Addiction Services

Sub-Acute Detoxification Program

What Is Detox?

Withdrawal from addictive substances is the first and perhaps the most critical step in the recovery process.

Dependence on agents such as alcohol and sedatives offer significant risk of very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include hallucinations, confusion, tremors, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and even seizures. Many years ago, before the advent of stabilizing drugs for withdrawal, people were at risk of death. It is never recommended that a person go through "detox" by themselves. The abstinence syndrome associated with opiates, while very uncomfortable, is relatively free of danger.

Patients are helped through their withdrawal with medications that affect the same areas of the brain medicated by their drug of choice. Once the client is feeling fairly stable, these medications are tapered off over a period of a few days to reduce client discomfort as much as possible. This also helps to ensure safety and diminish cravings.

For the withdrawal of alcohol, chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or Phenobarbital are frequently used. These medications are usually given on a regular schedule, guided by frequent evaluation of the client by the staff. During this evaluation, ten characteristics of withdrawal are rated on a special scale. If the client scores above a certain level, they will receive another dose of the specified medication. This process continues as the client is safely withdrawn. While this is underway, the client in need may receive non-addicting medications for pain, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, anxiety and nicotine withdrawal.

Opiate withdrawal is often characterized by abdominal cramps, muscle and joint pain, goose bumps, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. During opiate withdrawal, the patient may receive a brief course of a special, long-acting opiate along with other medications that have been shown to greatly diminish these symptoms.

While going through this experience, the client will remain in a highly supportive and structured environment with compassionate staff and other clients in recovery.

Services:

• Medically-monitored, safe detoxification from addictive substances, as the first step to long-term abstinence and recovery.
• Care from medical doctor specializing in addiction medicine.
• Treatment team specialists also include Psychiatric Nurses, Case Managers, and Social Workers.
• Services available for adult men and women.
• Eight bed facility.
• Approximate length of stay: three to five days.
• Most insurance plans accepted.

Location:

Velzen Center
243 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(Located directly across from the Pine Rest main campus)

Admissions:

Every effort will be made to schedule admissions. Walk-ins will be directed to admissions staff for triage and will be scheduled at that time.

All prospective clients should contact intake at 616/281-6836.

• Medical staff on site daily
• 24-hour nursing and care provider support

Bruce Springer, MD
Service Chief for Addiction
Medicine Services

Dr. Bruce Springer is Service Chief for Addiction Medicine. He serves as Medical Director for Pine Rest's eight-bed, sub-acute detoxification program. This is located in the Velzen Center (adjacent to Jellema Treatment Center), directly across the street from Pine Rest's main 68th Street Campus. Plus, he provides consultation services for patients on Pine Rest's inpatient units who have received a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addiction.

Over 25 years' experience

• Specialization in Internal Medicine, with a special interest in Addictive Medicine
• Medical Degree: Wayne State University School of Medicine
• Certification as an Addiction Medicine Specialist from the American Society of Addiction Medicine
• Chair and member of Physician's Health Committee