The first step toward a life of recovery is quitting drugs and alcohol. Most people who are physically and emotionally dependent on substances will experience withdrawal symptoms during these early stages. This stage of recovery is often referred to as “detox.” There are a few professional options for managing the detox process, including medical and rapid detox. But what is rapid detox?
Northpoint Washington offers personalized detox and residential rehab programs for our patients in Edmonds, Washington. Our addiction treatment professionals utilize evidence-based and holistic approaches to understand and treat addiction. We provide comprehensive medical detox, which is a safe way for individuals to withdraw from drugs and alcohol in a monitored environment. Learn more about our alcohol and drug detox treatment programs by calling 888.450.2153.
Detox Breaks the Cycle of Addiction
Detox is an essential first step in breaking the cycle of addiction. It involves removing all harmful substances from the body and allowing it to heal from any physical dependence. During detox, the body goes through a process of withdrawal as it adjusts to functioning without drugs or alcohol.
The addiction cycle affects the brain, specifically the dopamine cycle, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. The cycle includes:
- Cravings – The intense desire to use drugs or alcohol
- Use – Consuming substances to achieve desired effects
- Tolerance – Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
- Dependence – Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
The chemical changes that drugs and alcohol cause in the brain can lead to a powerful and vicious cycle that is difficult to break without professional help. Detox helps individuals break this cycle by allowing their bodies to rid themselves of harmful substances and begin the healing process.
What Is Rapid Detox?
Rapid detox is often used for people withdrawing from opioids or opiates. It involves sedating patients with anesthesia while drugs like naltrexone, an opiate blocker, force the body to start detoxing. Other medications, like muscle relaxers and anti-nausea prescriptions, often support rapid detox to help patients feel more comfortable. Most people will undergo rapid detox for about four to eight hours under medical supervision.
Risks of Rapid Detox
Many people assume that after rapid detox, any signs of drugs and alcohol have been flushed from the body, and withdrawal symptoms should be minimal to non-existent. However, the body still has to process withdrawal symptoms just like it would with traditional medical detox. Cravings, pain, and nausea are common after rapid detox, and severe symptoms and procedure complications may also occur.
Being under an anesthetic adds more risk to detox. It’s important to understand that rapid detox is in no way a complete treatment. Detox alone doesn’t heal the psychological issues attached to addiction. Rehabilitation should follow rapid detox in order to promote long-term recovery.
What Is Rapid Detox Treatment Used For?
Rapid detox from opiates and other narcotics significantly reduces detox time and can spare pain and discomfort during withdrawal. For patients who have intense withdrawal symptoms and have failed with other methods, this might be the answer. Rapid detox can relieve withdrawal symptoms for those dependent on the following drugs:
- Heroin
- Vicodin
- Percocet
- Demerol
- OxyContin
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Other prescription painkillers
- Any kind of narcotic drug
Even after completing rapid detox, the road to recovery is not quick. There is no fast track to a healthier future, and hard work is still needed to abstain from drugs.
Rapid Detox Benefits
Rapid detox can be beneficial for those emotionally and physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. The procedures provide a safe and monitored environment with the support of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists. A few of the other benefits include:
- Reduced discomfort during withdrawal
- Faster detox time compared to traditional methods
- Early detection and treatment of any underlying medical issues
- Fast-acting medication that eliminates withdrawal symptoms
- Easier transition into rehab or other recovery programs
At Northpoint Washington, our addiction treatment specialists are experienced in managing and helping individuals undergo medical detox. We provide the compassionate care needed to help those addicted to drugs and alcohol start their journey toward recovery.
Warnings About Rapid Detox
While few studies have been conducted on rapid detox, there are some dangers when trying this method. Note that there have been several deaths in association with rapid detox under anesthesia. This is especially true when the procedure is performed outside of a hospital. A major concern is that a common opiate withdrawal symptom is vomiting. While under the influence of anesthesia, you may start vomiting and be at risk of choking. Many specialists who deal with detox believe the risks of rapid detox outweigh the disproven benefits. These are some of the downfalls associated with rapid detox:
- Can provoke unconsciousness
- Transient confusion
- Feelings of depression
- Physical and psychiatric complications
- Feelings of paranoia
- High temperature
- Infections
- Possibility of a heart attack
- Vomiting and nausea
- Choking
- Drug addiction relapse
- Aggravation of mental health symptoms
- Possibility of death during the procedure
- Serious health risks
While it’s a nice idea that rapid detox can be the miracle cure, erasing your addiction in a day, it’s sadly not the case. There has been no evidence showing that it’s any more effective, successful, or less painful than medical detox.
Find Medical Detox at Northpoint Washington
When it comes to detox, Northpoint Washington is committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. We understand that addiction is a disease, and we sympathize with those who are struggling with substance abuse. That’s why all of our programs focus on providing a structured environment while helping individuals break free from the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse. To learn more about what rapid detox is and why other options may be more beneficial to your recovery journey, call 888.450.2153 or contact us online.