Ambulatory detox (or outpatient detox)
is a medically supervised way to stop alcohol or drug use while continuing to live at home. Zelus Recovery provides ambulatory detox services for adults throughout Boise, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley.
What is an ambulatory detox program?
An ambulatory detox is an outpatient withdrawal management service. Instead of spending time in a hospital or inpatient detox unit, people live at home and attend frequent check-ins at our clinic in Meridian. Ambulatory detox is not for everyone. Some need 24/7 medical monitoring to be safer during withdrawal management.
Our team of professionals starts with a comprehensive medical and addiction assessment to make sure outpatient detox is a safe option for patients considering it. This assessment will help us determine what your detox timeline might look like as you make progress. We’ll also have you complete some standardized assessments so we can get a baseline of your symptoms to monitor how they change over time. Our psychiatric team may also suggest medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you detox. If so, we’ll supervise your medication use to keep you safe.
Read more: The Difference Between Detox and Rehab
Is ambulatory detox right for me?
Outpatient detox can be a safe, effective start to recovery for some people, but it’s not for everyone. Some people need inpatient treatment to see the full benefits of alcohol and drug detox. We’ll assess your withdrawal risk and other health conditions before recommending our ambulatory program.
Good candidates for outpatient detox
Ambulatory detox might be right for those who:
- Have mild to moderate withdrawal risk
- Have a safe, stable place to stay during detox
- Have reliable support from someone who can help with medications or transportation
- Can follow medical instructions and attend frequent check-ins
- Don’t have a recent history of severe withdrawal complications
When a higher level of care is needed:
We may not recommend ambulatory detox for those with:
- Alcohol withdrawal with a history of seizures or delirium tremens (DTs)
- Heavy daily alcohol use with significant withdrawal symptoms already beginning
- Unstable medical conditions, such as heart problems, severe dehydration, uncontrolled blood pressure, or pregnancy-related complications
- Serious mental health risks, including active suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or inability to care for oneself
- Lack of safe housing or inability to reliably attend follow-up visits
- High-risk polysubstance withdrawal, especially combinations involving alcohol and benzodiazepines
If you’re not sure if ambulatory detox is right for you or a loved one, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We can help you determine the best next step during a free, confidential consultation.
Find help today at Zelus Recovery
What substances can ambulatory detox help with?
Our ambulatory detox program supports people withdrawing from several types of substances. Each plan is individualized based on risk, history, and overall health.
Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to life-threatening. For individuals with lower withdrawal risk, ambulatory detox allows close monitoring while maintaining daily routines. Frequent check-ins help identify early warning signs and adjust care as needed.
Opioids
Ambulatory detox for opioids focuses on symptom management, comfort, and stabilization. Our team also helps patients plan next steps, which may include outpatient treatment, therapy, or medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs).
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine withdrawal carries a higher medical risk and often requires a carefully managed taper. Ambulatory detox may be appropriate only in lower-risk situations with close medical oversight. We may only offer ambulatory detox if it supports a safe tapering schedule.
Stimulants
Stimulant withdrawal is typically managed through supportive care. We focus on sleep, nutrition, mental health monitoring, and emotional support while helping patients transition into ongoing treatment.
Common withdrawal symptoms and how we support you
Withdrawal symptoms are common as your brain and body adjust to the absence of alcohol or drugs. Symptoms vary depending on the substance, duration of use, and individual health factors.
Common withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical discomfort or aches
Urgent warning signs
Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call for help or go to the emergency room if symptoms include:
- Worsening confusion or disorientation
- Severe tremors or shaking
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Persistent vomiting
- Dangerously high blood pressure or heart rate
Ambulatory detox reduces risk through frequent clinical monitoring, symptom tracking, and medication support when appropriate. The Zelus Recovery team adjusts care plans as symptoms change, with patient safety guiding every decision.
What to expect in our Boise ambulatory detox program
Every patient at Zelus Recovery receives a personalized detox plan. Most include:
- Comprehensive intake and medical assessment to evaluate withdrawal risk and support needs
- Creation of a personalized withdrawal plan
- Daily or near-daily check-ins with the clinical team
- Medication support when clinically appropriate
- Ongoing symptom monitoring and plan adjustments
- Support planning for sleep, nutrition, coping skills, and relapse prevention
- Development of a next-step treatment plan
Ambulatory detox may last a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substances involved and how patients progress.
Ambulatory detox vs. inpatient detox
Both ambulatory and inpatient detox provide medical support, but they differ in intensity and setting.| Factor | Ambulatory Detox | Inpatient Detox |
| Living arrangement | At home | Residential or hospital setting |
| Monitoring | Daily or near-daily check-ins | 24/7 medical supervision |
| Best suited for | Mild to moderate withdrawal risk | High-risk or severe withdrawal |
| Pros | Flexibility, privacy, lower cost | Continuous monitoring, higher safety for severe symptoms |
| Cons | Less intensive monitoring | More disruptive to daily life |
Cost, insurance, and getting started
The cost of ambulatory detox varies based on clinical needs and insurance coverage. Benefits vary by plan, and our admissions team is happy to verify insurance coverage for you, or you can use our confidential online form. Zelus Recovery works with most major insurance plans.
When calling, it’s helpful to have:
- Insurance information
- A general overview of substance use
- Availability for frequent visits or check-ins
Our team will walk you through the process and help determine the next steps.
Take the first step to recovery in Meridian
Frequently asked questions
Ambulatory detox is medically supervised outpatient withdrawal management that allows patients to live at home while receiving frequent clinical monitoring.
The length varies based on substance use and individual response, but most programs last several days to a couple of weeks.
It can be safe in lower-risk situations, but higher-risk cases require inpatient detox. A medical assessment is essential.
Ambulatory detox involves frequent check-ins while living at home, while inpatient detox provides 24/7 monitoring in a residential setting.
Many people can, depending on symptoms and visit schedule. This is assessed individually.
Yes. Coverage varies by plan, and we verify benefits before starting.
Yes. We serve the entire Treasure Valley, including Nampa and Caldwell.
