What is Medical Detox? Anatomy of Addiction Podcast
Katie Vokes and Jenny Selent – Chief Operations and Clinical Officers
Today on the podcast we talk to Sanford Chief Operations Officer, Katie Vokes and Chief Clinical Officer, Jenny Selent. They define “medical detox” and talk about the criteria for entering a detox facility. Also, they give us a good idea of what it feels like to take the first step in the addiction treatment continuum of care.
Detox looks different for each patient. This depends on what substance they are detoxing from, and other factors. Patients are assessed by our providers, nurses and therapists in the first 24 hours. We also offer clinical therapy, 3 delicious meals a day, and a comfortable place to rest and restore.
Katie Vokes, Sanford Behavioral Health Chief Operations Officer
What is Medical Detox?
Medical detoxification (detox) is the process of safely ridding the body of alcohol and/or drugs and managing the resultant withdrawal symptoms. Every individual experiences detox symptoms differently. We assess every individual to determine whether medically monitored detox is appropriate, or if withdrawal symptoms can be managed in an outpatient environment.
This is a program for those who might run into medical complications during withdrawal from the substances they are using. So, our sub-acute detox is highly monitored, safe and comfortable. When people come to our facility, they get a medical clearance to make sure it is safe to go through detox under our medical care. And we facilitate any variation, such as a move to higher acuity hospital emergency departments. Or a step down to residential treatment and post-acute withdrawal.
Jenny Selent, MA, LMFT, Sanford Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Officer
To listen to the podcast (15 minutes) click below. Or find us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
