LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Linn County Mental Health Access Center has launched a withdrawal management program for adults experiencing symptoms after stopping or reducing use of alcohol or opioids.
The center already serves people experiencing a crisis 24/7 through its sobering unit, that can treat people going through withdrawal instead of sending them to the hospital.
This new addition will keep those individuals at the Access Center and provide mental and physical health resources as they continue their journey of sobriety. Withdrawal management, commonly known as detox, provides medical and psychological support for individuals experiencing symptoms after reducing or stopping their use of a dependent substance.
“Withdrawal is, at best, an unpleasant experience, and it can be life-threatening,” Access Center Director Erin Foster said. “Patients in the withdrawal management program will be medically managed with the medical providers on site at the Access Center, as well as have daily touchpoints with substance use counselors.”
The program focuses on reducing discomfort, preventing complications and supporting each person through alcohol and opioid withdrawals. It has two beds and a scheduled intake process. The goal is to increase accessibility in the future, expand staffing, and offer 24/7 admissions.
“Mental health conditions and substance use disorders can often occur together. What makes our withdrawal management program unique is that it’s integrated into already existing and successful crisis programs,” Foster said. “Here at the Access Center, we have a strong collaboration with community partners to create next steps after discharge. Patient success is more likely because of these partnerships that occur naturally in the Access Center.”
Individuals can request an assessment for the program by calling the Access Center at 319-892-5612, and walk-ins are welcome any time. Assessments are available at any time, but admissions are scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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