What to Expect in Detox (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Please, please, please find a ride!
Detox is one of the most intimidating parts of getting sober, and doing it without medical supervision can be scary and, in some cases, life-threatening. When withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs, it’s crucial to know where to go, what to do, and what to expect. Lucky for you (and me), I’ve been to detox! I also work for Sanford Behavioral Health, so allow me to pull back the curtain and tell you, firsthand, what it’s like in a reputable detox center.
What to Expect from Detox
Step 1) Getting There
Please, please, please find a ride. Whether it’s through a family member, loved one, or your friendly neighborhood Uber driver, find transportation. Many facilities even offer these services at no cost. For instance, Sanford will pick you up if you are in a bind! If you’re still inebriated or beginning withdrawal symptoms, please don’t operate a vehicle. Get a ride.
Step 2) Paperwork and Stuff
Expect “lots” of paperwork and “lots” of repetitive questions. Be honest. Don’t under-report how much you drink or use. This might seem like overkill at the moment, and it’s definitely not fun, but it’s important for the staff to have all the necessary boxes checked for your intake. This is by far (in my opinion) the worst part of detox, as all you want to do is get comfy and focus on feeling better. I promise, it will happen – eyes on the prize!
Step 3) Settling In
You’ll have to give up all your “security blankets,” specifically your nicotine, medications, and phone. You WILL have access to them, but usage is monitored by staff. We promise, it’s for your own good. You’ll get a room, and see a nurse three times a day to check your vitals. At Sanford, there is regular oversight from MDs and Nurse Practitioners who prescribe medications. There is time to recharge, watch TV, read (I liked to color), or strike up a conversation in the recreation rooms. The detox center will be your new home for the next few days.
Step 4) Staying Busy, Keeping Sane
Where I went to detox, there was no specific programming in detox. At Sanford, we invite our clients to participate in group therapy alongside residents in addiction treatment. Odds are you won’t feel like a social butterfly, but it’s not hard to make small talk in a place where everyone is fighting through the same misery. The most important thing is that you rest – you’re not there to network or plan your next business venture – you’re here to give yourself a fresh start at a new life. That being said…
Step 5) Give Yourself a Break
On average, people stay in detox for 3-7 days, depending on the severity of symptoms. By the third or fourth day, you should start thinking more clearly, getting better sleep, and your shakes should subside, along with your appetite returning. At this point, cravings aren’t on the mind too much (except for cigarettes!). For many, there’s finally a newfound feeling of – wait for it – relief.
Step 6) Keep Going
It’s easy to think, “I got this,” when you finish detox and feel remotely human again. But it’s important to remember that it’s just the first step in a long recovery journey. Your body might feel better, but your mind is prone and ready to slip back into old, familiar ways. Sanford recommends the full continuum of care, ranging from residential treatment to outpatient services and virtual tune-ups. Whatever aftercare looks like for you – meetings, therapy, out-patient or in-patient residential care – it’s important to have a plan for when you get out. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we help with that; we have free alumni and family programs, too.
In the meantime, give yourself a pat on the back, and remember: You didn’t make it this far to only make it this far.
