New detox unit opens at Kootenai Health

Kootenai Health announced the opening of a new detox unit to help meet the needs of those in the community struggling with addiction.

The unit, known as the Adult Recovery Unit, is for people with chronic alcohol or opioid use disorders to safely assist them as their bodies adjust to life without substances.

“This is the only unit of its kind in northern Idaho,” said Claudia Miewald, Kootenai Health's director of behavioral health services.

Units like this are critical for North Idaho, Miewald said. She noted that nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive treatment.

"Not having access to help is often a barrier to recovery," she said.

The Adult Recovery Unit offers 24-hour, medically monitored detox, with physician oversight. Patients receive case management and therapeutic support during their stay. Patients will typically be on the unit between three and five days. After that time, they will be referred to the next level of care, such as Kootenai Health’s intensive outpatient program.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this service to our region,” Miewald said. “Detox services are often an essential part of the recovery process, which enables an individual to begin their journey toward sober living and overall better physical and mental health.”

Information: 208-625-4848 or KH.org/detox