Alcohol Detox Programs
Alcohol detox programs provide addicts with a safe place where they can overcome the physical dependence that they have on alcohol and prepare for entrance into an alcohol treatment program. Various types of alcohol detox programs exist and are provided at both inpatient and outpatient alcohol detox centers. Some of the most common types of alcohol detox programs include holistic alcohol detox, herbal alcohol detox and private alcohol detox but there are many different options available for the individual who wishes to overcome physical dependence on alcohol and regain control of their life.
Inpatient Alcohol Detox Programs
Inpatient alcohol detox programs provide the highest level of monitoring and support during the alcohol detoxification process. These programs are most often provided in a hospital or residential setting where the addict will live and receive medical care and attention during the detox process. Inpatient alcohol detox programs offer addicts the safest approach to alcohol detox because the patient is monitored around the clock and medical intervention is provided whenever necessary in order to help the individual to safely overcome physical dependence on alcohol.
Inpatient alcohol detox is a vital first step to any alcoholism recovery effort. Inpatient detox centers can help addicts with the range of physical withdrawal symptoms that are felt during the first days and weeks after a person stops drinking. Whether an individual has been drinking regularly for many years or just a few months, the detoxification phase can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. Inpatient alcohol detox centers are able to take many of the dangers out of alcohol detox by providing medical care, medications and intervention when necessary in order to assure the absolute safety of the patient.
Outpatient Alcohol Detox Programs
Outpatient alcohol detox programs are an excellent option for those who cannot attend an inpatient facility for a number of reasons. People who have relatively minor addictions or whose physical addiction is not as strong as the psychological addiction can benefit greatly from outpatient alcohol detox programs. Outpatient alcohol detox programs are usually monitored by a physician or nurse that understands addiction treatment and can provide a range of medications and other types of intervention when necessary on an outpatient basis.
The primary difference between inpatient alcohol detox programs and outpatient alcohol detox programs is that outpatient alcohol detox programs are not able to provide around the clock monitoring and support for the addict during the detoxification process. Outpatient alcohol detox programs are not as highly regarded as being effective because there is far less support for these programs and for an individual who suffers from a significant physical dependence on alcohol, the services provided by outpatient alcohol detox programs may not be enough.