Rapid Detox

What Is Rapid Detox?

Rapid detox is a fast detoxification done in a clinical setting. Traditional detoxification programs can take up to two weeks as addicts rid their bodies of chemicals from the drugs they were taking. This process is very painful, causing symptoms such as body chills, nausea, vomiting, and crawling skin. However, rapid detoxification completes this process in four to six hours while under anesthesia and requires a 24-48 hour stay in a clinical setting.

During this type of treatment, an addict is placed under general anesthesia. Drugs are then introduced to speed up the withdrawal process. If the patient is not under anesthesia, this process would be very painful. Nurses and qualified anesthesiologists supervise the entire procedure. After waking, the patient is usually placed on another drug (usually naltrexone) for several months after the original detox occurs. This drug will block the “high” effects of opiates, without risk of addiction to the drug itself.

Opiate-based drug addictions that are effectively treated by with this method of detoxification include addictions to heroin, codeine, Vicodin, morphine, Demerol, Lorcet, and Percocet.

Most medical professionals recommend that all rapid detoxification programs are followed by counseling, therapy, and other forms of treatment. Physicians agree that this type of treatment is not meant to be an end-all cure in itself.

Advantages

Proponents of rapid detoxification boast several things as advantages over traditional treatment programs. These include:

• No/few withdrawal symptoms compared to traditional detox programs.
• Private and confidential.
• Fast pace allows patients to return to work within a day or two of treatment.
• Claims high success rate if follow-up programs are utilized.

Disadvantages

Significant problems with the rapid detox methods have recently been detected. They include:

• Expensive treatment reaching into the thousands of dollars.
• Treatment is not normally covered by insurance.
• Physical need for drugs is cured, but psychological one may still exist.
• High drop-out rate for use of the drug naltrexone after detox, due to the non-effect it has on former addicts.
• Going under general anesthesia for any reason poses health risks.
• Because naltrexone blocks the “highs,” relapsing drug abusers are at a higher risk for accidental overdose.

Conclusions

Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence that supports rapid detox programs outright. Very few significant studies have been conducted on the treatment. Even fewer studies have been done comparing rapid detox to other treatment options.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association did conclude, however, that many patients still suffered withdrawal symptoms when they woke up from anesthesia. They also stated that a significant percentage of people undergoing rapid detox quit returning for their follow-up care.

Rapid detox is a relatively new treatment. Within the correct setting, it can be an effective way to start the recovery process. However, before undergoing any treatment, patients should thoroughly review all their options with a healthcare professional.