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Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

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For many people, detox is an important early step toward addiction recovery. Letting your body rid itself of any substances that you are dependent on is the beginning of better health and a better life. Withdrawing from the drugs or alcohol you have been using can be intense and uncomfortable. But detox can reduce some of the harm substance abuse causes while helping you stay safe and more comfortable as you go through withdrawal.1

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that in Nevada:2

  • Around 230,000 people aged 12 and older had a past year substance use disorder (SUD), the clinical or diagnostic term for addiction.
  • 112,000 people 12 and older had a past year illicit drug use disorder (addiction to prescription psychotherapeutics, marijuana, cocaine and crack, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine).
  • 155,000 people 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
  • 213,000 people aged 12 and older met the criteria for SUD and needed treatment but did not receive it.

If you or someone you love are in Nevada, have a drug or alcohol use disorder, and are ready to seek treatment, a Las Vegas detox center can help you start the recovery process.

What Is Drug and Alcohol Detox?

Drug and alcohol detoxification (“detox” for short) helps manage withdrawal symptoms while your body clears itself of the toxic influences of drugs or alcohol.1 Your care team helps you stay as safe and comfortable as possible through this process by watching your progress and giving you prescription medicines and other medical care as needed.1

Withdrawal symptoms can vary by substance and other factors, such as how long you used the substance, the amount you used, and your overall level of health.1 Withdrawal can be unpleasant and possibly dangerous in certain cases. This is why the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises some form of 24-hour medical care for people detoxing from alcohol, sedative-hypnotics (such as benzodiazepines), or opioids.1

Though withdrawal can feel different depending on the substance of dependence, some general withdrawal symptoms may include:1

  • Changes in sleep patterns.
  • Decreased energy.
  • Feeling irritable.
  • Anxiety.
  • Mood changes.
  • Appetite changes.
  • Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach).
  • Vomiting.
  • Chills.
  • Sweating.

Symptoms such as these are not typically life-threatening. But withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can sometimes be dangerous or possibly fatal, with more severe symptoms such as:1

  • Seizures.
  • Delirium, which means sudden and severe confusion.
  • Hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that aren’t there).

What Happens During Detox?

The main goals of detox are to manage withdrawal symptoms, help you stay safe and comfortable, and ready you for further treatment.1 Detox is often only the first step in your treatment journey. Detox helps you get through withdrawal, but many people need ongoing treatment to address the underlying issues that led to substance misuse in the first place.

A typical detox process may include 3 important elements:1

  • An assessment to look for any substances in your bloodstream, as well as to check for any mental or medical health needs. The first assessment will help inform the right treatment setting and level of care to meet your recovery needs.
  • Stabilization, where you get medical support (including prescription medicines as needed) to help you withdraw from the substance safely and comfortably.
  • Getting ready for further treatment. Your care team will help you get ready for the next step of the recovery process.

The timeline for detox can vary widely by substance type, how long you used it, withdrawal symptom severity, and other factors. Many people can expect to stay in detox for between 3 and 5 days, though withdrawal from substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines can last longer or need more intensive medical care.3

Types of Detox Programs in Nevada

Detox can take place in different settings and intensity levels.1 The right setting depends on your recovery needs and the level of medical care you may need.1

SAMHSA reports that in 2020, there were 28 outpatient detox centers, 11 inpatient (non-hospital) detox centers, and 9 hospital inpatient detox centers in Nevada.4

Medical Detox

Medical detox means that you get medical care and withdrawal support from doctors and other clinical staff.1 Your treatment team may prescribe medicines to help manage withdrawal symptoms.1 Medical detox can take place on an in- or outpatient basis in a variety of settings and at different intensity levels.

Medical detox settings can include:1

  • A doctor’s office.
  • A day hospital service.
  • A freestanding detox center.
  • A psychiatric inpatient hospital.
  • An acute care inpatient hospital.
  • An inpatient mental health center.

Non-medical, social detox programs also exist. This means you go through detox in a short-term residential setting that has minimal medical oversight.1 The types of services offered in these types of detox programs vary widely.1 Social detox may not be the right setting for people with a history of severe withdrawal, multiple past withdrawal episodes, or those at risk of dangerous withdrawal complications such as seizures or delirium tremens, a rare but very serious alcohol withdrawal syndrome.1

If you don’t know your withdrawal risks, talk to your doctor. They can help you choose the right setting to meet your treatment needs.

Inpatient Detox

Inpatient detox means that you live onsite for the length of treatment. It offers intensive, round-the-clock medical care and support.1 It may be a good choice for people who have a high risk of withdrawal complications or severe withdrawal symptoms, people with co-occurring mental health issues, or those with other medical issues.1,5

Inpatient detox settings can vary but may include:1

  • An acute care general hospital.
  • A freestanding inpatient detox center.
  • An inpatient psychiatric hospital.
  • A licensed chemical dependency hospital.

Outpatient Detox

Outpatient detox means you live at home but travel to a detox center at set times for detox services.1 Outpatient detox may be an appropriate level of care for people who have a supportive home environment and fewer withdrawal risks.1

Outpatient detox can take place at different settings, such as:1

  • A doctor’s office.
  • A freestanding outpatient detox clinic.
  • A day hospital service.
  • A home health care agency.

Paying for Detox

How much detox costs can depend on the detox setting and level of medical care, as well as location, program length, and your insurance plan.1 If you have insurance, you should be covered for at least some of the cost of detox. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act states that health insurance plans must offer the same coverage for substance abuse and mental health services as they do for other medical conditions.6

If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover detox, you may be able to pay in other ways, such as:6,7

  • Applying for Medicare, if you are over 65 or Medicaid if you meet specific rules and have a low-income by federal standards.
  • Payment plans.
  • Sliding-scale fees.
  • State grants.
  • Asking friends or family for help.
  • Going to a free or low-cost facility.

Finding a Detox Center in Las Vegas

Detox is an important first step in the recovery process. The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health states that withdrawal management is very effective for avoiding possibly serious medical consequences associated with stopping substance use.3 If you are thinking of quitting drugs or alcohol, talk to your doctor. They can assess your treatment needs and help you choose the right detox setting.9

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of medical detox in Las Vegas and across the nation. If you are struggling with addiction, please call us today at . Our admissions navigators are standing by 24/7 to answer questions and give you more information about detox centers in Las Vegas.