If someone is receiving outpatient detox they travel to the center assisting them through detoxification daily or at least 5 days per week in most cases. Outpatient detox is either delivered in the daytime or evening, which makes it perfect for someone who needs to keep a regular work or school schedule. Certain programs may also provide ways to get detoxification treatment in either normal outpatient or outpatient day treatment, to augment detoxification services and help prevent a relapse.
An average amount of time people participate in outpatient detox is approximately 7 days. Some facilities use medically assisted detoxification approaches while others provide drug free detoxification services. There are times when meds are needed to prevent life threatening withdrawal problems, as is the case with alcohol and benzodiazepine medications where seizures are sometimes an issue. Alternatively, staff at the facility help individuals manage their emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms of withdrawal and cravings until they are detoxed and balanced.
While outpatient detox in Zoar is more adaptable for apparent reasons, a severe disadvantage is that people are at a greater chance of relapse due to the access they keep to drugs. Ideally, clients will transition into a log-term or short-term recovery facility to deal with the causes of their addiction once outpatient or inpatient detoxification is complete.