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Detoxification may occur on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The choice of inpatient or outpatient treatment depends on various factors, including:

• The substance that was abused
• How heavily it was abused and for how long
• Any other history of substance abuse
• The patient’s age and social issues
• Any other medical or psychiatric conditions the patient may have

Many treatment centers have their own detoxification facilities. Others arrange for patients to attend detoxification programs at nearby hospitals, clinics or other sites. Outpatient facilities include mental health centers, addiction clinics and private clinics. This form of treatment is less expensive and does not disrupt the patient’s life as much as inpatient detoxification.

Inpatient facilities include hospitals and residential treatment centers. With inpatient detoxification, the patient can be closely monitored and may be exposed to the substance of abuse or other medications under strict medical supervision. Inpatient detoxification may be more rapid than outpatient detoxification.