The primary purpose of detoxification is to medically stabilize a person while they are being withdrawn from the substance that they are addicted to.  In many instances, a person is in need of a detoxification process since they are physically addicted to their substance of choice.  As a result, a person needs medical intervention and monitoring to prevent life threatening seizures or other medical complications while they go through the detoxification process.

Detoxification is a relatively simple process.  Once the person is evaluated by the medical staff, the treating physician will authorize a standard medically sanctioned medication protocol, also referred to as a “taper,” to withdraw the person off the substance they are addicted to.  The medication protocol is intended to replace the addictive substance and to gradually taper the person off of all the addictive substances.  Again, the primary purpose of detoxification is to medically stabilize a person before they go into treatment.

Research has clearly demonstrated that detoxification alone is not an effective form of treatment for someone suffering from an addictive disorder.  Although detox is extremely effective in stabilizing the medical and physiological make-up of the person, it does not address the many psychosocial needs required for long term sobriety.  Addiction is a complicated mental illness that requires a multifaceted therapeutic approach that will address the many psychosocial needs of a person.

On average a person stays on a detoxification unit (detox) for approximately six (6) days.  However, a person may stay a little longer or even a little shorter depending on how the person is responding medically to their detoxification protocol.  or what is commonly referred to as a “taper.”

The “black out” period, or no family contact with the patient, is specifically implemented to reduce any excessive stimulation and/or agitation during the detoxification period.  When a person begins a detox protocol, the person’s mind and body is going through a state of recalibration and adjustment often times leaving the person prone to mood swings, agitation, and depression.  Family contact can often stimulate these mood swings not to mention overwhelming feelings of guilt, anger, shame, and fear.  Although sometimes normal, these strong emotions and feelings can interfere with the medication protocols and the length of time a person spends in detox.  Simply put, your loved one needs to rest.  There will be clinical personnel that you will be able to contact on a regular basis to know the status of your loved one.

Get involved. Not with your loved one’s recovery, but with your own. Remember   this illness has not only impacted your loved one, it has impacted your life as well. Life goals, dreams, and one’s own personal development have often been placed on hold in order to try and “help” their loved one. Unfortunately, this has been to no avail.  And, in many instances, it has done more harm than good. Now that your loved one is in treatment, it is time to take care of yourself. Involvement in family therapy and/or Al-Anon or similar type of 12-step support groups for families and significant others are strongly recommended. These particular supports are there to support, guide and direct families in making difficult decisions about loved ones as well as their own lives.

Although there are no set formal rules regarding family contact, it is recommended that contact should only be maintained once or twice a week by phone and for no more than 15 minutes.  Why? The reasons for this are twofold.  First, your loved one has up to this point depended on two primary support systems in their life, the source of their alcohol and/or drug connection and you.  By limiting your contact, we begin to “force” your loved one to explore and expand their own problem solving skills and other existing support system.  The second reason is that we would like to reduce as much external stimulation as possible.  In the early part of recovery, a person is highly susceptible to mood swings and erratic behaviors. Limiting family contacts reduces the potential for any excessive emotional reactivity that can interfere with their progress. The therapist will guide you as to the recommended amount of contact.

We recommend that the conversations be light and supportive.  We bombard them throughout the course of the day about issues and recovery planning so we recommend that you stay away from these areas. Simply let your loved one know that you care about them and that you want them to get better.  In the event that your loved one bombards you with complaints and dissatisfactions about treatment, just simply redirect them back to the therapist or clinical director.  We suggest that phone calls be limited to once or twice a week and for no more than 15 minutes.

Mood swings, emotional reactivity and anger, at least in the beginning.  Since your loved ones ability to tolerate any type of stimulation in the early part of recovery is very low, it is not uncommon for the person to experience a whole gamut of emotions, feelings, and mood swings.  It is important to remain patient and realize that a lot of these emotions and feelings will quickly subside.  Trying to reason or rationalize with the person can often lead to increased agitation and anger.

Your loved one will be automatically enrolled in our Alumni Program and our Aftercare Program.  Both these programs meet on a weekly basis and are free of charge.  The purpose of both these programs is to continue to provide the necessary support and guidance in developing a strong external support system as well as maintaining and refining the established recovery plan that your loved one developed while in treatment.  It is an excellent way to maintain a sober social network.

You really don’t. But remember, you are not there to be a “police officer” to ensure that they are doing the right thing.  You are there to simply be the best wife, husband, brother, sister, son, daughter, boyfriend, girlfriend, family member, or friend you can be. That’s all. You are not a therapist, a sponsor, a probation officer, or even the warden. You are simply somebody that lovingly cares.  This is why we want loved one’s to follow through with Al-Anon and CODA (codependency) meetings.  These are meetings that help concerned others stay on track with making the right decisions regarding your loved one.  As has already been discussed, it is not always easy to know what one should do.  Boundaries are constantly being tested.

Absolutely.  There are two additional programs that we recommend highly, the Life Coaching Program and the Recovery Enhancement Program. 

The Life Coaching Program is geared toward assisting a person in reaching life goals via the development and maintenance of strategic planning activities.  The program is not about solving problems for a person as much as it is about developing and maintaining a plan of action in accomplishing a person’s individualized life goals.  A person works with a life coach on a regular basis to ensure that a person stays on track with their strategic plan.

The Recovery Enhancement Program is an intensive case management program that specializes in post treatment compliance and monitoring. The program is tailored to the needs of those who need assistance in maintaining sobriety and other life goals. Monitoring has proven to be one of the most effective ways of maintaining long-term sobriety.

Please consult with the Admissions Department for a more detailed brochure and the cost of these programs. Also, you may already be entitled to these services already.