Inpatient Detoxification
For individuals experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors and/or elevated vital signs, the safest place to begin the recovery process will be in the inpatient setting, with the medical supervision of the detoxification process. For this acute level of care, we will conduct a complete medical evaluation and our team of physicians, nurses and counselors will meet daily to review each patient's progress. The goals of the service are to provide a safe detoxification; to reduce physical discomfort, psychological distress and anxiety associated with the withdrawal process; and to facilitate the transition of the patient to less intensive levels of treatment.
Services
The Inova CATS inpatient unit is a 16-bed facility staffed to provide 24-hour medical, nursing and counseling services to patients. The process
of detoxification incorporates a closely monitored protocol that includes
medication, regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of withdrawal,
vitamins, rest, adequate food and fluids, and counseling and
allied services. Medical assessments are performed regularly, and medications are prescribed by the attending physician. Patients are
assigned to a nursing team that helps manage
individual concerns. Counselors provide individual and group counseling
and orientation to 12-step support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics
Anonymous, and Al-Anon. Length of stay may vary, but is typically one to five days,
depending on medical need.
Substance Abuse Education and Counseling
In addition to the medical aspect of the detoxification process,
the CATS inpatient program provides psycho-educational groups, recovery skills workshops, one-on-one counseling,
introduction to support groups, and aftercare referrals. Psycho-educational lectures include the following topics: post acute
withdrawal symptoms (PAWS); defense mechanisms; the disease
process of addiction; relapse/recovery behaviors;
enabling/codependency behaviors; psychotropic medications, including
those medications that the patients are receiving for their
individual detoxification processes; medical consequences of
addiction; and laboratory value interpretations.
Patients learn to identify their own disease process and the relapse behaviors associated with their experiences by completing individualized, written treatment-plan assignments. Patients learn and practice recovery skills needed to move on to the next level of care via lectures, creative therapies and workshops. Some of the topics include spirituality, obtaining a sponsor, nutrition, interactions with CATS alumni, problem solving and relaxation/coping skills. The patients are encouraged to seek sober support from each other by attending 12-step meetings on the unit and in the hospital, speaking to alumni groups and developing a temporary network while on the unit. Finally, each patient works with their individual counselor to develop an appropriate aftercare plan, taking into account physical, therapeutic and addiction supports.
How to Refer
Referrals may be made by physicians, family members, mental
health professionals, patients and other concerned individuals. For
information or inquiries, call 703-776-7777.
