Many people have heard of rapid detox, but do not know exactly what it is. As many people live busy lives and with the rise of addiction throughout the United States, those who become addicted often look for the quickest way to overcome their addiction. However, is something such as a rapid detox a safe and effective option? Read below to learn more.
Disclaimer: LA Detox does not offer rapid detox.
What is Rapid Detox?
Rapid medical detox or ultra-rapid detoxification (UROD), is a safe and effective procedure for individuals who suffer from opioid addiction such as Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), methadone, codeine, and heroin.
Rapid detox uses FDA-approved intravenous anesthesia safely. It quickly removes opioids from the body by targeting the opioid receptors. After this procedure, patients can immediately start Naltrexone therapy. Naltrexone, one of the anti-craving medications that aid in the regular detox process, blocks prescription painkillers from attaching to the opiate receptors.
The Rapid Detox Procedure
This form of rapid detoxification uses an injection of high doses of the opiate antagonist Naloxone under general anesthesia or heavy sedation depending on the person. After this injection, the patient receives a low dose of naloxone.
Rapid detox is a 4-hour procedure done in an intensive care unit (ICU) and requires 1 to 2 days of post-op hospitalization to complete treatment protocol. Therefore, the final results should allow patients to have no withdrawal symptoms and no physical dependency. In addition, rapid detox greatly reduces physical cravings.
The process has 3 integral parts, which include:
Day 1
Before the rapid detox procedure, all patients complete all intake paperwork, including lab work, physical/psychological exams, chest x-ray, and a stress test if the person is over the age of 40. The patient then enters the facility to begin the process.
Day 2
The patient is taken to the procedure room. Under a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, the patient begins Anesthesia-Assisted Rapid Opiate Detox. This process takes about 3 to 5 hours to significantly decrease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the time to detox. Then, a person goes under IV sedation and sleeps through the withdrawal process while nurses and medical staff closely monitor them.
After the opioid reversal, an injection of Naltrexone (Vivitrol), is given, which blocks the effects of opioids and decreases cravings. This eliminates the opiate cravings for 28 days and is not addictive. Also, it reduces the length of withdrawal symptoms and decreases the time it would take if someone were to self-detox.
Day 3
The patient comes back to their room with 24-hour monitoring and supervision. If they experience any acute withdrawal symptoms, they will receive non-addictive medications. Patients usually stay for 1 to 2 days or more if necessary.
After the Procedure
Once a patient completes the procedure, a maintenance program along with therapy can help opiate-dependent and addicted individuals recover. This is called a detox-related aftercare program which includes Naltrexone Maintenance Therapy and counseling. In theory, by the end of the rapid detox treatment, patients are supposed to awaken no longer addicted to the abused substance after withdrawal.
This technique can lower the severity of symptoms associated with withdrawal and speed up the process quicker than traditional detox. However, it is important to remember, as always, treatment success varies, and unfortunately, it may not work for everyone. Most importantly, rapid detox is a costly treatment, and it is NOT covered under insurance. This means that the procedure is out-of-network. Therefore, people who undergo this procedure will most likely have to pay co-pays and expenses out-of-pocket.
Benefits of Rapid Detox in Los Angeles
Rapid detox is not for everyone. Some people could be at risk of medical complications during the procedure. In addition, undergoing anesthesia can always be risky, especially for people in poor health as some people addicted to opioids are. However, each person must discuss their treatment with a professional to weigh the risks and benefits.
The benefits of rapid detox include the following:
- Avoid most of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
- Reduce physical cravings
- Quickly return to everyday activities
- Can start Naltrexone treatment immediately
- Lower risk of relapse during early recovery
Many people avoid seeking treatment due to the discomfort of withdrawal. Therefore, rapid detox can help those who experience this treatment barrier. Sometimes, a person must consider the risks of continuing to abuse opioids when other treatments haven’t worked in the past.
How Long Does Rapid Detox Last?
The procedure of rapid detox lasts about 3 to 5 hours. However, the process in total takes about a week, as a person must prepare and undergo monitoring afterward. In addition, continuing treatment with Naltrexone or Vivitrol shots could last a month or longer. While rapid detox can help patients avoid withdrawal symptoms, recovery from opioid addiction is a long-term process.
Rapid detox, therefore, is not a cure; however, it could offer hope to those who have resisted or avoided treatment before due to withdrawal symptoms. After rapid detox, a patient needs to continue in some type of aftercare program, either at an inpatient or outpatient level of care.
Rapid Detox is Not Recovery
This process alone is enough for a full recovery from substance abuse or addiction. Nevertheless, it is the critical first step to getting better. In other words, any type of detox is part of an overall comprehensive addiction treatment regimen, and not as a method of care that stands alone.
This is because, it is important to note, that there are additional physical and social factors that are contributors to substance abuse that also require attention. This includes mental illness. There are various other methods of detox other than just inpatient and outpatient detox and medical detox. Introducing rapid detoxification, a new treatment approach to help people with addiction.
The Reality of Rapid Detox: Understanding New Treatment Approaches for Individuals With Opioid Addiction
Rapid detox is somewhat of a controversial procedure due to possible medical risks. Without additional support or follow-up treatments, just like with ordinary detox, a high percentage of patients in early treatment especially, are at a higher risk of relapse than those who continue treatment.
Again, it is important to note that proven detoxification procedures present withdrawal symptoms, followed by medication and psychological support such as therapy to help people recover from an opioid use disorder (OUD), abstain long-term from illicit opioid use, and avoid relapse.
Rapid Detox and Mental Illness
Before rapid detox, each patient goes through a comprehensive intake process with a physical and psychological health evaluation. Most importantly, this determines if a patient has any pre-existing or new mental illnesses that contribute to why they are abusing drugs such as opioids. If a mental illness is present with addiction, this is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, the mental health aspect of ones recovery is not addressed with rapid detox.
At LA Detox, we believe in treating both addiction and mental illness together, in order to avoid mistreatment and other complications from arising. Since addiction and mental illness are diseases of the brain, the whole person in recovery (holistic approach) needs treatment to promote sustainable recovery, resulting in an improved overall quality of life.
Important Questions To Ask When Searching For A Quality Rapid Detox Center
We have created a guide of frequently asked questions to help people make a checklist before deciding to move forward with rapid detox.
Some of these include:
- What are opioids, and why are they so addictive?
- Is there a rapid detox that treats opiate addiction near me?
- What are the risks of rapid detox?
- How does rapid detox differ from other conventional types of detox?
- Is an opiate detox near me the best option?
- Does rapid detox relieve withdrawal symptoms in 3 to 5 hours?
- Can you tell me some instances where rapid detox successfully treats drug and prescription painkiller dependency?
Detox and Aftercare in Los Angeles
Patients need more monitoring even though they have completed treatment and recovery. The relapse and overdose rates increase and are at an all-time high even after treatment is complete. At LA Detox, our long-term detox-related aftercare program is one of the advantages of choosing our traditional medical detox, as it will keep you or a loved one stay on track.
After detox, patients can transition into any of our addiction treatment programs. These include either inpatient and/or outpatient programs, based on factors such as their needs and severity of the addiction. Additionally, we teach and educate life and coping skills and how to use resources.
Additionally, we use a relapse prevention plan to help lower the relapse and possible overdose rates. Also to promote recovery, behavioral therapies, support groups, and counseling sessions are in session. Last but not least, we provide holistic therapy methods such as art, nutrition, yoga, meditation, and exercise.
Begin Detox in Los Angeles, CA
A detox program in general, including our medical detox program at Los Angeles Detox, provides safe patient-centered care and support while going through the process of ridding the body of toxic substances. Let our team help start the rest of your life! Recover in New Los Angeles’s premier drug rehab and treatment center. Contact us today to learn more about your detox options.
References
https://riahealth.com/2019/01/18/alcohol-epidemic/
https://riveroakstreatment.com/drug-detox/rapid/
https://sunrisehouse.com/detox-process/rapid/
https://advancedrapiddetox.com/rapid-opiate-detox-under-sedation/