Drug and Alcohol Detox Clinics in Nevada

Detox clinics in Nevada are regulated by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Learn more about state guidelines and health standards here.

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ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Detox clinics in Nevada are special. Learn how to find a safe and reputable detox center in Nevada here. At the end, we invite you to ask further questions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What is Medical Detox?

Medical detox is the 24-7 supervision of drug and alcohol withdrawal. During detox, your brain and body and go through the withdrawal process. It’s vital this is done under proper supervision because health professionals can address symptoms as they occur. Not only does this minimize discomfort, but it ensures your safety.

Detox is a vital step in beating addiction. By finding the right detox rehabilitation center, your chances of success increase. When you enter a detox clinic, you can expect to find the following medical support:

  • Emotional support
  • Observation
  • Medicines when necessary

Why not detox on your own? Over time, drug and alcohol change brain chemistry in a few ways. [1] So, when you stop taking a drug, you need time to readjust back to your organic state of functioning, also known as homeostasis. This period of time often involves withdrawal symptoms which can drive you to relapse.

Instead, a reputable detox center will help you face cravings head on. In medical detox, staff develop a personalized withdrawal plan for you. This way, you can get through withdrawal safely and without too much pain.

Detoxing in Nevada

Every detox clinic in the country must operate under specific laws and regulations. These regulations are set in place in order to keep clinics safe. In Nevada, the laws that outline how detox clinics must operate are outlined in the Nevada Administrative Code, or NAC. The governing body in charge of detox clinics is the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, DPBH. [2] Further, you can find a full checklist for inpatient detox clinic licensing requirements via the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health online. [3]

So, what do the laws say?

First, detox clinics in Nevada must be run under a proper license. Plus, there are standard procedures a detox clinic must follow in order to operate .For example, all facilities must have a doctor available 24 hours a day. Here’s a summary of the main points related to detox outlined in the Nevada Administrative Code 449:

NAC 449.019 – This is the section of an overall law that defines medical services in the state. It is particular to facilities for treatment of abuse of alcohol or drugs. It defines a facility for modified medical detoxification as a medical facility that provides 24-hour medical monitoring of treatment and detoxification in a manner which does not require that the service be provided in a licensed hospital. [4]

NAC 449.15311 – This law outlines how facilities for modified medical detoxification must operate in Nevada. It details how patients are transferred, how clinics much have liability insurance, and sets the standards for accommodations in the state. [5]

While most detox clinics comply with these rules, you can submit a complaint about a detox clinic to the state Attorney General. Send a message to the Nevada’s Attorney General’s website if you are not satisfied with detox services provided by a clinic in Nevada. [6]

How Does Detox in Nevada Work?

Upon entering a treatment facility, you can expect to receive a medical assessment. An initial assessment gets into the details of your drug history, your family’s medical history, and your current health state. In order to collect this information, detox staff usually interviews and may request a drug screening, usually a urine sample, from you upon entry.

It’s important to note that the initial assessment will probably be managed by a qualified nurse or physician’s assistant. From there, your medical information will be given to a physician. S/he will assess it all within 48 hours or less. You must also undergo a physical exam performed by a physician. Afterward, this physician will provide you with stable, onsite monitoring as you go about your withdrawals. You can expect to receive daily evaluations to make sure your health is in check.

During the withdrawal period, you should be aware of a few factors concerning your treatment plan. All treatment plans for drug detox in Nevada should outline:

1. How long you’ll be in detox.
2. What medications you’ll receive and how much.
3. What your treatment plan is like after detox.

Though the specific withdrawal symptoms vary by substance, you might experience certain side effects, such as dehydration and nutrition imbalance. So, a treatment plan will often include lots of water and healthy, balance meals. A medical team will make sure these are all in check in order to offer you a more comfortable experience.

It’s important to note, withdrawal is different for everyone. You cannot predict what can happen. To get through withdrawal safely, medical detox is recommended.

Inpatient Nevada Detox Centers

Inpatient detoxification is a term used for people who detox within a treatment facility. People who detox outside a facility undergo outpatient detoxification. [7]

When should you stay overnight?

The answer’s quite simple. You should ALWAYS stay in an inpatient detox center when you’re struggling with drug or alcohol dependence. The purpose of an inpatient detox is to keep you medically stable. It’s vital you receive the proper medical attention for certain life-threatening symptoms like hallucinations or seizure. This is why inpatient clinics offer 24-hour support.

Inpatient clinics within the state of Nevada offer a variety of services, including:

  • Case management services
  • Daily activities
  • Dietary services
  • Pharmaceutical services
  • Supportive counseling

Always remember, detox is only the start of drug or alcohol addiction treatment. After you detox, your mind still desires to get “high”.

Outpatient Nevada Detox Centers

Not everyone will qualify for outpatient detox in the state of Nevada. In fact, most people choose inpatient clinics. They feel safer and more supported in a 100% drug-free environment. Still, certain cases may be eligible for an outpatient program.

Some reasons people detox in an outpatient setting include:

  • You’ve maintained a good medical condition through your struggle with addiction.
  • Your stability and behavioral condition are well in check.
  • Your family and friends offer support during your detox.
  • Your family and friends can help monitor your compliance with medical protocol.
  • You show responsibility in controlling withdrawal medications.

Where can you receive outpatient detox services? People seek outpatient services in different manners. Some go to a doctor’s office, others enter a treatment facility, and some even do it all in their own home. The biggest downside to an outpatient setting is the fact that you don’t have 24 access to medical professionals.

Another big difference will be monitoring. In order to make sure you’re going maintaining sobriety, you will be required to submit to random drug screenings on a weekly basis. If you don’t maintain sobriety, you will be asked to enter an inpatient detox program.

But the experience can be really positive! When going through a Nevada outpatient treatment facility, you can expect the staff to be genuinely interested in your health. They want you to go through a safe and comfortable withdrawal. Though you will not be staying at the facility itself, you can expect staff to effectively facilitate your transition into treatment and recovery. And if symptoms ever escalate, you can be transferred to an inpatient clinic.

State Sponsored Detox in Nevada

Nevada has a number of different places where people struggling with addiction can turn if they they need financial help for detox. One of these is the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency, or SAPTA. [8] The organization receives Block Grants, federal dollars provided by Nevada, and uses them towards alcohol and drug abuse programs. In turn, the community where these facilities exist provide feedback and recommendations. If you’d like to reach out for a non-emergency, SAPTA’s main telephone line is (755) 684 4190.

For an EMERGENCY PLACEMENT, you can contact the SAPTA duty officer at:

  • (775) 784-8090
  • (800) 273-8255

Nevada Detox for Veterans

Since many Veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, many turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medicating. [9] Throughout the state of Nevada, there are a number of treatment centers specifically created for Veterans to address this.

To begin, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers services for Veterans who struggle with drug or alcohol dependence. One of which includes a medically managed detoxification. If interested in these services, you must apply to VA health care here. [10] And if you have a VA doctor, it’s important to consult them about substance use. S/he can guide you to the right places to get you screened for addiction and placed into a detox center.

If you don’t have a VA doctor, you may also:

1. Contact Nevada’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency (SAPTA) at (755) 684 4190 or, for crisis support, (775) 784 8090. You can also text “ANSWER” to 839863.
2. Call Nevada’s 24/7 claims hotline 1-855-500-6442. If there is an emergency, it’s important to call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
3. Contact a VA medical center in Nevada. Find a VA medical center near you.[11] If you served in recent operations, call your local VA medical center, and ask to speak to the OEF, OIF, OND coordinator.

Forced Detox: NRS Chapter 433A.120

Across the nation, you can be involuntarily hospitalized for a number of reasons. These include, but aren’t limited to, you being [12]:
  • A threat to yourself or others.
  • Gravely disabled.
  • In an unresponsive state.

So, can you be involuntarily sent to detox or drug treatment in Nevada?

Yes. The state of Nevada has a number of civil commitments which give law enforcement and medical professionals the right to involuntarily hospitalize you. These laws are stated under NRS Chapter 433A.120 and 433A.330. [13] [14]

For example, if you are legally documented as a “mentally ill person” or have demonstrated observable behavior that you are a clear and present danger to yourself or others, or are unable to maintain yourself in your normal life situation without external support…you may be legally detained in a public or private mental health facility or hospital under an emergency admission for evaluation, observation and treatment.

Still, there is a limit to involuntary treatment. In Nevada, no person may be detained for more than 2 working days from the time of admission unless a written petition has been filed with the clerk of the district court for court-ordered continued hospitalization…but treatment must occur within 7 days from the date of the order.

Detox Can Save Lives

Q: How can detox help you?

A: It can help in many ways. It can even save your life.

There are a number of reasons for this. Not only does detox help you withdraw from drugs under proper medical supervision but it also provides you with a critical support system and the right environment you’ll need. These include everything from tapering protocols, medications, and emotional support.

Though it’s unlikely you’ll experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, each case varies depending on the person. For example, you may experience dehydration due to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Under the right medical supervision, it’s made sure you’re always properly hydrated. In another example, some people who go through withdrawal enter a deep depression. This mental state comes with suicidal ideation. Through a reputable medical facility, you’ll be provided the emotional support you need to pull through your detox.

Enter a medical detox facility is the SAFEST way to withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Within these facilities, you’ll receive treatment that fits you perfectly – no matter what drug your withdrawing from or the medication you’ll need for maximum comfort.

Q: Should you attempt to detox on your own?

A: No, it’s just too risky.

If you need help finding the right detox center in Nevada or would like more information on detox, we invite you to give us a call today. We’ll give you more information on what to expect from detox in an American Addiction Centers clinic. We know addiction…and will walk you through the entire process.

Always keep in mind, you’re not alone when it comes to struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Furthermore, you’re not alone in attempting to find the route to recovery. Take it one step at a time… and you can save a life without drugs or alcohol!

Your Questions

Have any more questions concerning drug and alcohol detox in Nevada?

Feel free to ask them below. We also invite those with more knowledge on detoxing in Nevada to leave a comment. We try to reply to all legitimate comments in a prompt and personal manner.

Reference Sources: [1] Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal
[2] Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health: Facility for Modified Medical Detoxification
[3] Nevada Division of Publish and Behavioral Health: Checklist for Application as a Modified Medical Detoxification Facility
[4] Nevada Administrative Code: Chapter 449.019
[5] Nevada Administrative Code: Chapter 449.15311
[6] Nevada Attorney General: Consumer Complaints
[7] NIAAA: An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification
[8] Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH): Substance Abuse Prevenntion and Treatment Agency (SAPTA)
[9] NIH: Military
[10] VA: How to Apply for VA Health Care
[11] VA: Nevada Locations
[12] NCBI: Reasons and conditions for involuntary hospitalization…
[13] Nevada Statutes: Chapter 433A.120
[14] Nevada Statutes: Chapter 433A.330
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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