If an individual is getting outpatient detoxification they travel to the facility assisting them with their detox daily or at least 5 days a week in most situations. Outpatient detoxification is either delivered in the daytime or evening, which makes it ideal for someone who needs to maintain a normal work or school routine. Some facilities may provide options to participate in detoxification treatment in a choice of regular outpatient or outpatient day treatment, to augment detoxification services and relapse prevention help.
A standard amount of time people remain in outpatient detoxification is about seven days. A number of programs use medication assisted detoxification approaches while others provide drug free detox services. At times when medications are needed to prevent deadly withdrawal symptoms, as is the case with alcohol and benzodiazepine medications where seizures are sometimes a problem. Alternatively, medical staff at the facility help clients manage their emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms of cravings and withdrawal until they are detoxified and balanced.
While outpatient detox in Elba is more flexible for apparent reasons, a very severe disadvantage is that individuals are at a greater risk of relapse due to the access they maintain to alcohol and drugs. Ideally, people will then go into a comprehensive treatment program to deal with the causes of their addiction once outpatient or inpatient detoxification is finished.