Is Rapid Detox Safe?

Published On: December 18, 20174.1 min read827 wordsCategories: Detox

The term rapid detox refers to an accelerated detoxification process in which a person is given anesthesia followed by Naltrexone, which is an opiate-blocking drug that will cause withdrawal to begin. This process will happen really fast depending on how long the addiction has been going on. Usually, this procedure takes between 40 minutes to a few hours. The patient is sedated or even fast asleep during the procedure. For the best alcohol and drug rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC, call Freedom Detox for help.

This fast detox is done in a hospital setting by a professional medical staff. Detox has two major steps, anesthesia and then Naltrexone. If the Naltrexone was administered alone the patient’s heart rate would accelerate and breathing will become labored. Administering the anesthesia first prevents this from happening.

Many addicts who go through a rapid detox have little to no side effects. Some have only mild side effects. The side effects of rapid detox can include:

  • Hot and cold sweats
  • Muscle aches
  • Low energy
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

In a regular detox process, the detoxification can last up to several weeks. Rapid detox can cleanse one’s system of the chemicals that are addictive in just a few hours. There is a two-day stay in the hospital so that the patient can be observed closely by medical personnel. Once this is over the patient is transferred to a recovery facility. For a safe detox method, call Freedom Detox to learn about our Charlotte drug rehab programs.

Rapid detox works well for people who have failed many times to complete conventional programs designed for withdrawal. The rapid detox significantly reduces the discomfort opiate withdrawal brings.

Addictions suited to rapid detox include:

  • Heroin
  • Vicodin
  • Percocet
  • Demerol
  • Dilaudid
  • Opium
  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Prescription painkillers

Some of the risks associated with this rapid detox are associated with overall mental and physical health. Some other common problems are:

  • Inefficacy
  • No proof of safety
  • Aggravation of mental health symptoms
  • Serious health risks
  • Fatality

Some important things to consider are that rapid detox does not shorten your detox time. You will still spend time in withdrawal. The intensity of the opiate withdrawal symptoms is not reduced either. During the actual procedure, the intensity is less, but once most patients awaken the symptoms of withdrawal are much the same as those using conventional procedures such as those involving clonidine or buprenorphine.

Doing rapid detox can be risky. There have been reported deaths associated with this procedure that comes from the anesthesia. If this is performed outside a hospital the risk becomes more pronounced. The risks can include unconsciousness, transient confusion, and depression. There can be even more serious complications such as metabolic complications in diabetic patients, psychiatric complications, and pulmonary issues. These will all require a hospital stay.

The New York City Department of Health would like to see rapid detox out of its city because of two recent deaths at a rapid detox center. The deaths were only the tip of the iceberg. Because these centers do not treat complex medical situations detoxing this way can be harmful.

The promises that are being made by advocates of this rapid detox program can make it sound like a really inviting idea. If detox withdrawals can be made easier then the detox sounds great. The cost of the rapid detox runs $15,000 – 20,000. Compared to a private drug rehabilitation facility stay the costs are about the same. One of the issues is that rapid detox is not a therapy program.

An addict must be in a good treatment program after this treatment. The pain of withdrawals may be gone but the hunger for the drug remains. This is only the first step. Sobriety takes time and a great support system for it to be effective long term.

So the question remains, Is rapid detox safe? The truth is that everyone’s experience is different and results will vary. The good news is that numerous patients who have undergone this rapid detoxification claim they have had no side effects and their new sober life can begin. It is important to keep in mind that undergoing anesthesia has a risk. This can include the risk of an anesthesia-related death. You must make this decision for yourself. It may not be for everyone and their situation.

Affordable Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation in Charlotte, North Carolina

Much like addiction, recovery is not a straight line. Instead, recovery occurs in many ways with a variety of tools used at one’s optimal pace. Although addiction can easily become life-threatening, anything that an individual may need to regain his or her sobriety is just a phone call away. If you, or someone you love, are suffering from chemical dependency and would benefit from learning more about group therapy or other forms of drug rehabilitation in Charlotte NC, call Freedom Detox for a free consultation and assessment. Our team of recovery specialists is waiting for your call.

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