Withdrawal Management (Detox)

The sustained use of some substances, including alcohol, cause changes within the body. Once the use of those substances is discontinued, those changes can result in discomfort, pain and sometimes life-threatening complications. These are known as acute withdrawal symptoms and may include anxiety, restlessness, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, insomnia and others. The goal of withdrawal management is to alleviate these symptoms and help patients safely and effectively cease their use of drugs or alcohol.

Several prescription medications are used during the withdrawal process to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. The medications used are FDA approved and help prevent seizures, lower anxiety, reduce muscle and body aches, counteract sleeplessness, and reduce abdominal discomfort. We also offer a variety of over-the-counter medications for common ailments including headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, allergies, heartburn, and constipation. We encourage patients to notify their nurse when experiencing any discomfort.

Yes. Fora Health has a medical team well-versed in managing and supporting people withdrawing from opioid use.

Our withdrawal management facility is co-ed. Beds are set-up dormitory style to ensure effective and safe care for a maximum of 16 people at a time. A nurse is assigned to patients at each shift, and everyone receives 24/7 support during treatment. Often patients enrolled in withdrawal management are not feeling that great, so the environment is calm, quiet, and lacks stimulation. However, games, puzzles, television and reading materials are available. Personal electronic devices are not accessible during treatment. Patients are expected to engage in addiction, health and education groups near the completion of withdrawal management to help prepare them for successful transition to another level of care.

In general, a person can expect to be in withdrawal management for an average of 3-5 days. The length of stay varies from person to person and depends on use history and type of substance. One of the benefits of withdrawal management is 24/7 care and regular assessments by clinical staff. Patients no longer require withdrawal management when the severity of withdrawal symptoms has decreased enough to allow a person to be comfortable without medication and/or medical monitoring.

Phone calls, messages and family visits do not take place during withdrawal management. In most cases, calls are restricted to those made on the final day of managed care to facilitate transportation, aftercare arrangements and other issues related to the transition out of the withdrawal management program. These calls are made with a nurse or case manager present for support. Withdrawal Management last between 3-5 days and these communication restrictions help people stay focused on the program.

Admission for Withdrawal Management (commonly called detox) is conducted in person at Fora Health’s SE Portland facility located at 10230 SE Cherry Blossom Dr, Portland, OR 97216. Individuals should arrive at the side entrance of the building(look for tent) at Cherry Blossom Drive by 7:30 a.m. Monday–Saturday. Walk-in patients are assessed and admitted based on the results of their screening interview combined with their place in line. Admittance also depends on the availability of open beds. Space is not guaranteed and cannot be reserved.

If you are seeking withdrawal management and are privately insured or live outside the Clackamas, Multnomah or Washington County areas, please call us at (503) 535-1151 Monday–Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm before arriving at the facility for withdrawal management walk-in hours

Upon completion of withdrawal management, patients meet one-one-one with a Case Manager or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor to determine next steps. Fora Health offers the full continuum of care for substance use treatment, and in many cases, patients move on to residential or outpatient care with us. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and a residential bed is not always immediately available for people transitioning out of withdrawal management.

Fora Health is a tobacco-free facility, including outdoor areas. Patients may not have cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape pens, or other tobacco products in treatment. Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy are available.