Rapid Detox Safety Protocol FAQs

How long prior to rapid detox should a patient be admitted to the hospital?

Rapid detox is a pharmacological procedure. Patients are admitted the day before the procedure for a complete medical evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and blood work to evaluate kidney and liver function. Patients also have a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram, and may undergo an exercise stress test if necessary. Patients then start on the Waismann Method pre-medication protocol. Medications are given to prevent or relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. Additional medications are used to lower the acid content of the stomach and to curb the adrenalin or adrenergic response to withdrawal.

Some patients may require several days of inpatient screening and pre-medication before the procedure. The patient's medical and dependency history will determine the length of the stay.

Where should rapid detox take place?

Procedures, like Rapid Detox, should only be performed in an intensive care unit of an acute hospital, never in a clinic. Accredited hospitals take every possible precaution to ensure patient safety and access to urgent medical resources if needed.

How much Naltrexone should a patient take?

Attending physicians should prescribe Naltrexone based on many factors, such as the patient's liver function and opiate dependency history.

What about after-care following rapid detox?

Opiates can mask numerous psychological or psychiatric symptoms that usually surface after the procedure and require alternative methods of after-care. We plan for after-care when the patient is no longer under the influence of opiates.

Then, we fit after-care to each individual's needs and lifestyle. Patients better adhere to options that will be both beneficial and comfortable for them. In some cases, allowing the patient to maintain a productive lifestyle without any interruptions greatly benefits their outcome. This gives the patient an opportunity to go through detoxification without any additional interference in his or her life. Other cases require more sustained support.

We adapt our After-Care Program to reflect actual, individual needs. After completing rapid detox, the patient will return to their specific living environment, whether loving and supportive or stressful and destructive. After-care prepares them for their situation, instead of forcing patients to adapt to a whole new style of living.

Or send us a