If you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]
The first step in overcoming drug addiction and alcoholism is attending medical detox. There are two different levels of care when it comes to detox programs: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient detox requires you to live at the facility while you overcome withdrawal, while outpatient allows you to remain in the comfort of your own home.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of detox programs. If you are at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, you’ll require inpatient care. However, people with mild to moderate symptoms might benefit from receiving detox in their own home, as they’ll have access to support from their loved ones.
In this article, you will learn:
What you will learn:
- What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient detox?
- How does outpatient detox work?
- Should you attend outpatient detox?
How Does an Outpatient Detox Program Work?
Inpatient detox requires you to live at a treatment facility for the entirety of the withdrawal process. If you do not want to leave the comfort of your own home, you might want to consider outpatient detox. These programs provide you with FDA-approved medications, regular check-ins with medical professionals, and support services while you detox from drugs and alcohol at your house.
During an outpatient detox program, you can expect the following:
Initial Assessment
The first step in an outpatient detox program is an in-depth assessment. These assessments might take place in an outpatient setting, like over the phone or on a video call. Sometimes, outpatient detox programs require you to come into the facility for the assessment to get to know you and your needs to ensure that outpatient is right for you.
During your assessment, an addiction specialist will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse. This assessment will help the treatment team evaluate what treatment options are right for you and whether outpatient detox is appropriate for your needs.
Medications
If your treatment team believes your withdrawal symptoms will impact your ability to function in your daily life, they’ll prescribe medications that help you manage them. Because some withdrawal medications are controlled substances, you might have to visit the facility each morning to receive your dose.
Regular Check-Ins
You’ll attend regular appointments at the detox facility to check on your symptoms, receive treatments like IV fluids, take medications, and participate in mental health support services like therapy. At first, your check-ins might be daily; however, as your needs lessen, your frequency of check-ins will, too.
Support Services
In addition to medical treatment and FDA-approved medications, you will have access to support services during outpatient detox. Depending on your needs, you might participate in individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and more. These services help you stay sober throughout the recovery process and connect you to the type of support you need.
Is Outpatient Detox Right for You?
Sometimes, detoxing in your home environment is more beneficial than attending a facility. Family involvement can be extremely helpful when you are in the early stages of recovery. That said, outpatient detox might not be suitable for everyone.
When you are detoxing from drugs and alcohol, it’s possible to experience severe and even life-threatening symptoms. If you are at risk of withdrawal symptoms like seizures, you need inpatient detox services to ensure you remain safe and stable. Thankfully, outpatient detox programs will provide an in-depth assessment to ensure their services are sufficient for your needs.
Outpatient detox might be right for you if:
- You have a mild to moderate substance use disorder
- You’ve been evaluated by a professional who believes outpatient care is sufficient
- You do not have an extensive history of relapse
- You have a supportive environment to live in
- Your family and loved ones can support you when necessary
- You are willing to commute to regular check-ins at the facility
- You attend regular recovery groups like 12-step meetings to develop a community of support
You can either live at home or in a sober living program during outpatient detox treatment. Once you complete outpatient detox, you can transition into an outpatient addiction treatment program. Outpatient drug rehab provides you with the tools and support you need to overcome the root causes of your substance use disorder.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Outpatient Detox Provider
If you are interested in outpatient detox, the admissions counselors at Alamo Behavioral Health can evaluate you to determine if this type of care is right for you. Our outpatient treatment programs offer a continuum of care, from detox to individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning.
Contact Alamo Behavioral Health today to find out if outpatient detox is right for you. We can help you begin a new way of life.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
