Outpatient Drug Detox

Recently there have many breakthroughs in outpatient drug detox and outpatient drug treatment programs. Many are now able to safely detox from alcohol and opiate drugs in an outpatient setting. Medications can be given to relieve withdrawal symptoms for alcohol and opioid drugs that include prescription drugs like Percocet and Oxycodone.

Medical Treatment in Outpatient Drug Detox

Outpatient drug detox allows for more freedom than inpatient programs.

New medications like Suboxone have proven to be very effective in relieving or eliminating the painful withdrawal symptoms that happen when someone has developed a tolerance to opiate drugs and then stops using them. Suboxone dissolves under the tongue and begins to work quickly bringing relief within about an hour. It helps with painful cramping in the abdomen, legs and back. It eliminates nausea and vomiting and the migraine like headaches that cause sensitivity to motion, light and sound. It also helps with the cravings and intense desire to use drugs again.

According to NIDA, “Medical detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use.” When symptoms are stabilized and the treatment is finished the patient is able to return home for the rest of the day.

People who need detox from drugs like tranquilizers or amphetamines can also find help at outpatient drug detox facilities. Addictions to drugs like Xanax, Ativan, Ritalin etc are on the rise and more and more programs are now including both outpatient drug detox and outpatient drug treatment for drugs like these. These types of drugs are sometimes referred to as club drugs and were not thought to be addictive until young people and teenagers started using them before going to raves, clubs or parties. It was discovered that people can build a tolerance to psychoactive drugs and eventually a dependence when they are used regularly or in high doses.

Dual Diagnosis: Outpatient Alcohol Detox

Studies have shown that people detoxing from alcohol greatly benefit in medical treatment that includes benzodiazepenes (benzos). People detoxing from alcohol often feel anxious and paranoid and have trouble sleeping. Benzos have proven to be very effective in managing these symptoms. In the past, the only treatment option to alcoholics was through 12 Step programs and organizations like Smart Recovery, which did not address the medical aspect of the detox process. Now with the new findings a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy is showing promising results in long term recovery from alcoholism.

Benefits of Outpatient Drug Detox

Outpatient drug detox programs can be beneficial in a couple of ways. A person came remain living at home with their family members during outpatient drug detox. This helps them to feel more comfortable and disrupts families as little as possible. It also allows for families to participate in the recovery of their loved ones. It is also a less expensive alternative to inpatient drug detox programs because you’re not including boarding and meals into your therapy. Costs of outpatient drug detox is often covered by insurance and can be offered at no cost or a reduced cost to those who cannot afford drug treatment.

Find outpatient detox centers near you by calling 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) , or search our directory of facilities by state. 

Sources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administation. (2011). The Facts About Buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Addiction.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says- 8: Medical detoxification.