Outpatient Detox Programs

Outpatient detox is an effective means of treatment for users who are not heavily dependent on drugs or alcohol or who have a strong enough network of support at home to help them remain sober even during the challenging times of withdrawal. Both inpatient detox programs and outpatient detox programs aim to provide helpful support and care for those in early recovery from addiction but, unlike inpatient detox programs which provide around the clock care, outpatient detox programs offer limited care and monitoring that may not be for everyone.

How Can I Tell Outpatient Detox is Right for Me?

Deciding whether outpatient detox is the right choice for your needs will depend on a variety of factors such as:

• The type of drug or substance that you are addicted to
• The level of support that you have at home from friends or family
• The responsibility that you have at home with children, work, school or other matters
• The severity of your addiction
• Your individual health and whether there are any underlying health conditions

Outpatient rehab programs are great for individuals who need to be close to home, have a good support system, and can avoid drugs while in their environment.

Outpatient detox is not for:

• People who have already tried outpatient detox in the past and have continued to relapse
• People who are heavily addicted to a substance such as alcohol or opiates
• People who use drugs with their family members in the household
• People who have co-occurring health conditions that require them to use certain drugs even while in detox

How Can I Choose an Outpatient Detox Program?

Choosing an outpatient detox program for yourself or for someone you love is a matter of asking questions, taking time to do some research and making the most informed decision that you can. There are a number of questions that you may want to ask before you make a final decision as to which outpatient detox program is right for you. Consider the following factors when looking for an outpatient detox program that will be the right choice for your needs:

• Is the facility close to my home or my workplace? You’ll want to choose a detox center that is conveniently located so that you can get to treatment when you need to. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment must be readily available in order to be effective.
• Is the detox facility clean and committed to effective treatment? Make a visit to the facility where you plan on receiving your outpatient treatment to ensure that it’s a clean and safe environment where you will feel comfortable when you are there. To determine whether the facility is committed to effective treatment, ask them about their success with others, ask what they do to help patients succeed and spend some time getting to know the treatment professionals in the clinic to ensure you are comfortable.
• Consider the cost, whether insurance is accepted and what payment methods are accepted at the detox clinic. Be sure that you choose a clinic that accepts your insurance if you have insurance, and if not, be sure to choose a clinic that you can afford and which will work with you on payments.