Same-Day Admission to an Inpatient Detox Program

Can I Walk-In for Same Day Detox or Treatment?

Same-day detox treatment may be available. Call to speak to an admissions navigator at American Addiction Centers (AAC).

Everyone’s needs and expectations can differ. After calling, there may be an opportunity to enter treatment the same day.

Initial Evaluation in Rehab Treatment

One thing to expect when being admitted to a detox program is an initial evaluation, which may include:¹

• Obtaining a substance use history: This may include questions about what substances the patient used, how often the patient used them, what amount(s) the patient used, and how long it has been since the patient last used them.
• Getting information on any prior detoxes and/or treatments for substance addiction: Whether the patient has gone through withdrawal before and, if so, how many times and what happened, ought to be part of this.
• Laboratory tests: Determining blood alcohol content (BAC), checking breath alcohol levels, and/or urine drug screening may be part of the evaluation. Lab tests may also be used to assess nutritional status and to screen for health problems.
• Physical assessment: Through a physical exam, the patient can be assessed for any health concerns.
• Gathering a history concerning overall health: Questions may include inquiring if the patient has any mental health conditions, any physical health conditions, and/or any allergies, as well as if the patient has had any surgeries and/or has ever had seizures.
• Assessing the person’s current living situation: Assessing living situation may include asking if the patient is homeless, stays in a shelter, or lives with others.
• Evaluating risk of suicide or violence.

Other elements may also be included in an initial evaluation.¹

Why Do I Need Same-Day Detox?

Potential situations where quick admission to a detox program may help avert dangerous consequences (if a person is already experiencing significant symptoms or another emergency, call 911):

• Patient is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal. (Alcohol withdrawal can be lethal.¹)
• Patient is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing sedative-hypnotic withdrawal. (Sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, such as withdrawal from barbiturates or benzodiazepines, may be life-threatening.^1,3)

Withdrawal symptoms from certain substances can be significant and even life-threatening. Quality medical drug detox centers provide medications and therapy to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, same day admission to an “emergency” detox program for you or a loved one might be beneficial if a patient is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Abstinence from opioids can decrease tolerance, so a smaller amount of opioids might cause an overdose in a relapse, which could be fatal.⁴ If an individual pursuing addiction treatment warrants pharmacological treatment but maintenance treatment is impractical, is not indicated, or is turned down, then detoxification is indicated.¹

Better results correlate with methadone or buprenorphine treatment that is ongoing than with medically supervised withdrawal. Relapse to opioid use will occur, research indicates, for the majority of individuals who have opioid use disorder and go through medically supervised withdrawal, though psychosocial strategies can be beneficial during and after. After an adequate amount of time without using opioids, injectable extended-release naltrexone can be used, which is better at lowering the likelihood of using opioids again than no medicine or placebo.⁵

What is the Detox Process?

According to a consensus panel, there are three crucial elements in the detox process:¹

1. “Evaluation”: This involves testing for substances, checking for co-occurring health problems (physical and psychological), assessing any health problems present, and evaluating the individual’s social circumstances.
2. “Stabilization”: This includes helping a person to get through any current state of intoxication and withdrawal. Medical and/or psychosocial interventions may be used. Also included is helping individuals become acquainted with their part in their addiction treatment and their recovery as well as with what they should anticipate in the treatment environment.
3. “Fostering the patient’s entry into treatment”: This component includes, through emphasizing that continuing on with the whole treatment continuum is important, getting an individual ready to enter addiction treatment programs. Patients with a history of repeatedly detoxing but not participating in substance use treatment after might be motivated to do so by signing a treatment contract early, once sufficiently stable.

These elements do not have to happen one at a time in practice.¹

How Long Does Detox Treatment Take?

The length of stay for an inpatient detox program may vary based on the substance used and your individual experiences and needs. Detox can last anywhere from a few days (3, 5, 7, 10 day detox) to a few weeks depending on the substance. Once stabilized through the detox process, patients will typically enter an inpatient rehab program at the same facility where they will attend therapy and learn techniques for long term recovery. Insurance may also be able to cover all or part of the program depending on your coverage.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Detox Program

There are several factors to consider when determining the appropriate care for your, or a loved ones detoxification, for example:¹

• Admission to a hospital or another setting that provides 24/7 medical care may generally be preferable for detox for sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, and opioid withdrawal.
• It should be a suitable setting for any existing physical or mental health issues.
• Whether it accepts your insurance. Most insurers are required by law to cover addiction treatment, including detox. However, it’s crucial to find a detox facility that accepts your insurance. Enrolling in a facility that is part of your insurer’s care network typically will have lower costs than one that is out-of-network.
• Location. Treatment close to home is convenient but attending treatment in another locality may have advantages too.
• Amenities. Treatment centers often offer certain amenities (e.g., fitness centers, recreational activities, chef-cooked meals)  that can make the stay in detox or inpatient rehab more comfortable.

Can I Go to an Outpatient Program if I Need Detox?

Some treatment facilities may offer outpatient detox. However, in cases of severe dependence to certain substances (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol, heroin), 24/7 monitoring and support provided by an inpatient facility may be necessary for the patient’s health and safety.¹

In some cases, it may be appropriate for patients to complete medical detox and then transfer to an outpatient treatment program.

Same-Day Detox for Drugs or Alcohol

Quick admission to a detox program may be helpful and possibly life-saving in some circumstances. Assessing the patient, stabilizing the individual, and promoting entrance to continued treatment for that individual are crucial elements of detox.¹ 

Call to speak with a compassionate admissions navigator at American Addiction Centers (AAC) about same-day detox and other addiction treatment options near you. You can also verify your insurance coverage using the confidential form below.