Is Detox Necessary?

Alcohol detoxification can be a dangerous procedure if not supervised by an experienced Doctor with assistance by a Nurse. Approximately 25% of alcoholics who have progressed to the point of being unable to control their drinking and have little or no cognitive ability, should consider detox if recommended by the physician.

Roughly 70% of those in need of detoxification can safely be detoxed, however, this determination is solely the decision of Winter Park Recovery Center.

Prior detoxification is not mandatory, especially for those patients who are not drinking every day or excessive amounts at any one time. That determination is made based on the various forms/evaluations completed at intake, blood work ordered, the biopsychosocial exam, psychiatric evaluation and analysis of the patient’s medical history.

Patient’s who are unable to not drink on a day-by-day basis are the most likely candidates for detoxification, especially those that have other medical complications.

In the case of opioid abusers, in-office detoxification is usually completed over a two to three day period in the presence of the physician and nurse by induction with Buprenorphine (either Subutex or Suboxone). On the first day of induction, the patient usually receives 4 to 16 mg. of buprenorphine, medically observed and an opiate withdrawal record is completed after thirty minutes. A first dose 2nd observation period of 15 minutes is then completed. If additional buprenorphine is required to quell withdrawal symptoms an additional observation period of thirty minutes and a second dose withdrawal record is completed. The doctor will determine the amount of 2nd dose given; usually 4 to 8 mg. is sufficient.

The induction process continues the second day and possibly a third day with observation(s) and an opiate withdrawal record completed. It is intended that induction be completed no later than the third day to minimize any patient discomfort, stress or anxiety. Once on buprenorphine, almost all patients are immediately satisfied and are in complete control of their daily intake and are trusted to protect their medication supply.