Are you considering rapid opiate detoxification for opioid addiction treatment? If so, it is important to understand what this procedure entails. Rapid opiate detox has been gaining attention as a viable approach to helping individuals break their dependence on opioids. On this page, we’ll provide an overview of the process, its potential benefits, and drawbacks. We will also discuss alternatives that may be better suited to your needs.
It is important to understand that detoxification under sedation is a viable option for those who want to become opioid free, but it is not a miracle cure. There needs to be an inpatient assessment and stabilization before detoxification and a few days of inpatient recovery care after. Those are the basis to ensure safety, well-being and comfort of the patient.
— Clare Waismann RAS/ SUDCC
What is Rapid Detox?
Rapid Detox is a medical treatment for opioid dependence that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Using an opiate antagonist, the procedure takes place in an intensive care unit under sedation and typically lasts a few hours. Patients require three days of hospitalization and specialized care over the following days. Benefits include complete opioid detoxification without the patient having any recollection of the procedure, as well as a physical dependence reversal and elimination of physical cravings. Waismann Method is a leader in this field, thanks to its rigorous protocols, high safety standards, and exceptional results.
How Does Rapid Drug Detox Work?
The process has three integral parts: Pre-evaluation and stabilization, detoxification, and recovery care.
Pre-evaluation and stabilization begin when the patient arrives at the hospital. Once the patient receives comfort medications to prevent withdrawals, a comprehensive medical evaluation is conducted to ensure the patient is physically able to undergo the procedure safely. Patients also receive medications and IV fluids for further physical stabilization to help maximize comfort and minimize any risk during detoxification.
Medical Detoxification is the second part of the process and is when the actual rapid detox occurs. The patient is put under sedation and given a series of intravenous medications. This type of medication quickly binds to the receptors in the brain impacted by opioids, causing the withdrawal symptoms to be significantly reduced or even eliminated. The entire process occurs while the patient sleeps comfortably in their private ICU room.
Recovery care is the third and final part of the process. Once the patient wakes up from sedation, they are closely monitored by our team of medical professionals until they are ready for discharge to our exclusive recovery retreat. The team will provide patients with the necessary support and care at the recovery center during the physical and emotional adjustment. After a few days, most patients can leave our facility and continue on their journey to a healthy and opiate-free life.
Is Rapid Detox Safe?
In the 1980s, rapid detox, also called anesthesia-assisted opiate detoxification, was introduced to the public. The goal of this type of treatment was to complete the withdrawal process as quickly, as comfortably, successfully, and as successfully as possible. Since more traditional detoxification methods were excruciating, rapid detox became a viable option. However, patients must understand that although rapid detox under anesthesia is an excellent treatment option, it does not treat emotional issues. Instead, it allows the patient to be emotionally present, without the cravings and physical dependence, to better adhere to mental health care.
“Rapid detoxification has become more and more popular because it quickly eliminates the extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening opiate withdrawal symptoms.”
Rapid opiate detoxification is not suitable for everyone’s health and safety, and it requires a full evaluation from a doctor to determine candidacy. Based on the evaluation results, another medical course of action might be needed. Medical responsibility is essential in these scenarios; full service accredited hospital, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and sufficient patient hospital time should be present during treatment evaluation until stabilization.
Additionally, It is important to note that claims of full recovery or healing after an overnight stay are misleading to those researching rapid opioid detoxification programs. Qualified medical providers should outline realistic expectations on the necessary treatment process. With its potential benefits, rapid opiate detoxification must still be approached under responsible conditions with comprehensive precautionary measures every time.
ALERT– Claims of curing addiction or restoring the central nervous system to its pre-addiction status with an overnight hospital stay are misleading, irresponsible, and cruel. It places people in a state of over-expecting, and false security, leading to frustration, anger, and dangerous relapse.
Safety Components
Comprehensive Pre-Treatment Protocol
All the preparation leads to safer drug treatment. Having inpatient care at a hospital before rapid detox allows for the following:
- A better understanding of how each patient responds to medications will be critical during rapid drug detox.
- A thorough physical evaluation ensures candidacy and information necessary for an individualized protocol.
- Knowledge of what the patient has consumed or used in the last 24 hours. Drugs, vitamins, and even food can compromise the treatment.
- Additional time for IV Fluids, Electrolytes, and whatever else is necessary to ensure smooth detox. Often opioid-dependent patients lack the essential elements to maintain healthy functioning.
Rather than having you adjust to our treatment, the Waismann Detox™ medical team will modify the procedure to your specific needs. Opiates often change how your body functions. Frequently, opioid dependence may result in a slower metabolism, impeding your digestive system, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Based on the results of the thorough medical assessment, a personalized program is designed just for you. It’s designed to reverse your opiate dependency. Designed to eliminate physical cravings. Designed to get you opiate-free.
The Importance of a Hospital ICU
Due to the rapid transition during anesthesia detox, having an ICU-trained staff is highly recommended. After detox, patients require close observation and monitoring. Specially trained nurses care for one or two patients at a time. ICU doctors and specially trained critical care nurses are available for assistance. ICU’s medical staff continually monitors the patient’s heart, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. We use an accredited hospital and an ICU to enhance the rapid drug detox procedure’s safety while maintaining or improving its comfort.
Private Hospital Room
The medical staff’s attention must be solely directed to the treated patient. Some treatment centers simultaneously put patients side-by-side while undergoing rapid detox from opiates to save money. Treating various patients at once is that others might not receive the attention they deserve in case of an adverse reaction from one patient. Treating patients together is unfair and can lead to unnecessary, dangerous results.
Sedation vs. General Anesthesia
Old protocols using 4 to 8 hours of general anesthesia detox are archaic and unnecessary. A much safer approach is to detox under sedation within 1 to 2 hours. Moderate sedation usually allows the patient to continue oxygenation and airway control independently instead of general anesthesia, where intervention and airway support is often required. Typically, sedation allows your body to recover quickly and has significantly fewer side effects.
As fast as you go through rapid drug detoxification, your body still needs to adjust to functioning without opiates and find its new baseline. After the procedure, you usually remain in the hospital overnight for observation and continued medical care. Once discharged from the hospital to our exclusive recovery center, Domus Retreat, you will continue to recuperate with around-the-clock professional support.
The recovery center provides personalized attention in a warm, home-like environment. This environment gives patients the comfort and support they need while physiologically adapting to a new natural chemical readjustment. These include but are not limited to endorphin production, fluid absorption, body temperature control, sleep patterns, and mood regulation.
Benefits of Rapid Drug Detox Under Anesthesia
- People suffering from opioid use disorder tend to seek help sooner, as there is little fear of withdrawal symptoms.
- Patients are entirely opiate-free in just a few days and can quickly return to a productive life.
- Much better tolerated and far more comfortable than other detox methods.
- Nearly 100% success rate in achieving opioid detoxification.
- Private and confidential.
- Complications are relatively rare when performed in a hospital with proper recovery care.
- Cost-effective in the long term.
- The individual can begin recovery sooner.
Rapid Detox has been subject to considerable criticism, often stemming from clinical centers attempting to reduce costs by admitting patients on the same day as their procedure without enough time for proper evaluation and stabilization. Unprepared family members are then left in charge of aftercare once discharged post-procedure into a hotel room setting – an arrangement that lacks fundamental resources for patient safety recovery.
Waismann Method® Treatment Offers:
- Full-Service Accredited JCAHO Hospital
- Private Rooms
- Quadruple Board-Certified Medical Director
- Over 24 Years of Rapid Opioid Detox Experience
- Multiple Protocols, including Anesthesia Detox Options
- Reputation for the Safest and Best Rapid Detox Center
- Vivitrol shot included when medically indicated
- Inclusive Private Recovery Center
- Food, lodging, transportation, and companionship are included.
- 5,7,10 and 14-Day Programs
Physiological adaptation is accompanied by psychological change. To further assist you through this transitional process, individualized services are available to you. From individualized psychotherapy to help you identify the underlying causes of addiction, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and trauma, to massage and yoga for relaxation and endorphin productions. At Rapid Detox by the Waismann Method®, we have all the necessary tools available to help you embark on a healthy, happy and productive life.
For more information and Opioid Treatment Options, Call Us Today at 1-800-423-2482
