Serenity House, a component of Recovery House, Inc., is a private, non-profit residential substance abuse treatment center. We have a professional staff that is dedicated to providing caring and competent treatment to all persons wishing to begin the recovery process from alcohol and/or drug addiction. To help you accomplish this goal, we offer a full spectrum of services, which include: social detoxification (medically assisted), medical consultation, individual counseling, group therapy, educational groups, self-help groups, and assistance in vocational and housing issues, all based on your individual needs.

One of the first steps in the spectrum of services Serenity House provides is detoxification. 

Detoxification at Serenity House.

Detoxification can be an uncomfortable experience.  At Serenity House we strive to get you through the process with a minimum amount of discomfort, in as close to a home-like setting as feasible.  Nursing care is provided around-the-clock, and we perform detoxification checks at least every 4 hours (more often as necessary). We also have a physician on call 24 hours a day, every day, should any concerns arise.

The two most common detoxification protocols we accommodate are for withdrawal from alcohol and opiates. We also have benzodiazepine and cocaine detoxification protocols.

The alcohol detoxification protocol usually lasts 4 days; the length of the protocol can be a little longer or shorter, depending on your progress and needs. The medication we suggest for this protocol is chlordiazepoxide or "Librium" (a benzodiazepine), and is used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including shakiness, and to prevent seizures. If you should experience nausea, you might be treated with promethazine ("Phenergan"); diarrhea would be treated with Imodium.

The Opiate Detoxification Protocol lasts 7 days; again, this may be longer or shorter depending on your needs. During the first 2 days clients may be assessed 4 times, at times chosen by them. At each assessment you are prescribed necessary medications according to needs determined by a COWS scale (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale).  On days 3 and 4, three assessments will be done each day; on days 5 and 6, two assessments are conducted each day and on day 7 a single assessment. Chlordiazepoxide is used for this protocol too, as well as promethazine (for nausea); Bentyl (for stomach cramps); ibuprofen, for body aches and pains; and Imodium for diarrhea.  If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, clonidine may be recommended.

Again, although there are standard protocols, these protocols are tailored to accommodate the needs of the individual, as we understand and appreciate that the detoxification process may vary from person to person.

Residential Treatment

Our policy is to also seek  your input in all other phases of your residential treatment at Serenity House. This includes screening, intake, assessment, development of your individual treatment plan, at weekly community meetings, and daily at Focus and Wrap-up groups, through grievance procedures and through and open door policy. We also seek your input through an anonymous questionnaire to be filled out before you leave treatment as well as a follow up questionnaire, thirty to sixty days after you have left treatment. We use the information you voluntarily give us to make Serenity House a better place to recover.

With your cooperation, we are sure that Serenity House can assist you in finding your road to recovery.

Recovery House, Inc., 98 Church St., Wallingford, VT 05773  Tel. 802.446.2640