Answers to Common Questions

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 medically manage and alleviate these symptoms. This is to help patients safely and effectively discontinue 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 (OTC) medications for common ailments including headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, allergies, heartburn, and constipation. We encourage patients to notify their nurse when experiencing any discomfort.

Fora Health has a medical team well-versed in managing and supporting people withdrawing from many substances including:

• Opioid Use Disorder
• Alcohol Use Disorder
• Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
• Stimulant Use Disorder
• Kratom Use Disorder

• Our withdrawal management facility is set-up dormitory style to ensure effective and safe care for a maximum of 24 people at a time. We have a male-identified dorm with 16 beds and a female-identified dorm with 8 beds. We may temporarily admit someone to their non-identified side, in order to not have to turn someone away. To see what the dorms look like check out our virtual tour.
• 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, we do have games, puzzles, television and reading materials available.
• Personal electronic devices are not accessible during treatment. They will be stored safely and securely with your other valuables in  a locker during your stay.

In general, a person can expect to be in withdrawal management for an average of 2-5 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

We do have landlines available for outgoing calls from 6:00am-10:00pm. These landlines do not receive incoming calls. Family & support-person visits do not take place during withdrawal management.

During enrollment of withdrawal management, patients have the opportunity to determine the next steps and their discharge plan by meeting with a case coordinator. Fora Health offers the full continuum of care for substance use treatment, and in many cases, patients move on to outpatient care or enrolling in residential with us. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A residential bed is not always immediately available for people transitioning out of withdrawal management. Our case coordinators will work with you to determine a discharge plan with resources from Fora Health and community partners to support your short-term and long-term recovery goals.

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.