According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 15.5% of New York residents ages 12 and older used illicit drugs at some point in the previous 12 months between the years 2005 and 2010. The New York Office of Addiction Services and Support reveals that there were 6,358 overdose deaths in New York in 2022. This is up from 3,697 deaths in 2018.
Overcoming substance abuse and addiction is a difficult journey. Often a drug or alcohol addiction is in combination with untreated mental health disorders. This increases the challenge of breaking an addiction. While inpatient treatment is one option available for getting clean, outpatient detox and treatment can be just as effective for many people. While it is not ideal for some people, outpatient detox offers advantages that make it preferable for many who are trying to get clean.
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Understanding Outpatient Detox
The withdrawal symptoms from a drug or alcohol dependency can be severe and even dangerous in some situations. The symptoms vary based on the substance and other factors, and they may include nausea, vomiting, excessive fatigue, confusion, hallucinations, a rapid heart rate, agitation, seizures, loss of consciousness and many others. In addition to potentially being fatal, the withdrawal symptoms are often so significant that the user starts using again to deal with the symptoms.
Outpatient detox is a medically assisted treatment program. With proper medical treatment administered by your care team, you can minimize the symptoms with approved medications and get clean more safely and comfortably. Unlike with an inpatient detox program, outpatient detox does not require an overnight stay.
Who Can Benefit from Outpatient Detox?
Outpatient detox is suitable for many people who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, opioids or other substances. Because outpatient detox involves identifying and treating underlying psychiatric and medical conditions as well, this option is both effective and safe for suitable patients. However, when detoxing with some underlying conditions, inpatient care is needed.
Those who are most successful with outpatient detox treatment often have a supportive home environment. Individuals with some physical health conditions, an unsupportive home environment or a history of relapses may benefit from an inpatient program.
Outpatient detox typically involves regular visits to the treatment center, but it also allows the patient to be comfortable and supported in their home environment. While the first appointment may be one or several hours long, the follow-up appointments often require 30 minutes or less. The total treatment time for an outpatient detox program varies and may last from a few days to two weeks. Patients must commit to attending each scheduled appointment.
The Outpatient Detox Process
The outpatient detox process is broken into three stages. The total length of treatment varies by the addictive substance, the severity of the addiction and several other factors. These are the stages in the outpatient detox process:
1. Initial Assessment
At the first appointment, you will meet with a treatment provide, and an initial assessment will be completed. During this assessment, a treatment program will be tailored to suit your needs and help you to achieve the desired outcome while minimizing your discomfort. The assessment includes lab tests, a physical examination and an intake history. A mental health assessment is also complete to determine if additional treatment would be beneficial. The treatment plan will be explained at this time. For some patients, a recommendation for inpatient treatment is made.
2. Detoxification Protocols
While outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol detox is suitable for many people who are struggling with substance abuse, people experiencing severe symptoms should be treated at a hospital. Some of these symptoms are hallucinations, loss of consciousness, agitation and tremors that are not improved by medication. In addition, pregnant women should be treated in a hospital. Severe symptoms can develop suddenly during detox in some cases.
3. Medication Management
Acute withdrawal symptoms will be treated during outpatient detox. Depending on the symptoms that you are experiencing and the addictive substance, thiamine, hydroxyzine pamoate, clonidine, ondansetron, loperamide and acetaminophen can also be prescribed. The recommended medications will ease your symptoms and help you detox more comfortably.
Benefits of Outpatient Detox
While inpatient treatment is preferential or essential in some situations, an outpatient detox program offers several benefits. These benefits often make it a more desirable option for many people who are trying to break an addiction.
1. Flexibility and Convenience
Inpatient treatment requires the patient to spend long days or even weeks away from home. As a result, the patient is disconnected from the comfort of a daily routine and the full support of family and friends. In addition, the patient must take time away from work and may experience financial hardship as a result. On the other hand, outpatient detox requires minimal time in a treatment center. The patient can usually continue with his or her schedule and maintain employment. In addition, he or she will enjoy the comforts of home and can spend time with friends and family while detoxing.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
The ability to detox from drugs or alcohol and continue earning a paycheck through an outpatient program is a financial benefit. In addition, the cost of outpatient detox is considerably lower than with inpatient detox treatment. Inpatient detox requires you to pay for room and board as well as around-the-clock medical care and supervision. With an outpatient detox program, your financial commitment is limited to scheduled appointments and medication management.
3. Supportive Environment
The type of support available through inpatient versus outpatient treatment varies. In an inpatient program, the primary support is from the medical team at the treatment center. In an outpatient program, you will receive support from your care team at the treatment center at every visit. The treatment specialists are also available if additional assistance is needed between appointments. In addition, you can enjoy the support of family and friends if you choose an outpatient program. These are the individuals who you are most comfortable with and who know you well.
Challenges and Considerations
While outpatient treatment for substance abuse has numerous advantages, it is not suitable for everyone. It also comes with risks that you may not be exposed to in an inpatient treatment setting.
1. Risks of Outpatient Detox
In an outpatient detox program, you will not receive around-the-clock medical attention. Detox can be dangerous and even life-threatening at times, so there is a risk associated with minimized medical supervision. This risk can be mitigated with the support and supervision of loved ones who can monitor you for symptoms and seek emergency medical attention if a situation develops.
In addition, the temptations to use drugs or alcohol may be present at home. In some cases, family and friends are not supportive and may even entice you to continue abusing the substance. These temptations can decrease your likelihood of getting clean.
2. Not Suitable for Everyone
Many people qualify for outpatient detox, but there are some situations when this treatment is not advisable or available. Pregnant women, for example, should not attempt outpatient detox. Individuals with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. During an initial consultation, your treatment center can provide you with a personalized recommendation about the best detox program based on your health and needs.
Learn More at Long Island Treatment Center
The end result of an addiction to opioids, benzodiazepines or other substances can be devastating, but rest assured that help is available. Long Island Treatment Center offers outpatient treatment and withdrawal management programs that can help you achieve your goal of living a better life. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us today for a consultation.