There are different types of detox methods that can be used. The type of substance that was abused along with the spectrum of withdrawal symptoms a patient experiences will influence what type of detox is appropriate.
At Desert Cove Recovery we will recommend detox based on an initial assessment of your personal history. Some of the types of detox that may be recommended include:
Outpatient Detox: this form of detox is not recommended very often. However, in some cases of less severe addiction, an outpatient detox program with regular checkups by a treatment team may work. In cases where money is an issue or a person must continue working, going into an outpatient detox regularly may work to help a person avoid relapse and to ensure they have medical care should they need it.
Inpatient Detox: for most people an inpatient detox will be recommended. Inpatient detox is often the safest choice and offers the highest rates of success. During an inpatient detox program a person will have the care that they need around the clock.
Opioid Detox: detox from opioids is often different than detox options for other substances. The FDA has approved several medications to help treat opioid addiction. These medications provide a different way to treat this type of addiction. Whether prescription medications or heroin are the opioid of choice, medication and inpatient care is recommended for the treatment of opioid addiction.
The medications used during opioid detox can help to alleviate some of the more unpleasant withdrawal symptoms from these substances. The medication will gradually be tapered off so the withdrawal symptoms are not as severe.
Withdrawal symptoms for opioid detox will vary based on whether the opioid of choice is long or short-acting. Heroin is a short-acting drug and withdrawal symptoms will typically appear in just a few hours after using and can go away after a few days. A longer-acting opioid such as painkillers may not have withdrawal symptoms until a few days after last using and the symptoms may last for weeks.