Alcohol Detox Programs
Addicts interested in alcohol detox programs will have many options to consider. Detox is the first step in any treatment program, and finding the right detox program to fit your needs will be an important undertaking. Here, you will find the resources you need to familiarize yourself with some of the available alcohol detox program options, so that you can make an informed and confident decision that leads to your lasting recovery.
About Alcohol Detox Programs
Alcohol detox is the first step in any addiction treatment program. In order for a patient to fully focus on treatment for alcohol addiction, they must be of the right mind. By going through an alcohol detox program and moving past the withdrawal stage, patients can eliminate the physical cravings for alcohol. This will allow them to be more open to receiving and participating in treatment.
Inpatient Alcohol Detox Program
In an inpatient alcohol detox program, patients check into a hospital or treatment facility, where they receive 24-hour medical care and supervision while going through the detox process. Inpatient alcohol detox is generally very effective, because symptoms can be monitored and treated as soon as they arise. Inpatient alcohol detox programs are recommended especially for repeat offenders (people who repeatedly engage in binge drinking and other abusive/addictive behavior). It’s also highly recommended for people dealing with chronic alcoholism. Because the detox symptoms in chronic alcohol abusers can potentially be fatal, round-the-clock supervision by a medical professional is extremely important.
Outpatient Alcohol Detox Program
Outpatient alcohol detox programs, on the other hand, involve patients coming to a hospital or clinic every few days to receive care. A typical check-up for an outpatient detox program includes having one’s vitals checked, getting blood tests, and receiving medication. In an outpatient alcohol detox program, a patient’s detox symptoms can still be monitored by their doctors, but the patient is allowed more flexibility in their schedules than with an inpatient detox program. Outpatient detox allows one to work their detox around their work, school, family, and other commitments.
One of the drawbacks of outpatient alcohol detox programs is that addicts have many more opportunities to fall back into old habits and turn to drinking. In lieu of 24-hour supervision, anyone undergoing outpatient detoxification can increase their chances of success by having a strong support system around them. They must be strongly committed to their sobriety, and they must be ready to ask for help when they need it.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Detox Program
Alcohol detox programs, regardless of how they operate, are there to give each patient a clean slate with which to start treatment. Choosing which type of detox program to go through is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. By understanding what each type of alcohol detox program is all about, you can decide which one is a better fit to your personal wants, your daily commitments, and your medical needs.