What is ambulatory detox? Ambulatory detox, commonly referred to as outpatient detox, is designed to medically detoxify a patient who is actively engaged in his or her addiction, safely and discreetly, through outpatient treatment.
Read this article from Avenues Recovery to learn what ambulatory detox includes, its benefits, and who it is suitable for.
What Does Ambulatory Detox Involve?
At professional recovery centers ambulatory detoxification programs usually include:
- A supervised detoxification process from a certified doctor over a period of 3-5 days for several hours per day
- A safe and predictable withdrawal with reasonable comfort
- Education about the disease process of addiction
- An assessment by a counselor and a nurse with substance abuse expertise to determine the level of treatment that would be most beneficial for the patient after drug detox treatment
- An assessment to identify any psychiatric comorbidities that could influence the treatment plan
Pros and Cons of Ambulatory Detox Programs
Here are some benefits of completing detox in an outpatient setting:
- Freedom of schedule
- Remain at home with family support
- Maintain work responsibilities and avoid the transition back to work after rehab (although they’ll likely have to cut back hours for several days)
- Lower costs
Below are several cons of ambulatory detox:
- Higher risk of relapse due to the less controlled setting
- Individuals with severe withdrawal symptoms must attend inpatient detox to ensure their safety. Withdrawal symptoms can be serious, even fatal, if not monitored
- Requires self-motivation or encouragement from a support system to attend detox sessions religiously
Inpatient vs. Ambulatory Detox
Understanding the difference between ambulatory detox and residential treatment is crucial in ensuring you access the best treatment.
- Inpatient Detox: This approach involves a structured, 24/7 medically supervised environment, ideal for individuals with severe withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring health conditions. Patients benefit from constant monitoring, immediate medical intervention, and an immersive therapeutic environment that minimizes external triggers and distractions. However, it often requires significant time away from daily responsibilities and can be more expensive.
- Ambulatory Detox: This option offers greater flexibility, allowing patients to remain at home while attending scheduled medical and counseling sessions. It is generally more affordable and suitable for individuals with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and a stable home environment. However, it may lack the intensive monitoring of inpatient care and pose a risk if withdrawal complications arise outside scheduled visits.
Both approaches have distinct advantages, and the choice depends on the severity of the addiction, the patient's medical history, and their personal circumstances.
Who Is Ambulatory Detox Suitable For?
Ambulatory detox can be a great option for people with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who have been addicted to substances for long periods will usually experience more severe withdrawal systems and therefore require fully supervised detox with medical care at hand 24/7.
If you’re unsure which detox program is best suited to your needs you can contact a treatment professional for guidance.
Ambulatory Detox Programs in the Recovery Process
The treatment team at Avenues Recovery firmly believes that addiction is a chronic and progressive illness that requires treatment. A detoxification program is a prerequisite for treatment, not treatment itself.
Comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab includes a drug detox and alcohol detox program, maintenance therapy, counseling, and medication where necessary. To determine the best and most effective treatment plan for your addiction contact our staff via the website or give us a call at 603-583-4200.