A popular type of detoxification program that is designed to treat addicts quickly is known as rapid opiate detox or just rapid detox. It provides a much quicker journey to sobriety when compared to traditional withdrawal programs. During the last few years, more individuals have tried it with increased success. Many people want to get through withdrawal as fast as possible. Unfortunately, rapid detox is not for everyone. When people consider this form of detoxification, they need to determine if it is the best program for them.

Addiction

As an addict uses drugs or alcohol, they will experience a surge in some neurochemicals that will impact their brain. Levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine will increase. This causes feelings of euphoria and pleasure. An individual will want to experience those feelings as often as possible and will continue taking drugs or alcohol. At this point, a person’s brain is having frequent increases in neurotransmitters and adapts to the substance being ingested. The body adjusts its natural production of those chemicals to maintain balance.

Rapid Detox

This is often known as the Waismann Method. During this procedure, an addict is placed under general anesthesia. Their body is then detoxed by placing opiate blockers into it. This causes a person to experience complete withdrawal. Since the addict is under anesthesia, they experience no discomfort. They will then be administered other medications. This is done to eliminate any withdrawal issues that may still be in the addict’s system once they come out of the anesthesia. The process can be completed in as little as 12 hours or as long as 48 hours. Once awake, an addict has avoided all the discomfort associated with withdrawal and detoxification. The detox process is compressed into a day or two. Without rapid detox, the process could take up to seven days or longer.

Benefits

Some people are impressed with the idea of going through the process of withdrawal so fast. People who want to get back to work quickly, or are heavily relied on in their home, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals may want to spend as little time as possible in a detox program are all interested in rapid detox. There is no guarantee everyone will benefit from it.

Not For Everyone

Some individuals are recommended to not have rapid detox.

Individuals who have medical conditions where they would be in danger if they experienced rapid detox because of how general anesthesia affects them. These conditions can be pneumonia, diabetes, AIDS, heart disease, hepatitis, and more.
Individuals who have more than one substance abuse disorder, any mental or psychological disorder, a dual diagnosis, and more should not receive rapid detox. It’s possible coming out of anesthesia would be detrimental to their psychological condition.
Rapid detox is a good option for individuals who have uncomplicated withdrawal symptoms.

Dangers

There is the potential for dangerous side effects during rapid detox.

There is an increased chance of severe adverse effects with rapid detox as well as death.
An increased risk of cardiac arrest as well as increased pulmonary edema during the procedure.
Some people experience other symptoms when the withdrawal is over such as diarrhea, nausea, weakness, and more.
There is an increased risk of anxious or depressive symptoms that could continue during their recovery.

Effectiveness

Rapid detox has been extremely successful for certain individuals. The Center for Antisocial Drug Dependence (CADD) performed studies that show the program has a high recovery rate. Significantly higher than some regular detox programs. It is worth mentioning that there are only a few studies that compare the success rates of the two different programs. It has been pointed out that because so many people can’t access the rapid detox program because of anesthesia, it is not fair to compare the rates of success between the two programs.

Complications

It is common for individuals to try to go through the rapid detox program without reporting any preexisting medical conditions. These are people who want to experience a new treatment. When this has been done, these people have experienced significant complications.

Low Retention rates

Some people finished the rapid detox and had low rates for attending all the outpatient treatment that was required afterward. This is a very serious problem. Individuals need to know that recovery includes both detox as well as rehab. Some people believe the speed at which the rapid detox program occurs enables them to avoid attending any more treatment. This has led to a variety of complications for these people.

Do you or a loved one feel ready to deal with an addiction issue? You can call us today at 833-497-3812. We can help you right now. Our counselors are available to speak with you 24 hours a day.