Alcohol detox center vs outpatient program - Which one should I use?

If you’re debating what type of rehab program is best to help you detoxify from alcohol, then you should consider debating between the alcohol detox center and the outpatient program. Although both options can work for you – and work for different types of patients – you will find there are pros and cons to each method.

Have you been to rehab before and you feel like you know the pitfalls of your sobriety journey? If so, then you may consider using an outpatient program. If you have just successfully completed an inpatient program with your rehab center, then choosing an outpatient program might be the best next step – after all, you have just learned the coping mechanisms and skills to reintegrate into society.

However, if you had trouble with relapsing, you are a first-time rehab goer, or you are going to need to detox from consistent alcoholism over the years, then going to an alcohol detox center is the best place for you to begin your sober journey. Curious as to which one you should use? Find out more here!

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Alcohol detox center or an outpatient program – which one is best for my addiction?

If you find that you are suffering from addiction, you need to ask yourself – what type of treatment modality has the best chance at success? Since everyone is different, every person has a different background, and everyone has a different history with addiction, this means that every treatment modality should slightly differ based on the unique person. The same goes for asking help at an alcohol detox center – you may require a different type of therapy, hands-on, and visual approach than other users. And that is okay! Finding out what has the best chance of success for you is key to being able to get sober and reintegrate into society.

When you are debating between outpatient programs for alcoholism and an inpatient therapy center, you have a few things that we should take into account.

Amount of support – one of the main differences between an alcohol detox center and an outpatient program is the level of support that you will have at all times of the day. At an inpatient center you will have 24/7 support from staff, clinicians, doctors, counselors, and therapists. At an outpatient program, you will typically only have the support of a therapist or counselor when you’re going to the therapy sessions.
Medical detoxification – the biggest benefit of attending an inpatient alcohol detox center is that you can save medically detox with the supervision of staff and be provided with mediation to quell some of the severe withdrawal symptoms. Avoid doing this on your own through an outpatient program if you have never been detoxed before!
Price – the last aspect to take into consideration when choosing an alcohol detox center vs. outpatient option is the price. This is the only “benefit” of choosing an outpatient program vs alcohol detox center, as it will cost much less since you won’t be paying for the support, amenities, or accommodation at an inpatient location.

Conclusion

If you are considering going to an alcohol detox center or an outpatient program, going to an inpatient choice is typically the best choice for those who need extra help when it comes to patients who are struggling with alcoholism. Transferring to an outpatient program is the best choice for those who have already finished an inpatient intensive program and want to transition back into society.