conditions would obviously be continued.
On arrival we will evaluate how much you have been using, how frequently and whether or not it is alright to give you drugs at that precise moment.
Opiates and methadone : Your detox regime at Focus12 will be decided by our Consultant Psychiatrist. They will usually reduce your methadone consumption to the low 30's and then switch you over to Subutex (Buprenorphine). The reduction will be done at a pace that is comfortable to you yet at the same time actually achieves abstinence as quickly as we can. Normally with this detox regime you will also be prescribed a sleeping pill for the first few nights and also at the end of your detox for a few nights.
Benzodiazepines : Valium and other 'benzos' must be withdrawn with some care. This again will be managed by the Consultant who will gradually reduce your consumption over a few weeks.
Alcohol : If you arrive intoxicated you will not be able to be given any medication until your blood-alcohol levels have fallen to a very low level. Once they have you will be prescribed Chlorodiazepoxide (Librium) on a reducing scale. This medication will steady your nerves, stop any shakes and prevent you from having withdrawal symptoms. You will be given something to help you sleep for the first few nights and also towards the end of your detox. Under normal circumstances this detox takes about 8-10 days.