People with a severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) have the best chance of returning to sobriety through an inpatient program. In some cases, if the patient only had mild AUD or the condition was caught in the early stages, it may be treated with outpatient detox.
An outpatient detox for alcohol offers scheduled detox sessions throughout the week. Also known as ambulatory detox, this method of treatment allows a patient to visit the treatment center for detox sessions then return home afterwards.How to Qualify for Outpatient Detox
To qualify for outpatient detox, the patient must be assessed by a licensed and experienced drug counselor or physician. The severity of the addiction will be examined, as well as the patient’s health, state of mind, and home environment.
The patient must be in good physical and mental condition to qualify for outpatient detox. They must also have a strong support system and a stable home environment. These conditions are essential to ensure the best chance of success.
Once a patient has been approved for outpatient detox, they will work together with the physician or drug care counselor to create their schedule. Typically, an outpatient detox for alcohol program lasts from 3-5 days, with a 5-6 daily detox regimen. The detox process will be performed at a licensed rehab center.
In some cases, the physician may prescribe medication-assisted detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are usually mild and uncomfortable, but they are not life-threatening. Taking the medications will help the patient stay calm and relaxed so that they can better focus on the detox process.
Benefits of Outpatient Detox
There are four benefits that a patient can enjoy with outpatient detox:
Affordable
Since the patient will be allowed to go home after the treatment, they will not need to worry about the cost of board and lodging at the treatment facility. Outpatient detox can be an affordable option if the alcohol abuse is mild and the patient has no health insurance.
Convenient
Before the patient begins their outpatient detox program, they will sit down with their drug care counselor to work out a schedule that works best for them. The schedule will take into account any responsibilities that the patient may have at home or at the office, and work around these constraints.
Flexible
If anything comes up that may disrupt their schedule, it is easier for the patient to reschedule their detox program as an outpatient. They may call ahead to the rehab center to find a new timeslot for their treatment.
Continue Work
When an AUD is less severe and hasn’t impacted the patients life in any serious way, an outpatient detox might allow them to continue to work in a limited capacity.
How Much does Outpatient Detox Cost?
The cost of outpatient detox will depend on your insurance provider. Most medicated-assisted outpatient detox programs are covered by insurance, and reputable centers will work with major insurance companies.
However, if you do not have insurance, you may need to find a rehab center that offers self-pay options. Self-pay options can either be cash or through credit card. In some cases, you can cover the cost of outpatient detox through Medicaid or Medicare. Do not be afraid to ask what type of payment options are available to you.
Finding Outpatient Detox in Long Island & Nearby
Now that you know what to expect from a rehab treatment, the next step is facilities that offer outpatient detox in Long Island and surrounding areas. It can be difficult to take that first step towards getting help, but it is the most critical step back towards sobriety.
If you are having trouble finding a reputable rehab center in Long Island and thereabouts, contact us. Long Island Rehabs is your source for addiction treatment options and advice in the NY Metro Area and Long Island.
