Withdrawal occurs when people with addiction stop using drugs, and it’s often uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Detox involves withdrawal, but people get medical supervision to ease the symptoms. While experts recommend inpatient detox for the safest way to quit drug use, outpatient care is also effective. Its benefits are one reason why it’s growing in popularity.

Understanding Outpatient Detox

Outpatient care for detoxing makes this woman smile so she doesn't have to leave school.All outpatient services involve visiting a health care center for treatment and returning home afterward. The same is true for outpatient detox. People who enroll in this program type don’t stay at the detox center until withdrawal ends. Instead, they visit a usually every day for various treatments and perhaps medication and then return home.

Addiction experts don’t usually recommend outpatient care for people who have severe addictions. It also isn’t ideal for people in poor health, who are at a high risk for complications. This program is better for people with mild addictions, good health and strong motivation to get sober. They also need support from at least one other person throughout the process.

Before choosing outpatient detox, people have to consider whether or not they can monitor themselves outside of supervision. They get much more freedom than those in inpatient programs, so they to need the ability to control cravings.

Key Stages of Detox

There are three key phases of outpatient care. Those who plan to enter an outpatient program might want to know this to prepare for what happens.

Upon arriving at a detox center for enrollment, doctors ask new patients about their medical and drug histories. They also perform a full physical exam and test their blood for drugs. All of this information helps the staff understand the severity of the patients’ addictions. Then, they can develop a custom detox treatment plan.

At the end of the initial visit, the doctors may provide medicine. The meds help lessen or prevent withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, confusion and sweating. Sometimes they keep new patients for a few hours before they send them home with a supportive family member.

The second stage of outpatient care lasts 5 days to two weeks depending on patients’ needs. During this time, the patients regularly return to the facility. They get help as their bodies completely eliminate the drug toxins. The doctors might give them additional medicine to ease withdrawal symptoms.

As the symptoms fade, the detox centers provide therapy to prepare the patients for rehab. Counseling during detox strengthens the foundation for sobriety.

Benefits of Outpatient Care

The benefits that outpatient care offers have increased its popularity in the medical field. One of these is that it’s less costly than inpatient care. More health insurance policies cover outpatient services and allow for longer treatment periods.

It also increases the potential for real change because it incorporates patients’ living environments. The outpatient model focuses on helping patients stay sober as they cope with home life. However, this is only beneficial when these environments are supportive.

On the other hand, outpatient detox may increase support. The family members become more aware of their loved ones’ struggles. This increased awareness may make them more supportive so that patients don’t fight addiction alone.

Furthermore, some people have trouble not worrying about home, school and work while they complete inpatient programs. Outpatient programs allow them to keep up with these obligations. In the end, their level of stress decreases as their treatment progresses.

Serenity House Detox & Recovery Performs Full-Service Detox

If you suffer from addiction, consider the inpatient and outpatient programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery. We provide all of the tools that you need to take the first step toward recovery. Some of our full-service detox programs include:

Get the help you need to overcome addiction at Serenity House Detox & Recovery. Contact our Fort Lauderdale or Jupiter detox center and speak to a detox expert who has your interest first. Call 866-294-5306.