subject: Choosing The Right Kind Of Detoxification For Alcohol Addiction Patients [print this page] Detoxification is commonly used in the treatment of alcoholism. This is part of the whole treatment process to help patients with lowering negative effects of withdrawal. Patients greatly benefit from detoxification since it helps patients proceed with therapy with greater ease and determination. Completing detoxification however does not necessarily ensure success in the whole treatment but it's a better way compared to cold turkey or sudden halt from alcohol intake. Detoxification may be availed by patients in an outpatient type of facility or inpatient. Each has their own pros and cons.
Outpatient Detoxification
Patients go to a hospital or facility for detox treatment daily not including weekends. Treatment may be done during daytime or at evenings depending on the request of the patient. Out-patient detoxification starts with assessment of the patient. Alcohol consumption history and family history are part of the examination. Patients are required to have clinical tests and physical check-up before the initiation of the detox treatment. The first day of detox is the longest due to the assessment and lab tests involved. It lasts approximately for two hours.
Succeeding treatments can take between 15 to 30 minutes and lasts up to 14 days depending on the patient's progress. The advantage of out-patient treatment is that patients are given greater freedom to accomplish other tasks in their daily lives. They can live an ordinary lifestyle and interact freely with friends and family. There are lots of outpatient drug treatments that provide detoxification treatment. This method can be very effective for some but not true to all.
Inpatient Detox
Inpatient detox starts similarly with outpatient where there is assessment, physical check-up and laboratory tests before initial detox. The main difference is that this type of detox requires the patient to stay in the center for the whole duration of the treatment so that there's constant monitoring of the patient especially for serious complications. Patients who suffer serious addiction are the ones who go through this type of detox since the withdrawal effects are more serious and life-threatening. The therapy usually lasts between 5 to 14 days just like out-patient detoxification treatment.
Some drug treatment centers offer inpatient detoxification treatment as part of the whole program. This way, experienced staff and physicians can monitor the patient round the clock. Being inside an inpatient facility also lessens the probability of the one taking medication to access alcohol drinks. Relapse is lesser when there are qualified personnel who assist and check on the patient during the treatment.
