Detox & Withdrawal
The Sam Lawrence Private Hospital is our residential detox facility in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria.
The hospital is staffed by a 24/7 nursing team with mental health and withdrawal expertise and all detox treatment is under the guidance of a doctor. Detox is claimable on private health insurance.
Detox can be a difficult phase of recovery, we ensure clients are as comfortable as possible and provide the highest level of medical care during the detox and early-recovery phase.
We provide:
Does private health insurance cover any of the costs?
Yes. Arrow Health is a private health fund endorsed facility. Private health insurance usually covers up to 30 days of detox. We run our detox within our very own accredited Private Hospital. The private health insurance excess will vary depending on your level of cover.
How do I know if I need a detox or just rehab?
Different drugs require different approaches. What we suggest is that you come in, meet with us, have a chat, do an assessment and we will provide advice on the best way forward for you.
Will I be alone? What happens if I have a panic attack at night? Will I be in pain?
You won’t be alone. We are there to support you through this. Our 24/7 nursing team, experienced in mental health will be checking in with you, monitoring you, conducting medical observations and most of all making sure you are comfortable and settled.
Are there doctors onsite?
All treatment is delivered under the medical guidance of our consulting doctors. A doctor visits once per week and if medical attention is required outside of these times, we work in partnership with the doctors at Kyneton hospital which is only 10 minutes away.
Will I be in pain?
Your symptoms will depend on your own unique situation including what you’ve been using, for how long, how much and your personal biology. The nurses will support and monitor you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Is the food like hospital food?
No! We have an onsite chef who prepares fresh meals daily and caters to any dietary requirements.
What should I expect when I first arrive?
You will be welcomed by a nurse who will do a medical check-up. Next, you will see a doctor who will discuss the detox process with you and come up with a detox plan that will be tailored to your personal, unique needs. This will be done in collaboration with you to make sure the process will work for you, where you’re at and what you need.
What happens in the first few days, week and beyond?
It sounds counter-intuitive but the first few days are all about settling in, taking a break and getting comfortable with your surroundings. It is hard work battling through addiction. Sometimes the best place to start is to just have a rest. Detox is a step by step process and a doctor will sign off on each stage of the program.
What should I expect physically and emotionally?
Symptoms experienced during withdrawal can be mild or severe, depending on how long you’ve been using for, what drug(s), your age and health, psychological characteristics and more.
The symptoms you experience during detox can range from mild to severe. Withdrawal often feels like the opposite of the drug you have been using. For example, when you are withdrawing from a depressant (like alcohol or Valium) you may feel restless and agitated or have tremors. The symptoms vary between different people and different drugs. Search here to learn about withdrawal symptoms for specific drugs.
Some people experience Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) which is why we often recommend detox followed by rehab. PAWS refers to ongoing withdrawal symptoms that are largely psychological and mood-related and can continue after acute withdrawal symptoms have gone away.
Symptoms of PAWS are unique to each drug. Common symptoms include:
Go to the Australian Drug Foundation article on withdrawal for more information.
