Detox is often viewed as the first step toward recovery because one of the first things that happen when you stop using drugs or alcohol is that withdrawal symptoms appear. Drug and alcohol withdrawal can range in severity from mild to severe, but withdrawal can also be unpredictable. Even if you think your symptoms are mild, your cravings and old habits may tempt you back into substance abuse. As a result, the best way to detox is to seek help from a licensed healthcare professional.
Outpatient detox centers in San Antonio offer medical guidance, compassionate care, and medication management so you can stay safe and comfortable while detoxing in the familiarity of your own home.
What Happens in an Outpatient Detox
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be emotionally and physically uncomfortable–and can sometimes turn into a dangerous medical situation. Many people find detox and withdrawal to be so painful that they are likely to relapse (drink after a period of sobriety).
A relapse can be very dangerous and can lead to an overdose. It can also be very discouraging and shake people’s confidence in their ability to heal from drug and alcohol addiction. It’s essential to have support and guidance as you navigate this first step of addiction recovery.
An outpatient detox program offers a highly flexible treatment option for people who require treatment and support during detoxification. People in an outpatient detox program receive ongoing care and access to the specialists and programs they need to be successful during detox and avoid relapse.
Here are some of the treatments offered in an outpatient detox program.
Medications
People in outpatient detox programs take medications to help them reduce and manage their emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms. Certain medications can also reduce the intensity of cravings, making it easier to avoid relapse during detox.
The type of medication prescribed will depend both on your symptoms and the type of substance you are detoxing from. For example, medications like Suboxone or methadone may be used to treat opioid withdrawal while a benzodiazepine taper may be used to treat alcohol withdrawal. If you’re detoxing from other drugs, like cocaine or meth, you may be given medications to alleviate your symptoms.
Medication Management
People with substance use disorders tend to have higher rates of medication abuse or misuse than the general population. As a result, it’s important that any prescribed medications are regulated and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
Through medication management, healthcare providers can ensure the safety and medication adherence of clients. For example, if you are prescribed Suboxone or methadone, you’ll have to check in to the clinic each day to receive your medication from a nurse. Supervising your medication will reduce the risk of misuse and increase the effectiveness of your treatment program.
Emotional support
Drug and alcohol withdrawal can feel physically and emotionally draining. People who drink to manage a mental illness or emotional pain may struggle to cope emotionally during detoxification. In an outpatient detox program, people have regular mental health check-ins and counseling sessions with caring, dedicated professionals. They may also attend group therapy sessions or support groups as part of their detox treatment plan.
Medical guidance
Withdrawal symptoms can feel very uncomfortable and may, in some cases, become dangerous. It’s important to be able to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional and receive professional advice about how to manage detox. During a medically-supported detox program, patients receive one-to-one counseling and guidance from dedicated medical professionals. This support and advice can help to ensure they have a safe detox process and know what steps to take at each stage of their recovery.
Group and Individual Therapy
Recovering from addiction is about more than just treating the physical symptoms. It’s also about addressing the root causes of addiction. As a result, outpatient detox centers in San Antonio offer comprehensive group and individual therapy sessions.
During therapy, you can begin exploring your addiction and the behaviors that drive it. You can also receive the essential emotional support you need during this time. Having the support of other like-minded individuals can help motivate you to push forward with your recovery journey.
Safe Detox in the Comfort of Your Home
Unlike inpatient detox centers, outpatient programs offer a safe and effective way to detox in the comfort of your home. Rather than having to stay in a facility with other individuals, you can continue with your daily responsibilities, sleep in your own bed, and feel better day by day without the pressure of a residential program.
Referrals for Continued Care
Enrolling in an outpatient detox program in San Antonio is only the first step in recovery. After detoxing, it’s essential to attend a treatment program that can address your needs and provide you with the resources you need to stay sober. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may be advised to attend an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Begin Your Recovery at our Outpatient Detox Center in San Antonio
If you or a loved one are ready to take the first step toward recovery, our team at Flourishing Foundations Recovery is here to help. Call today to learn more about our San Antonio outpatient detox or to begin intake with a confidential assessment.
