What is Medical Detox? Anatomy of Addiction Podcast

By: Marilyn Spiller
Posted on: November 15, 2021

Katie Vokes and Jenny Selent – Chief Operations and Clinical Officers

Today on the podcast we talk to Sanford Chief Operations Officer, Katie Vokes and Chief Clinical Officer, Jenny Selent. They define “medical detox” and talk about the criteria for entering a detox facility. Also, they give us a good idea of what it feels like to take the first step in the addiction treatment continuum of care.

Detox looks different for each patient. This depends on what substance they are detoxing from, and other factors. Patients are assessed by our providers, nurses and therapists in the first 24 hours. We also offer clinical therapy, 3 delicious meals a day, and a comfortable place to rest and restore.

Katie Vokes, Sanford Behavioral Health Chief Operations Officer

What is Medical Detox?

Medical detoxification (detox) is the process of safely ridding the body of alcohol and/or drugs and managing the resultant withdrawal symptoms. Every individual experiences detox symptoms differently. We assess every individual to determine whether medically monitored detox is appropriate, or if withdrawal symptoms can be managed in an outpatient environment.

This is a program for those who might run into medical complications during withdrawal from the substances they are using. So, our sub-acute detox is highly monitored, safe and comfortable. When people come to our facility, they get a medical clearance to make sure it is safe to go through detox under our medical care. And we facilitate any variation, such as a move to higher acuity hospital emergency departments. Or a step down to residential treatment and post-acute withdrawal.

Jenny Selent, MA, LMFT, Sanford Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Officer

To listen to the podcast (15 minutes) click below. Or find us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Marilyn Spiller

Marilyn Spiller is a student of the world; she also holds a BS in English from Northern Michigan University. She is a viral writer, recovery coach, and recovery advocate. Marilyn was instrumental in creating and maintaining the Sanford Behavioral Health brand and is notorious for her “red-pen approach” to editing. She is responsible for Sanford’s written and creative content, website design, new media, promotions, subscriber outreach, and SEO. Excursions Magazine is a particular source of pride; it serves a wide range of readers, and “excursion” has become part of the company vernacular, describing Sanford’s signature experiential outings for those in treatment. She also developed and hosts the podcast Anatomy of Addiction and is Vice President of the Board, JACK Mental Health Advocacy.