You are worthy of the highest dignity, honor, respect, and love.
You are not broken. You are a person, and your life matters.
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If you are reading this, it's because a part of you knows you want something different. You may have thought about going to detox, but something is holding you back. This doesn't mean you have failed. It means there are real, big reasons standing in your way. This guide is for you—a space to help you see what those reasons might be and face them.
Let's start with a clear picture of what we're talking about:
Detox: This is the first step to getting clean. It's when your body safely gets rid of drugs or alcohol with medical help from doctors and nurses in a safe place. They have medicine to make the sickness and discomfort of withdrawal much easier.
Withdrawal: This is the sickness or discomfort your body feels when you stop using. It can be painful or scary, but the medical staff at a detox center are there to help you.
Think of your needs like building blocks. By looking at the things holding you back, you can find a way forward.
What's Really Standing in Your Way?
There is no judgment here. You are not being asked to solve anything right now, just to reflect.
1. Your Body, Your Comfort, and Immediate Safety
These are the most important things right now—the things that keep your body going and safe. It's very hard to think about anything else if these aren't taken care of. You might be most worried about the physical pain of withdrawal, especially if you've experienced it before. Just as important are your immediate basic needs—where you'll sleep tonight, if you'll have access to food and water, and if you are physically safe. It's okay to acknowledge that these very real concerns are a major block.
Your Action Step: If your biggest fear is the sickness of withdrawal, a detox center is the safest place. They have doctors and nurses who can give you medicine to keep you safe and comfortable. If your most urgent need is food, water, or a safe place to sleep, focusing on finding those things first can give you the strength to take the next step. It's okay to prioritize these basic needs.
2. Your Daily Life and Practical Matters
Beyond the physical fears, real-life hurdles can feel impossible to overcome. You might be worried about what will happen to your belongings, your pets, or any people who depend on you. The logistics of getting to a facility can also feel overwhelming. It's also normal to have concerns about your legal status or to feel a lack of trust in the healthcare system, especially if you’ve had bad experiences in the past. It's important to recognize that these are all valid and solvable problems that don't have to stop you from getting help.
Your Action Step: These are not small problems, but they are problems that can be solved. You can ask a trusted person to help you find a safe place for your belongings, help you get your ID, or arrange a ride. You don't have to figure out all these details on your own. If you've had bad experiences with the system before, it's okay to feel that way. There are people who want to help you have a better experience this time.
3. Your Heart, Your Feelings, and Your Hopes
Sometimes, the biggest challenges are internal. You might be struggling with a past difficult or scary event (trauma), and worry about how you'll cope with difficult emotions without using substances. You might feel a lot of shame or fear of what others will think. It’s also common to feel afraid of who you would be without substances, or to worry about trying to get clean and then not succeeding again after all the effort. These feelings are valid and very real.
Your Action Step: These feelings are important. You are not alone in having them. Many people struggle with addiction because they are trying to cope with pain or difficult experiences. Talking about these feelings with a trusted person, like a friend, family member, or a counselor, can help. Your story is not a story of failure; it’s a story of survival and strength. It takes immense courage to even think about this step, and that courage is already inside you. There are people in detox centers and in recovery communities who understand exactly how you feel and can help you.
You Deserve This
The fact that you are even thinking about detox shows that there is a part of you that is ready. That part of you is strong and full of hope.
You are worthy of a safe place to sleep. You are worthy of food and water. You are worthy of a life free from sickness and fear. You are worthy of love, connection, and peace.
Taking the step to go into detox can feel like the hardest thing you've ever done. But you don't have to do it alone. By understanding what’s truly blocking you, you can find the right support to help you get through that door. On the other side, a life of dignity and healing is waiting for you.
Local Places to go to begin this process:
God! God will guide your way and give you strength 24 Hours per day.
Sunshine House: Next to Martin’s Deli on Kensington Ave near Summerset: Best to go in morning
Rock Ministries: On Kensington Ave across from Tusculum Street: Best to go in morning
