At the Access Center, for crisis mental health care at LDS Hospital, we understand the journey to recovery from substance abuse can be challenging. That's why we offer full medical help for withdrawal management services to support you every step of the way. Although sometimes called detox, or detoxification, the preferred medical term is withdrawal management. Our team is here to help you start healing.

Detox, also known as withdrawal management, helps you stop using drugs or alcohol safely. Withdrawal Management is the first crucial step in overcoming substance use disorder. Individuals may need detox for the following:

• Physical Dependence: Prolonged use of substances can lead to physical dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the substance to function normally. Detox helps to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance.
• Health Complications: Substance abuse can cause severe health complications, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems. Detox helps to mitigate these risks by providing medical supervision and support.
• Mental Health Concerns: Many individuals with substance use disorder also struggle with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Detox provides a structured environment where these co-occurring conditions can be addressed.
• Risk of Overdose: Continued substance use increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Detox helps to reduce this risk by providing a controlled setting for individuals to safely withdraw from the substance.
• Improved Quality of Life: Substance use disorder can negatively impact various aspects of life, including relationships, employment, and overall well-being. Detox is the first step towards reclaiming a healthier and more fulfilling life.

When it comes to medical withdrawal management, choosing the right provider is essential. Detox or rather, withdrawal management, our services at LDS Hospital’s Withdrawal Management Unit stand out as a preferred choice:

• Experienced Medical Staff: Our team of healthcare professionals includes doctors, nurses, and therapists who are experts in addiction medicine. They are trained to provide compassionate and individualized care to each patient.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a holistic approach to detox that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use disorder. Our services include medical detox, counseling, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our detox center is equipped with modern amenities and advanced medical technology to ensure the highest standard of care. We provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients to focus on their recovery.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize that everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. Our team works closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans that meet their specific needs and goals.
• Continuity of Care: At LDS Hospital’s Withdrawal Management Unit, we prioritize continuity of care. We provide transitions from detox to ongoing treatment programs. This ensures patients receive the support they need at every stage of their recovery.

At LDS Hospital’s Access Center, we offer a range of services designed to support individuals through the detox process and beyond. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Medical Detoxification
Our medical withdrawal management (detox) program provides 24/7 monitoring and support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively. Our experienced medical staff is equipped to handle a wide range of substances, including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.

Support for Co-occurring Disorders
Many individuals with substance use disorder also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. Our team is trained to identify and treat these conditions concurrently, providing integrated care that addresses the whole person.

Aftercare Planning
Successful medical withdrawal management, or detox, is just the beginning of the recovery journey. We work with patients to develop comprehensive aftercare plans that include ongoing treatment, support groups, and resources to help maintain recovery in the long term.

Withdrawal Management: In-Hospital vs. Out-of-Hospital
Withdrawal management, often referred to as detoxification or simply detox, is a critical process for individuals discontinuing the use of addictive substances. The setting in which this process takes place—whether in a hospital or outside of it—depends on numerous factors, including the substance involved, the severity of dependence, and the individual's overall health.

For certain substances, the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the potential for life-threatening complications necessitate that withdrawal management occurs in a hospital setting. These substances include:

Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal can be particularly dangerous, with severe cases leading to delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and other serious complications. Symptoms can include tremors, agitation, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues. Due to the elevated risk of complications, alcohol withdrawal is often managed in a hospital where medical staff can provide round-the-clock monitoring and intervention.

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, and in some cases, life-threatening conditions. The withdrawal process for benzodiazepines often requires a gradual tapering off under medical supervision. Hospital settings provide the necessary environment for safe and controlled detoxification.

Barbiturates
Like benzodiazepines, barbiturate withdrawal can result in severe and potentially fatal symptoms like seizures, delirium, and cardiovascular instability. Given the severity of these symptoms, hospital-based withdrawal management is essential to ensure patient safety.

Opioids
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes leads to complications requiring medical intervention. Severe cases may necessitate hospital care, especially if the patient has underlying health issues or if withdrawal symptoms are particularly intense.

For other substances, withdrawal symptoms are generally less severe and can often be managed safely outside of a hospital setting. These substances include:

Cannabis
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are generally mild and include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. These symptoms can usually be managed on an outpatient basis without the need for hospitalization.

Nicotine
Nicotine withdrawal, though uncomfortable, is not life-threatening. Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite. Many individuals manage nicotine withdrawal with the help of support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, and outpatient counseling.

Stimulants
Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, depression, and disturbed sleep. While these symptoms can be challenging, they are typically not life-threatening and can be managed through outpatient programs or support groups.

The decision on whether withdrawal management should occur in a hospital or outside of it depends on several factors:

• Severity of Dependence: Individuals with severe dependence or a long history of substance abuse are more likely to require hospital-based management.
• Medical and Psychiatric Conditions: Patients with co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions may need hospital care to address complications that arise during withdrawal.
• History of Withdrawal Complications: Those who have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms in the past may require the safety of a hospital setting.
• Availability of Support: Access to a dedicated support system and outpatient resources can facilitate safe management outside a hospital.

The setting for withdrawal management is determined by the type of substance, the severity of symptoms, and the individual's overall health. Hospital settings are crucial for managing withdrawal from substances with severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, while outpatient care can suffice for less severe cases. Proper assessment and a tailored approach are essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of the withdrawal process.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, we are here to help. Contact LDS Hospital Access Center today to learn more about our medical withdrawal management services and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us at:

LDS Hospital Access Center

Phone: (801) 408-8330
Address: 324 West 9th North, Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Remember, recovery is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Withdrawal management is coming to Alta View Hospital in December 2025.