Detox Is Only the Beginning

"Detox is a rescue mission. Real recovery is a building project." — Nate Herlean

When a new client comes to me … whether it's after wrapping their car around a tree at 2:30 a.m., or sitting in tears on the curb, realizing their job, their marriage, their very life is slipping away… the first goal is simple:

Get them safe

Before we talk about trauma. Before we dive into stressors. Before we untangle the emotional wreckage.

First: Medical stabilization.

If you’ve been drinking heavily or using substances consistently, “just stopping” can be dangerous. Deadly, even. Seizures, strokes, heart complications… these are real risks. And beyond the physical, the discomfort alone can feel unbearable.

That’s why my first line of attack is making sure you’re medically assessed. Sometimes that means the emergency room. Sometimes that means a 7- to 10-day medically supervised detox.

Detox is critical. It’s a rescue mission to save your life.

But here’s the hard truth most people don’t hear:

Detox doesn’t fix your life.

I get a lot of calls that start with, "I just need a detox." And while that’s a good instinct… it shows they want to live… it’s also deeply concerning.

Because after detox?

It often gets worse before it gets better.

When the substances leave your body, so does your coping mechanism. Now, you're left face-to-face with everything you've been running from. Anxiety. Depression. Shame. Fear. Reality.

And that’s where real recovery has to begin.

This is when the building project starts.

The Truth About Life After Detox

When I meet with clients after detox, my first focus is not "Are you sober?"

It’s "Who are you?"

• When do you use?
• What triggers it?
• What are you feeling right before you reach for it?
• What relationships or environments keep you trapped?
• How has it affected your body, your mind, your relationships, your work, your health, your fitness, your passions, your hope?

We zoom out. We build a real picture. We look at it all—biologically, psychologically, socially, relationally, and emotionally.

Because addiction doesn’t live in a vacuum. And recovery can't either.

Why Motivation Doesn't Matter As Much As You Think

Some people come to me desperate for change, saying they’ll do anything. Others come in fighting, dragged by loved ones, angry and resistant.

You know what I’ve learned?

Initial motivation doesn't predict success.

I’ve seen the "willing ones" fall apart. I’ve seen the "resistant ones" rise up and build something extraordinary.

The secret is not how you feel when you start.

It’s whether you’re willing to stay in the process long enough to build something new.

Because you can’t build a new life on the wreckage of the old one.

You have to clear the site. Lay a new foundation. Choose new materials. Learn new ways to live.

And that’s not a weekend project. It’s a building project.

Why Personalized Plans Matter

There’s no one-size-fits-all after detox.

Maybe it’s treatment. Maybe it’s counseling. Maybe it’s coaching. Maybe it’s sober support groups. Usually, it’s some combination tailored to you… your wounds, your wiring, your story.

The right plan isn't just about "getting sober." It's about learning how to:

• Sit with discomfort without running.
• Navigate relationships without hiding.
• Feel feelings without numbing them.
• Build a life that's so good you don’t want to escape from it.

That's real recovery.

If You’re Facing This Today

Maybe you’re coming out of a detox. Maybe you’re thinking about going in. Or doing your recovery right for the first time and last time.

If you’re scared, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, I want you to hear me loud and clear:

Getting safe is step one.

Building something better is step two.

And you don’t have to do either of them alone.

If you’re ready for real recovery… built the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons… void of cookie-cutter endless group therapy with “worksheets” and maybe a pinch of value after 6-8 hours in a treatment program…

Reach out.

We’ll start where you are.

We’ll build from there.

And if you are trying to help a loved one in this situation, my book (Anchor of Support - A Revolutionary Approach to Addiction Intervention) is currently free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. I am certain it will help, and you can reach out. We can discuss the specifics of your situation and help you navigate it successfully.

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*This is a recovery/health coaching education service only. It is not, and is not intended to be, medical treatment or recommendations for medical treatment. Actual medical treatment must come from your physician. Telephone or video consultations do not replace the need for seeing a doctor in person. Holding Doors recovery educators and coaches cannot diagnose or prescribe medications, treatment, or testing procedures. Holding Doors recovery educators and coaches can provide general information that may need to be reviewed and approved by that person’s own physician. Consultations are not considered to be medical advice or diagnosis