At Dakota County Receiving Center and Crow Wing County Detox a safe, medically monitored detoxification is provided. Assessment, intervention, education and referral are an integral part of the program. Throughout the intervention and assessment process, persons are encouraged to make decisions concerning their continued use of mood altering chemicals. The required length of stay is 48 to 72 hours, depending on the medical condition.

People come to a detox unit for a variety of reasons. Some are chemically dependent and have returned to using or are in withdrawal. Some are using chemicals to excess and have been referred by law enforcement because they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Some have begun to "experiment" and have had some unexpected results. Referrals come from a variety of sources, i.e., law enforcement, courts, schools, employers, personal physicians, self, family, A.A. members, emergency rooms, other agencies and facilities. Males and females, age 12 and over are accepted.

The following information will describe the services and program provided at Dakota County Receiving Center:
The person usually arrives on the detox unit angry, frightened, embarrassed, etc. A physical assessment is made to evaluate any medical problems such as injuries, illness, ongoing medical problems and symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal during the admission interview process.

THE FIRST 24 HOURS - are devoted to medically monitoring the clients. As the alcohol and other chemicals are eliminated from the bloodstream, clients may go into withdrawal. Blood pressure and pulse are closely monitored along with other withdrawal symptoms (i.e., hand and tongue tremors, diaphoresis, nausea and vomiting, etc). If necessary, medication is given according to the doctor's orders to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Some people may be in a toxic state during the initial 12 to 24 hours and may feel ill due to their ingestion of chemicals.

During the first 24 hours, some persons may experience anxiety about being in a detox unit, i.e., "What's going to happen to me, my job, my family, the legal ramifications of the DWI and impounded car, etc?" They may spend much time seeking answers to these questions. The staff provides information when possible and when appropriate, or may assist in seeking information.

A counseling group, education tapes and an AA meeting are part of the daily program.

A chemical use assessment is completed using the MACH (Minnesota Assessment Of Chemical Health), a questionnaire, group meetings and individual interviews. When possible, the assessment includes contact with family members, employer and other interested individuals. The detox program is designed to assist the people to make decisions concerning their continued use of mood altering chemicals.

Counselors meet with each person individually to discuss their use of mood altering chemicals and facilitate an appropriate referral. Referrals may be made to: 12 Step programs, individual counseling, in-patient/out-patient treatment, extended care, halfway house, or medical/psychiatric facilities. Civil commitment may be considered if the person is reluctant to accept less restrictive programs.

Dakota County Detox is designed to be a prevention/intervention program for those persons using mood altering chemicals and experiencing symptoms and/or consequences of chemical use problems.

SYMPTOMS OF CHEMICAL USE PROBLEMS

• ANTICIPATION PREOCCUPATION: The amount of mental energy a person expends thinking about using and using activities.
• TOLERANCE: A person needs to use more of a specific drug to reach the same feeling level.
• RAPID INTAKE: Drinking or using quickly the first few drinks or doses.
• USING ALONE: Using alone in a social or non-social situation.
• MEDICATION/ESCAPE/RELIEF: Using to escape physical, emotional or social pain.
• PROTECTING THE SUPPLY: A person generally needs to have a stock supply of their drug of choice or assuring they can get it.
• LOSS OF CONTROL: A person being unable to set limits for themselves about their use on a regular basis.
• BLACKOUTS: An individual cannot remember something they did while under the influence.
• PHYSICAL WITHDRAWAL: A person is addicted, a physical biochemical level.
• MAINTENANCE USE: A person must use to avoid withdrawal or "bad hangovers."

CONSEQUENCES OF CHEMICAL USE PROBLEMS

• RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS: Relationship problems in which chemical use is a central issue.
• JOB OR VOCATIONAL PROBLEMS: Problems on the job in which chemical use is or appears to be a central issue.
• FINANCIAL PROBLEMS: Chemical use becomes a financial priority.
• SCHOOL OR EDUCATION PROBLEMS: Using interferes with school or other training.
• LEGAL PROBLEMS: Legal problems which are caused by or made worse by chemical use.
• MEDICAL PROBLEMS: Medical problems which are caused by or exacerbated by chemical use.
• SOCIAL CHOICES AND PROBLEMS:
  • Most, if not all, friends use as much or more chemicals
  • Has regrets about things said and done while under the influence.

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