What do I bring?

• Identification and insurance cards

• Cash, not in excess of $50.00

• Prescribed medications in the original container from the pharmacy

• Comfortable, casual, and washable clothing

• Toiletry Kit

• Phone cards 

• Due to limited storage space, we can only accommodate one overnight bag. Any additional luggage will be sent home with your family or friends.

What should I not bring?

• Computers, cell phones

• Non-prescription medication (Tylenol, Advil)

• Vitamins, herbal medicines, protein powders

• Products containing alcohol (mouthwash, aftershave, perfume, perfumed lotions)

• Smokeless (chewing) tobacco

• Clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, sex or violence

What is Detoxification?

Detoxification is a natural process that the body undertakes to rid itself of toxic substances such as alcohol, opiates, and other drugs. The organ primarily responsible for this action is the liver and depending on the drug and the level of individual consumption, it can take anywhere from 48 to 96 hours for the liver to rid the body of the toxin. The detoxification can take longer if the patient's liver is diseased or damaged. Patients who have other physical maladies may also experience longer detoxification times.

What is Withdrawal?

Persons who become dependent on alcohol or other drugs will experience a variety of symptoms when they abruptly stop using the substances. This experience is referred to as withdrawal and its severity depends on a variety of factors including type of drug being used, consumption levels, general physical condition, and length of time using the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal vary with the type of drug. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal is the most serious and can be life threatening. Symptoms include tachycardia, tremors, nausea, anxiety, and in more severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens. Opiate withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, bone pain, and symptoms reminiscient of a bad case of the flu. While these are uncomfortable, they are not life threatening.

How Does Gosnold Treat Withdrawal?

Our medical staff of physicians and nurses are trained to identify and proactively treat withdrawal to ensure minimum patient discomfort. We use medications that lessen symptoms and make it less likely that the patient will experience complications requiring more intensive hospital care. We use these medications until the patient no longer experiences the withdrawal symptoms. Generally, this will range from 3 to 7 days.

What Happens to Patients After the Family Leaves?

One of our staff recovery aides will escort the patient to an exam room where a Gosnold nurse will conduct a physical assessment, review patient medications, obtain a complete drug history, and determine which withdrawal medication protocol will be used. Aides will check personal belongings and guide the patient to bed. Our staff conducts a thorough search for any contraband material in the patient's possession. Unprescribed medications, illicit drugs, and drug paraphernalia will be disposed of by our staff.

What Do Patients Do During the Withdrawal Treatment?

During the detoxification treatment patients are encouraged to participate in group education and therapy groups. Patients who are physically able could attend as many as five group sessions a day. Patients also meet with counselors or care managers to discuss continuing care options. Because the detoxification treatment is of short duration, our staff will initiate this discussion as soon as possible.

Can Patients Decide to Leave Gosnold Before Their Treatment is Complete?

Gosnold is not a locked facility. Our staff makes every effort to encourage patients to remain in the program until their treatment is complete. Our "completion" rate is one of the highest in the State. However, patients are not required to remain at Gosnold against their will and may decide they want to leave before completing treatment. If we think this is likely, we may call the family to request their help in dissuading the patient. During the first 48 hours, it is not uncommon for family or friends to receive a phone call from the patient asking them to come and take them home. Usually, this request will make references such as, "I'm not like these people" or "I don't belong here". If a friend or family member receives a call like this, they should contact a Gosnold nurse or care manager.

What Helps Patients Remain Engaged in Treatment?

The average rate of compliance with continuing care recommendations is about the same as it would be for other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Strategies for helping patients remain committed to treatment are critical. Factors that increase or improve engagement are patient motivation, matching the treatment to the patient need, support of family and friends, and the severity of the illness.

How Successful is Detoxification Treatment?

The medical treatment during detoxification is highly successful. At Gosnold, less than one-half of one percent of patients experience withdrawal complications that require transfer to a general hospital. Medical Detoxification Treatment alone is insufficient to produce lasting remission. A critical component of the care is the patient's agreement to engage in further treatment. Addiction is a chronic condition and extended periods of remission requires varied treatment over a long period of time. This could mean longer periods of inpatient rehabilitation care; it almost always involves outpatient treatment, twelve step groups, or other self help.

Why Do Some Patients Return to Drugs or Alcohol Use After Completing Detox?

It is very difficult for families to understand why someone would complete a detox treatment and resume the use of alcohol or drugs. It's even harder to understand why a patient would agree to be admitted to the detox and attempt to bring drugs into the facility. Addiction changes the chemistry of the brain so profoundly that the cravings and overwhelming need to use substances can outweigh everything, even the relationships that mean the most to the addicted individual. It takes a long time for the brain to heal. This is why it is so critical that the patient remain involved with professional treatment throughout their journey.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Treatment?

All benefits and insurance policies will vary. Gosnold has contracts with most health insurance plans and managed care companies. Your insurance carrier may require reviews of treatment during your stay. We will work with your insurance company to provide the information required to determine medical necessity. However, Gosnold has little control over the outcome of these reviews. If you have questions regarding financial considerations, or need assistance, the Gosnold Patient Financial Services department is available to help. Please call 1-800-444-1554, ext. 5224

What is the Confidentiality Policy?

Federal confidentiality regulations and HIPAA laws govern all communication regarding patients. Any discussion of a patient's treatment for personal health information must be authroized in writing by the patient. If you call to inquire about a patient's care, you may be told that we can neither confirm nor deny the patient's presence, pending determination that the proper authorization has been signed. However, the regulations do not prohibit our staff from speaking with you to obtain information or to offer assistance or support.

Will Patients Have Access to Telephones?

Patients may use the pay phones for outgoing calls only and these phones may not be used during group treatment times. The phones do not take incoming calls. Cell phones are a distraction to treatment and they are not permitted at Gosnold. If you wish to speak to a staff member you may do so by dialing the main Gosnold number.

Should Families Bring a Patient's Medications from Home?

You should bring all prescribed medication that the patient has been taking. Our physician will review the medication and make adjustments as necessary. Do not bring any supplements or over-to-counter medication as they will be disposed of upon arrival.

How Can Family and Friends Help?

A good first step is to educate yourself about this disease. Gosnold will provide referrals to family support groups, community based groups, and counseling. Members of these groups may be able to provide guidance for finding nearby addiction resources. More importantly, they'll be able to share their own experiences with you. These connections will help nurture your emotional well-being, helping you see that you are not alone. If you accompany your loved one to treatment, you may be asked to meet with a staff member to provide information that may help us better coordinate continuing care plans.