Outpatient detox is a treatment option for individuals struggling with substance use disorders that don’t require 24/7 medical supervision. While outpatient detox may be less intensive than inpatient detox, it is still a challenging process that requires careful planning and preparation. While outpatient care offers more freedom in scheduling, this can be helpful or harmful depending on the patient’s circumstances. Before choosing an outpatient detox plan, it’s essential to determine if outpatient care is the right call.
Outpatient detox preparation involves learning what outpatient treatment is, how it can help, and if it’s the right course of action for you or your loved one. Find answers to all of these questions and more by calling Clear Steps Recovery at 603.769.8981 or visiting us online. Talk to our team of professionals, and learn if our Londonderry, New Hampshire outpatient detox program is right for you.
What Is Outpatient Detox?
In contrast to inpatient (or residential) care, which requires patients to stay for extended periods at hospitals or treatment centers, outpatient detox is a program for individuals to undergo detoxification in the comfort of their own homes. The goal of outpatient care is to provide the same standard of care without patients having to spend the majority of their day in treatment. Additionally, outpatient treatment is more affordable—about 40% less expensive than an inpatient program due to lower overhead costs.
While outpatient detox is not an inferior treatment plan, outpatient and inpatient care have different strengths and weaknesses. For instance, an individual who works full-time can’t afford to allocate their working hours to a live-in drug rehab center. Outpatient care works as a solution in situations like these, where treatment can only occupy a few hours of the day, typically 3-5 days a week. In contrast, some detox plans can be highly dangerous without direct supervision. People with medically sensitive detox programs are advised to seek inpatient care.
Preparing for Outpatient Detox
Even without the change in living environment, participating in outpatient detox will still be a major life change. In exchange for its higher individual freedom, patients in outpatient detox have a higher personal responsibility to keep their domestic life drug-free. The steps involved in outpatient detox preparation are challenging but will make treatment successful in the long term.
Receive a Medical Evaluation
First, it’s essential patients receive a medical evaluation. Your healthcare provider can help you determine potential complications, determine appropriate treatment, or may switch treatment types altogether.
Build a Support Network
Having a strong network is essential for individuals undergoing outpatient detox. Friends, family, and support groups can all be a source of support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
Prepare for Withdrawal Symptoms
Depending on the substance, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur during detox. These symptoms must be understood before they can be properly managed. Anti-nausea medication or non-addictive pain relievers can help reduce withdrawal symptoms from home.
Create a Sober Living Environment
Creating a safe, sober living environment is one of the most critical parts of outpatient recovery. Considering the majority of your time will be spent at home, the presence of drugs or alcohol can be a severe disruption or setback. Remove sources of potential relapse, work to remove triggers, and promote healthy habits in their place.
Follow Through with the Treatment Plan
After outpatient detox, there’s still work left to do. Following through with your treatment plan means attending all scheduled appointments and therapy sessions post-exit. Consistency and commitment to the recovery process are crucial to maintaining sobriety.
Find Outpatient Detox in New Hampshire at Clear Steps Recovery
Outpatient detox preparation is important for people needing a flexible, adaptive treatment program for substance use disorder. At Clear Steps Recovery, our staff can help you find the best program that suits your needs. Call us today at 603.769.8981, or reach out online.
