6 Signs Outpatient Drug Detox is Your Best Treatment Option
When you’re ready to combat addiction and become healthier, drug detox is effective at helping you overcome physical dependence on substances. Drug detox treatments are generally administered at inpatient and outpatient rehab centers for addiction — meaning you can detox at a residential facility with 24/7 access to medical care, or at home on your own or surrounded by loved ones supportive of your journey toward sobriety.
Are you suffering from alcohol or drug abuse and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call our confidential helpline any time of day at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). Our caring drug abuse counselors will help you locate nearby drug detox centers devoted to helping you achieve sobriety.
If you think detoxing at home would benefit you more than going to inpatient rehab, here are six signs that indicate outpatient drug detox is your best treatment option.
1. You’re at Low Risk for Withdrawal Symptoms
Outpatient detox is ideal for those who suffer from minor addictions, and who are at low risk for experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms. For instance, many doctors suggest outpatient detox for individuals who have mildly abused substances for a short period of time.
2. You Have No Co-Existing Medical Conditions
Detoxing your body of drugs and/or alcohol can cause one or more withdrawal symptoms that can worsen or interfere with other co-existing medical conditions. For instance, high blood pressure — a common drug and alcohol withdrawal symptom — can lead to complications for those with a history of stroke or heart disease. However, detoxing in an outpatient environment is generally safe if you suffer from no other serious medical conditions.
3. You Have No Co-Occurring Disorders
Many individuals who suffer from addiction also suffer from one or more mental health disorders, known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. These individuals often require behavioral counseling and therapy in addition to detox in order to fully overcome addiction. Outpatient detox could be right for you if you do not suffer from any other mental health disorders.
4. You Live in a Safe, Supportive Home Environment
Drug detox in an outpatient setting is most effective when you can experience treatment surrounded by caring friends and family devoted to helping you overcome addiction. A safe, supportive environment is essential for at-home drug detox, since you may require help and care when withdrawal symptoms are at their worst. Your home must also be free of drugs and alcohol to help lower your risk for temptation and relapse.
5. You Have No History of Failed Detox
Outpatient detox is not often recommended for those who used this treatment method in the past and failed to stay sober. Those with a history of repeated failed outpatient detox often fare best with overcoming addiction at inpatient residential facilities. Outpatient detox may be ideal for you if you’ve never attempted at-home detox programs in the past.
6. You Are Motivated to Succeed
Since outpatient detox programs generally lack around-the-clock medical supervision and support, your motivation and dedication to treatment are required for success. You must be willing to commit to and follow through with detox treatment, and engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors that support your journey to sobriety.
Many outpatient detox programs offer counseling and therapy treatments that can be combined with detox to help you stay committed to overcoming addiction. You can also join addiction support groups to connect with other recovering addicts and learn tips and tricks for avoiding relapse.
If you or someone you love is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, understand that help is just a phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with an experienced drug abuse counselor who can connect you with nearby outpatient drug detox centers.