Every addiction detox center differs. Some are more along the lines of a hospital setting, whereas others resemble a luxury destination. Regardless of what the facility looks like, you are there for treatment– not a vacation. There will be a doctor, nurse, psychiatrist, counselors, case managers, and technicians. Each and every one of these individuals wants you to get clean and sober. Many of them are in recovery themselves. Virtually all detox centers have websites. Take a look at their program description, testimonials, and pictures. Familiarizing yourself with the facility alleviates some of the anxiety about the process.
What sort of people will be there?
Addiction does not discriminate. People of all genders, races, ages, socioeconomic classes, education levels, and career paths find themselves struggling with addiction. Some clients appear to be very obviously down on their luck while others seem perfectly polished. Just remember– everyone is there for the same reason as you.
However, income and insurance (or lack thereof) often play a role in who attends an addiction detox center. Those in a higher income bracket can afford lengthy, expensive stays in a treatment facility. Many of those without the financial resources end up in state facilities for detox and/or mental health or detoxing at a hospital.
The luckiest among them may qualify for a grant. When in doubt, ask about the center’s policy on grant beds or any sort of scholarship or financial aid. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are increasingly aware of the need for alcohol and drug detox. Oftentimes insurance covers detox fully; however, what your insurance covers may determine where you ultimately detox. If your insurance doesn’t cover (or partially covers) a facility and difference isn’t in your budget, this could be a stressful financial strain. Always remember, your treatment facility wants you to get better. They’ll work with your insurance and look for ways to reduce the out-of=pocket costs. Even if they personally can’t help you, a reputable facility will refer you to someone who can.
Should I try to make friends?
Let’s be honest– this question proves difficult to answer. Based on what we’ve observed, the best answer is to proceed with caution. The unfortunate truth is that not every person who comes through an addiction detox center is committed to their recovery. Some people may be there due to a family ultimatum or a court order. This is not to suggest those individuals are not serious about getting clean. Clients usually know right off the bat how serious a person is taking their treatment. One problem with maintaining friendships outside of treatment is the potential for relapse.
Contrary to popular belief, relapse does not have to be a part of the process. However, two clients post-detox, each with a precarious grasp on sobriety, can either have a positive or a negative influence on the other. The other side to that equation is having a support system. Your detox group navigated a powerful experience together. It is not unheard of for clients to stay in touch via alumni Facebook pages or even group texts. Those who live in the same area may even attend meetings together once detox ends. Our advice is to be yourself. Even if you aren’t the social type, be courteous and respectful. It’s not a popularity contest and you’re not there to make friends. You’re there to stabilize your body and start your recovery journey.
What’s a typical day like?
Each day, you’ll meet with a medical doctor or psychiatrist to discuss your progress. Your medical doctor is responsible for prescribing your detox meds and can adjust them if necessary. The doctor will also examine the medicine you take outside of the facility to determine if it is appropriate (some facilities do not allow benzodiazpines, stimulants, or opioids even if they are legitimately prescribed) and possibly start you on psychiatric meds to help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Because most people are not feeling well during the first few days, there is ample time to stay in your bed and rest. Most facilities offer instructional classes about addiction and recovery. Oftentimes, speakers will come from AA or NA to share their stories with clients. There may even be trips off-site to exercise or visit a park so clients can get used to having sober fun. Now that you know what to expect for yourself or a loved one, it’s time to detox. We are here to help. Give us a call at 772-266-5320. Our experienced counselors are available 24/7 to answer questions and get you started on the road to recovery.
