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COMPARISON
IN-PATIENT vs. OUT-PATIENT
DETOXIFICATION

In difficult economic times, you have to look very close at the alternatives for substance abuse treatment. Cost of treatment varies widely. Unfortunately, quality of treatment also varies. There are distinct differences between IN-PATIENT and OUT-PATIENT detoxification.
This grid will help you assess your options and make the right choice.
General Comparison
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Interruption in ability to work
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Interruption in going to school
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Leave of absence required
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Offered |
In-Patient Detox |
Offered |
Out-Patient Detox |
yes |
IN-PATIENT
Opiate Detox
(5-7 Days)
- Relapse rates are very high
- Patients typically experience intense Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
|
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Opiate Detox
(2-12 wk program)
- Slow steady step down taper
- Relapse rates are lower See Article
- Slow steady taper results in less Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
- Comprehensive After-Care plan available
|
yes |
IN-PATIENT
Benzodiazepine
Detox
(7-10 days)
- Relapse rates are very high
- Patients typically experience intense Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) for an extended period of time.
|
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Benzodiazepine
Detox
(4wks. to 6 Months and in higher dose cases 1 yr.)
- Extremely slow step down taper
- Patients typically experience mild
- Mild if any Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
|
yes |
(5-7 Days)
- Rapid alcohol detox can result in patients leaving with substantial cravings and higher likelihood of relapse
- In-Patient setting may be more appropriate in certain acute cases where patient consumes very large amounts of alcohol daily
- Relapse rates are very high
- Patients typically experience intense Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) for an extended period of time
|
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Alcohol Detox
(2-6 wk program)
- Slow steady decline in medications and extended use of anti-craving medications result in less likelihood of relapse
- Most cases of alcohol dependant individuals can in fact be handled safely on an Out-Patient basis
- Cases of binge-drinking can be easily managed on an Out-Patient basis
- Patients typically experience intense Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) for an extended period of time
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| NO - or limited |
IN-PATIENT
Sleep Aid Detox
Not Available
|
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Sleep Aid Detox
(4wks. to 6 Months)
|
NO |
IN-PATIENT
Cocaine
Crack Detox Not Available |
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Cocaine
Crack Detox Available (2)
- Most clinics will turn cocaine detox patients away
- We have an effective protocol to address cravings and other acute symptoms
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NO |
IN-PATIENT
Methamphetamine
Detox
Not Available |
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Methamphetamine Detox
(3)
Available
|
NO |
IN-PATIENT
Kratom Detox
(4)
Not Available
|
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Kratom Detox
(4)
Available |
NO - or limited |
IN-PATIENT
Methadone Detox
(5)
Limited Available |
yes |
OUT-PATIENT
Methadone Detox
(5)
Available
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(6) |
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In some cases under $500.00 for limited brief detox
(6)
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NOTES
(1) 7-10 days is a very fast taper for benzodiazepines. Our detox is extremely comfortable with very small incremental taper steps.
The following note is taken from
Professor C Heather Ashton DM, FRCP -
PROTOCOL FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL - University of Newcastle, Neurology and Psychiatry:
"There is absolutely no doubt that anyone withdrawing from long-term benzodiazepines must reduce the dosage slowly. Abrupt or over-rapid withdrawal, especially from high dosage, can give rise to severe symptoms (convulsions, psychotic reactions, acute anxiety states) and may increase the risk of protracted withdrawal symptoms. Slow withdrawal means tapering dosage gradually, usually over a period of some months." |
The aim is to obtain a smooth, steady and slow decline in blood and tissue concentrations of benzodiazepines so that the natural systems in the brain can recover their normal state. Long-term benzodiazepines take over many of the functions of the body's natural tranquillizer system, mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA. As a result, GABA receptors in the brain reduce in numbers and GABA function decreases. Sudden withdrawal from benzodiazepines leaves the brain in a state of GABA-underactivity, resulting in hyperexcitability of the nervous system. This hyperexcitability is the root cause of most of the withdrawal symptoms. However, a sufficiently slow, and smooth, departure of benzodiazepines from the body permits the natural systems to regain control of the functions which have been damped down by their presence. There is scientific evidence that reinstatement of brain function takes a long time. Recovery after long-term benzodiazepine use is not unlike the gradual recuperation of the body after a major surgical operation. Healing, of body or mind, is a slow process."
(2) Almost all In-Patient detox facilities will not detox from cocaine and crack. Our unique protocol for this detoxification addresses all aspects of these very real and intense withdrawal syndrome.
(3) Almost all In-Patient detox facilities will not detox from methamphetamines. Our unique protocol for this detoxification address all aspects of these very real and intense withdrawal syndrome.
(4) Almost all In-Patient detox facilities will not detox from Kratom Our unique protocol for this detoxification address all aspects of these very real and intense withdrawal syndrome.
(5) Most In-Patient detox facilities cannot or do not detox methadone due to the fact that it take too long and it becomes quite costly. The length of stay for methadone detox could be as long as 14-20 In-Patient days. Our approach is virtually painless and is done over several weeks and is a very gradual taper.
(6) Our costs are based on " pay-as-you-go" to make it easier on the pocket.
Some of our detox protocols can be lengthy, but
all
are geared towards maximum comfort and safety.
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