Rapid detox is a relatively new, controversial method of detoxifying individuals from the drugs in their system.    The rapid detox procedure takes place in a hospital or doctor’s office, and occurs while the patient is under general anesthesia.  

What makes the procedure so unique is the speed in which the individual is detoxified. As the name suggests, rapid detox is fast.  While traditional detox programs work gradually over a period of days or weeks, rapid detox promises complete detoxification is as little as 4 to 6 hours.

Rapid detox programs promise fewer withdrawal symptoms and much lower relapse rates.  It is a pharmaceutical procedure that utilizes the drug Naltrexone to help ease the individual off of their opiate dependency.  The rapid detox program is always overseen by a team of medical professionals who have met with the patient and assessed their specific needs and medical history.

What drugs can be detoxified using rapid detox?

Rapid detox is also known as “Rapid Opiate Detox” because it focuses primarily on the opiate family of drugs, and is best for those taking heroin, Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin, methadone, Percocet, Darvocet or other related opiates.

A controversial detox program

While many have enjoyed success using rapid opiate detox, the method does have its detractors.  Many experts say that more time is needed to study the success rates of rapid detox before making any serious claims about is effectiveness.  There are specific concerns as well about the dangers to detoxifying so fast – and the effect is has on the nerve centers of the brain. 
And of course, rapid detox, or any detox program, should never be thought of alone as a cure for addiction.  Detox is an integral part of drug recovery that eliminates physical cravings for the drug.  To overcome the psychological cravings associated with drug addiction, counseling (individual and group) is required. 

Why is drug detox important?

Whether an individual chooses rapid or standard drug detox, detoxification is a crucial step in the recovery process.  Simply put, an individual cannot continue on at the drug treatment center until detox is complete.  That’s because as long as there are drugs still that person’s bloodstream, the chances of relapse are too high, and the treatment program will not be as effective. 

Before choosing a rapid detoxification program, consult a medical professional or a drug treatment center in your area.   These experts will help insure that the detox program is safe and meets your needs in full.

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