What to Expect in Detox (From Someone Who’s Been There)
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 […]
11 Key Considerations when Choosing a Detox Center
Deciding to go to detox can feel overwhelming. We see the interaction in the parking lot at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus when loved ones drop off clients. Uncertainty, physical discomfort, emotional vulnerability, and relationship conflicts converge. You can imagine the thought process. Maybe I can do this on my own. I don’t need to […]
The Rise in Kratom Addiction (an RN’s Perspective)
The Sanford Behavioral Health (Sanford) nursing team (of which I am a part) all had concerned looks on their faces. It was early Monday morning, and the unit was quiet. “Just make sure you don’t say the ‘q’ word,” admonished one of the therapists as he walked by the nurse’s station. Then, just as the […]
U.S.Households With an Addicted Parent Impact 19 Million Children
According to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19 million U.S. children live in a household with at least one parent with a substance use disorder (JAMA Pediatrics). This figure represents nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States. The study analyzed data from 62 […]
Overnight Admissions Calls: A CEO’s Wild Ride
As the CEO of a behavioral health company, I never thought I’d be taking overnight admissions calls again, but it has been awesome! We created 24/7 EZ Admissions because nighttime or weekends can present an opportunity for an individual to seek help that they may talk themselves out of during the daytime or workweek. When […]
Announcing 24/7 Easy Admissions – Because Crises Do Not Happen 9 to 5
Mental health crises often happen at night for several reasons. Factors may include intoxication, nighttime anxiety or depression, secretive eating or purging, lack of daytime distractions, circadian rhythm disturbances, lack of empathy or argumentativeness from family members, or even the need to urinate (alcohol is a diuretic). Nocturnal anxiety makes everything seem more problematic. Likewise, […]
5 Detox Myths That Might Stop You From Getting Help
Detoxification is the safe removal of alcohol and drugs from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms. When detoxing, patients can expect a variety of uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and body discomfort. Fear of a painful withdrawal or past negative experiences with withdrawal are the primary reasons individuals avoid seeking […]
Combating Fear of Detox: Taking the First Steps to Recovery
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 […]
Is DETOX Scary? We Answer Your Fearful Questions
There is a big parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A scenario often takes place when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine what is being discussed or the second thoughts being expressed. However, it usually takes time for them to leave the car and make […]
Fear of Detox? “Get Out of the Car,” says Dr. Gilbert Masterson
There is a big parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A scenario often takes place when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine what is being discussed or the second thoughts being expressed. However, it usually takes time for them to leave the car and […]
