If a person is getting outpatient detoxification they must go to the facility helping them through detox every day or at least five days a week in most cases. Outpatient detox services are either done in the daytime or evening, which makes it ideal for a person who needs to keep a regular work or school routine. Certain facilities may also provide ways to get detoxification treatment in either regular outpatient or outpatient day treatment, to augment detoxification services and prevent relapse.
An average amount of time clients participate in outpatient detoxification is approximately seven days. A number of programs use medically assisted detoxification methods while others offer drug free detoxification services. At times when meds are needed to prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, as is the case with alcohol and benzodiazepine medications where seizures are sometimes a problem. Otherwise, staff at the program help individuals handle their emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms of cravings and withdrawal until they are safely detoxed and balanced.
While outpatient detoxification in Ward is more adaptable for obvious reasons, a very severe drawback is that individuals are at a greater chance of relapse due to the access they maintain to drugs and alcohol. Ideally, clients will then go into a comprehensive treatment program to address the reasons for their addiction once outpatient or inpatient detox is finished.