If you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, detox is the first step in getting clean. This process allows people to get clean from alcohol and some medications without staying overnight in a facility.
Outpatient detox can be more flexible than residential detox options, allowing you to work and maintain your family and social relationships while getting clean. It also includes regular drug tests and counseling sessions.
Medically Assisted Detox
Medically assisted detox is the first step in recovery for many substance abusers. This process helps individuals overcome withdrawal symptoms and is the most effective way to begin a drug addiction treatment program.
If a person attempts to quit drugs or alcohol alone, they could experience dangerous health complications and relapse soon after. With a medically-assisted detox, the patient will be monitored by a team of healthcare professionals. This ensures that any health issues are addressed quickly and safely.
Medications are used during detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications can target desires, ease pain, and reduce nausea. They can also help reduce the risk of relapse and increase a person’s ability to focus on their drug addiction treatment plan. The medicines used can vary depending on the type of drug but most often include FDA-approved prescription drugs. In addition to these medications, some detox programs may use a medication known as Vivitrol or Zipitrol, which blocks opioid receptors and prevents drug users from feeling high.
Medications
Medications can help you overcome withdrawal symptoms, and they may be prescribed or taken over the counter. These medications can include anti-nausea medication to ease intestinal issues and painkillers for aches and pains.
If you’re withdrawing from opioids, your doctor might prescribe buprenorphine or methadone to ease cravings and lower withdrawal symptoms. They might also give you naloxone (Narcan, formerly known as Nalox), which can reverse an opioid overdose by being sprayed into the nose or injected.
People who have a history of relapse or severe withdrawal symptoms are usually advised to undergo detox in a more medically intensive inpatient setting. This is because they can risk life-threatening complications if they try to quit drugs or alcohol cold turkey at home or without medical supervision. However, outpatient detox can be effective for people with a supportive home environment and work or school responsibilities they can continue with during withdrawal.
Check-Ups
Outpatient detox near me allows you to seek help for your substance abuse problem without staying at a rehab center overnight. You can attend detox sessions at a treatment facility during the day and go home to your family or sober living home at night.
You will meet with a drug counselor and therapist regularly after detox. Your doctor may also conduct regular blood, urine, or saliva tests to check for dangerous substances in your body.
Be patient and supportive if you have a friend or loved one in detox. You can encourage them by educating yourself about addiction and recovery. Explain that relapse is prevalent but that recovery is possible with continued support from friends and family and a commitment to sobriety. You can also offer to attend a mutual help group with them, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery.
Counseling
A therapist can help you learn healthier behaviors than drug abuse. The therapist can also teach you skills to deal with triggers and prevent relapse. The goal is to replace drug use with positive alternatives that improve your life and help you cope with stress.
A common technique is dialectical behavior therapy based on acceptance and change. Originally used to treat suicidal people, it’s been found effective in treating substance abuse. It teaches you to accept your feelings while improving your interactions with others.
Outpatient detox may be the right choice if you have a sound support system and a safe home environment. Many detox programs are outpatient, so you can visit the facility during the day and return home at night. This allows you to maintain your work schedule and keep up with family responsibilities while going through the withdrawal process. Choosing an outpatient program will also make accessing counseling and self-help support groups easier.
