Combating Fear of Detox: Taking the First Steps to Recovery
Taking the first steps to recovery can be scary.
There is a large parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A common scenario unfolds when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine the discussions happening in the car and the second thoughts being expressed. Often, it takes time for them to leave the car and approach the door. Understandably, detox can be a daunting prospect. It’s no surprise that our clients need to gather their courage—or be reassured—to walk through that door. At Sanford Detox Center, our compassionate providers are ready to address any fears about detox and ensure that the experience is safe and comfortable.
Fear of detox may be well-founded for some. When an individual tries to detox themselves, they may have a seizure and end up in a hospital or panic and return to their drug of use. It is scary and dangerous. So, we want to know if they have had a seizure before and act accordingly. At Sanford, we reassure all our patients that we are committed to providing a safe and comfortable detox from drugs and alcohol. Within 24 hours, they should be feeling much better.
Also, when it comes to detoxing from drugs and alcohol, forewarned is forearmed. In the following article, we provide information to allay your fears and educate you on the process of detoxing as a first step to long-term recovery.
Combating Fear of Detox: Taking the First Steps to Recovery
The purpose of medical detox is to rid the body of alcohol or drugs in a physically safe way. Not everyone who goes into treatment needs to go to detox. But in some cases, medical stabilization is necessary to admit someone into an addiction treatment program safely. Factors that play into the need for detox include the amount, frequency, and duration of substance use. We make these determinations at the screening and assessment stages at Sanford Behavioral Health.
Assessments
Michigan requires an assessment to determine whether a patient is appropriate for medical detox. Accordingly, the first interaction is with a nurse, who will ask questions to assess readiness. During that time, a Sanford team member introduces themselves to the loved ones in the waiting room. Communication is essential because loved ones are fearful, too. Similarly, an opportunity to ask questions of Sanford staff is an excellent way to set minds at ease and impart essential information to the Sanford collaborative care team.
Medical and Psychiatric Evaluations
At Sanford, we provide a medical evaluation within 24 hours of admission, including a physical examination, orders for appropriate service, face-to-face consultation, and a risk assessment with a personal safety plan. We also complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment as soon as we admit someone. In other words, we get to know our patients, helping them determine the next steps after detox.
Medications Help to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms
At Sanford, we use medications to replace drugs or alcohol, which last longer than the drugs of use and are easier to taper down. As a result, patients do not feel the lows or scattered feelings they might have felt with self-detox. Those with a history of seizures also have anti-seizure medications for a few days as a safe method of detoxing from alcohol. For opioids, the fear of withdrawal is visceral, but the physical danger is less. Our role is to reassure our patients that we can make them comfortable. We make a point of explaining the supportive medications that take the edge off. And we stay in front of the symptoms to make the experience more acceptable.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Sanford’s MAT program helps patients get through the discomfort of opioid withdrawal, and it also helps to reduce cravings. We use MAT primarily for the treatment of addiction to opioids and alcohol. The prescribed medications normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and relieve physiological cravings.
Twenty-Four/Seven Monitoring
Those who meet the criteria for medical detox are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Some patients have gone through withdrawal previously and hate the thought of going through it again. Consequently, they need 24-hour nursing care and regular physician visits. The detox team comprises Sanford’s Chief Medical Officer, licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical directors, registered and licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, clinicians, dietitians, and case managers.
Keeping things safe and comfortable at Sanford Detox Center
What to Expect
Sanford provides a beautiful space in which to heal. Our restored mid-century modern facility has restful colors, original artwork, and comfortable furniture. The shared spaces encourage community when wanted and tranquil solitude when needed. In short, the detoxification program provides a safe, secure setting conducive to withdrawal management, personal privacy, and the security of personal belongings. Detox treatment also prepares and motivates our patients to continue therapy after they are discharged from the Detox Center. In fact, they begin addiction treatment while in detox in group sessions. Think of it like this: detox addresses the physical aspect of addiction; treatment addresses the emotional pain that underlies substance use.
A Warning: Taking the First Steps in Recovery
“Detox is not treatment, but it can be the first step to recovery. In the simplest sense, detox deals with the physical aspect of addiction. Conversely, treatment addresses the emotional aspect and the emotional pain that underlines substance use. Drug and alcohol detox usually follows unsuccessful attempts to stop using. And when people come to the Sanford Detox Center, they are relieved because they are getting professional help. A more controlled environment is often needed based on science to safeguard against physical risk. And it should provide comfort while doing so.” Sanford Founder Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC
Withdrawal reduces tolerance. Those who have been through the process can become affected more quickly and intensely by their substance of choice. And they can overdose on a much smaller amount than before detoxing. Therefore, it is crucial to go from drug and alcohol detox to intensive therapy or a program.
Sanford Behavioral Health Detox Center
As part of our full continuum of care, Sanford Behavioral Health provides medical (or sub-acute) detox treatment for our patients. This treatment can include a medically monitored detox for acute withdrawal, withdrawal management, and outpatient support for post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
Our medical professionals work closely with individuals to ensure their well-being and comfort during detox. Sanford Behavioral Health is committed to helping our patients start their journey toward a healthier, substance-free life. Our detox treatment center is 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus. For more information about our detox program, click the link below.
