Alcohol Detox - Inpatient or Outpatient – Which Is Better?

All over the UK, there are NHS offices and private clinics providing alcohol detox to chronic abusers who find themselves in a state of dependence. Some offer outpatient detox while others work through inpatient programmes. The question is – is one type of programme better than the other?

It's hard to say given that both types of detox programmes have their strong and weak points. The only assumption we can make is that the best type of detox is the one that works for the individual accessing it. One person might do better utilising an outpatient alcohol detox programme offered by the NHS; another might need the structure and discipline of the inpatient setting.

Outpatient Alcohol Detox

Outpatient programmes are usually offered in one of two options. The first option requires the recovering alcoholic to visit a clinic every day, for 7 to 10 days. While at the clinic, he or she is medically evaluated and, when appropriate, given prescription medications to help control cravings. The second option is known as home detox.

Home detox is a good option when an individual is not able to make it to a clinic every day. Under this option, a registered nurse visits the recovering alcoholic every day for the first two or three days and on an as-needed basis thereafter. The nurse is able to prescribe certain medications when appropriate.

The biggest benefit of outpatient Alcohol rehab detox is cost. When services are accessed through the NHS, these do not cost the patient anything. There are some charities also offering free outpatient detox as well.

The major downside to outpatient services is that these do not provide the structure many recovering alcoholics need to get well. Furthermore, the recovering alcoholic remains immersed in the lifestyle and circumstances that enabled his or her drinking problem to begin with.

Inpatient Alcohol Detox

When an alcohol rehab clinics undergoes inpatient detox, it is likely going to be part of a 4-12 week programme that also includes rehabilitative therapies. This is the strength of inpatient treatment. It provides the structure and support the recovering alcoholic needs without the distractions of daily life.

The biggest downside to inpatient treatment is the fact that it is not free. Inpatient programmes are provided by private clinics that charge for their services. If you can afford private care, many consider it the best option. However, it does not do much good for those who cannot afford it.

One last thing to consider is how serious a given situation is. For example, in an emergency, the NHS might not be able to provide immediate help. Instead, there may be a waiting period involved. Such cases are better served by private clinics with the ability to offer emergency admissions.

There really is no way to say one form of alcohol detox is better than the other. It all comes down to individual needs, preferences, and financial circumstances. One thing we can definitely say for sure is that alcohol detox is available to anyone who needs it.