Book Review for 6 Days in Detox by Dianne Corbeau

I received a free copy from the author. This did not affect my review in any way.

6 Days in Detox, by Dianne Corbeau, is a memoir detailing the struggles a woman faces as she detoxes from alcohol. The memoir separates Dianne’s experiences into 6 different days, from the time she was found after overdosing, up until the time she leaves. As the reader goes through these days, they see Dianne becoming more clearheaded, focusing less on the environment around her and more on the inevitable pain she must endure in order to become sober again. From the inhumane conditions Dianne is forced into in her detox program, to the help waiting just outside, the memoir offers a realistic version of what it’s like to start recovery, and what it takes to pull through the initial steps. 

I have to admit, personally, Dianne should have had all her ducks in a row. Unfortunately, anything can happen, and the hospital she was staying at was unable to cater to her dual diagnoses. Whether that be because they were unprepared, or because they were overwhelmed, I have to give credit to the staff in the emergency room. Strong wraparound services are important for someone experiencing withdrawals after all, no matter the drug. That was what Dianne had, but at the end of the day they still weren’t able to give her everything she needed. 

This doesn’t even begin to cover the behavioral health aspect. Once she left the ER and went straight into detox, it really did seem like hell. Alcohol withdrawals are brutal for anyone, and while I can’t claim to understand what the medical professionals who treated Dianne were thinking (and believe me I’m gonna ask my supervisor about it), at the same time I was happy Dianne was able to find some hope in the midst of the struggle (a bed, a roof over your head, etc). I definitely loved how she described the raw experiences she’s had to go through, and how, as the days continued, she was able to slowly come out of her shell and start planning for the next stage in her recovery. Moreover, she does delve through why she turned to drinking in the first place, why God allowed her to fall from such depths, how she attempted to own up to all the lies she’s been cradling. She’s got a long road ahead of her, but she’s willing to do the work. 

Which is why I appreciated the cliffhanger she left. I loved how she portrays that, when it comes to sobriety, there really is no happy end. If you thought there was, that’s when you’re the most at vulnerable, when you become complacent. Moreover, I loved how Dianne acknowledged that, even when you do achieve some sort of sobriety, there are just some people you won’t get back. And it’s okay, because you just have to keep moving forward. While I don’t necessarily agree with some of the actions she’s taken while in detox, especially with Magda, it is what it is. 

There were some things that I couldn’t help but nitpick. I did feel like sentences could be tightened up a little bit. There were a couple of instances where I felt the book was repetitive, such as rehashing triggers and such. Even so, I feel this is a good book that groups, such as Al-Anon, can read for when they want to understand why some loved ones continue to drink. I would also recommend the book to other substance abuse counselors so that they can get a better understanding of why people may fall through the cracks, or why people may refuse treatment altogether. As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.