The Process of Rapid Detox
What is Detox
Detox, short for detoxification, is the first step of the drug or alcohol rehab, treatment process. Withdrawal is the term used to describe the body’s reaction to the removal of any substance it is dependent. Detox is the first step because until there is no alcohol or drugs in a person's body, withdrawal can cause severe cravings to relieve the pangs of detox and withdrawal.. Additionally, while in a drug or alcohol induced state, a person is not fully prepared to participate in the educational and therapeutic process of rehab and treatment. Until the detox process is complete, someone is simply not ready for rehab, treatment and recovery. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes. Certain types of drugs require a period of medical detox; others do not. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone do require medical detox. Prescription medications, of all classifications, require medically supervised detox. Other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine (crack) do not require medical detox.
What is Rapid Detox
Rapid detox, also known as ultra rapid detox is a fairly new phenomenon. It is the term used to describe an alternative method of removing drugs, usually opiates from the body. The rapid detox process is generally conducted in a hospital setting. It is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Also referred to as rapid opiate detox or ultra rapid detox, it is an accelerated detox for opiate based substances. Drugs such as heroin, prescription medications, methadone and other narcotics require medically supervised detox. The process is most often overseen by a qualified anesthesiologist and a nursing staff that specializes in such procedures. While under anesthesia, the patient is administered medications that accelerate the physical reactions to the withdrawal process, which can last from 4 to 6 hours. |
