Outpatient Drug Detox

Outpatient drug detox can help you overcome your addiction and still have control over your time.

Outpatient drug detox provides many of the same services as an inpatient drug detox program but outpatient drug detox programs do not provide housing or around the clock medical supervision for the patient. Outpatient drug detox programs are an effective means of detoxification treatment but only when the addict has a strong support mechanism at home and is able to maintain their sobriety during the long hours that they are left without medical supervision. Outpatient drug detox programs do have both advantages and disadvantages depending on the individual and the circumstances of their addiction.

Advantages of Outpatient Drug Detox

Outpatient drug detox programs are typically less costly than inpatient drug detox programs which is very beneficial especially when many addicts do not have the income or financial ability to pay for the high cost of drug treatment. Outpatient drug detox programs are able to offer many of the same services as an inpatient program and for those who suffer from mild physical dependence on drugs an outpatient detox programs can provide lasting benefits.

Outpatient drug detox does provide medical monitoring for the addict but not around the clock so for individuals who suffer from complex addictions or addictions that are highly physically dependent the limited monitoring may not be sufficient to warrant complete recovery and sobriety. Outpatient drug detox programs are not recommended for those who have already tried to quit using drugs and have failed or for those who use drugs that carry a strong physical dependence such as heroin, certain prescription painkillers, and methamphetamine.

Another advantage of outpatient drug detox is that these programs allow addicts to get help and treatment without significantly disrupting their daily routine. Outpatient drug detox programs are especially helpful for those who have significant family or community ties that require them to be home to care for their children, work to pay bills or otherwise be the sole provider for their family or loved ones.

Disadvantages of Outpatient Drug Detox

Although there are many advantages to outpatient drug detox there are also some disadvantages to this type of outpatient drug detox. Outpatient drug detox programs are not able to provide the high level of monitoring that is offered at an inpatient drug detox program which leaves much time for the addict to fend for themselves and try to remain sober on their own. Since outpatient drug detox programs do not provide around the clock monitoring, if an addict begins to have severe withdrawal symptoms during the drug detox process they may not be able to get the help that they need quickly enough to safely overcome the symptom.

Outpatient drug detox programs do not always provide the same types of medication that are offered at inpatient drug detox programs. Because different medications may or may not be offered and because the level of monitoring that is provided at outpatient drug detox programs may not be sufficient enough to warrant the complete safety of the addict, outpatient drug detox programs are actually controversial to many people. Outpatient drug detox programs have a significantly higher probability of relapse than inpatient programs.