Are All Detox Centers Inpatient Centers?

Not all detox centers are inpatient centers. However, it is common for an individual to require inpatient care during detox, especially if they have been abusing certain dangerous substances that cause severe withdrawal syndromes. If you want to find a rehab or detox center that caters to your needs, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now.

Outpatient Detox Centers

Many detox centers are outpatient-based, similar to outpatient rehab centers that offer addiction treatment to patients. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “For patients with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal syndrome,” or any similar drug withdrawal syndrome, “outpatient detoxification is as safe and effective as inpatient detoxification but is much less expensive and less time consuming.”

This is a possible option for those who will benefit from medically assisted withdrawal in an outpatient setting, although not every individual can attend outpatient detox simply because it is cheaper.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Detox

Inpatient detox centers are ideal for those with co-occurring mental disorders.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with both types of detox centers. It is important to understand these and to be aware of their implications before choosing to attend one program in particular. For example:

• Individuals attending outpatient programs often have a higher chance of relapse, especially if they suffer from severe addictions, because their substance of choice will still be very available to them. Those who choose an inpatient program will be safe from any possibility of relapse while they attend treatment.
• Like outpatient rehab centers, “low intensity programs may offer little more than drug education” or medication, which can be problematic for the patient (National Institute on Drug Abuse). It is always necessary to find out what your detox center offers you in the way of treatment before beginning the program.
• Inpatient centers are often better suited for those who have more issues than just their withdrawal to worry about, such as:
  • Co-occurring mental disorders
  • A lack of social support
  • An unstable home life
• Patients in an inpatient setting will receive constant medical care and monitoring from  hospital staff, but it is important to note that this can be problematic when it is not necessary. Patients should not be taught to rely on their healthcare providers for everything, unless it is required based on their current needs.

Anyone who is likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms will require inpatient care as it can be very difficult to determine whether or not one’s symptoms will worsen until they do.

Choosing inpatient detox can often be a much safer option unless you are certain that an outpatient center will be able to provide you with the treatments and help you need.

Which Detox Center is Right for Me?

If you have been struggling with substance abuse for a long time or have the potential to experience a severe withdrawal syndrome, it may be necessary for you to attend inpatient detox treatment.

We can help you find the safest, most reliable program for your particular situation as well as answer any questions you may have about detox, withdrawal, and recovery. Call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now to learn more.