There are very distinctive differences between rapid detox providers that can influence your safety, comfort and more importantly, procedure success. The most significant differences between rapid detox centers are the amount of experience from the treating MD., centers reputation, physicians credential, facility accreditation, immediate medical resources, available specialists and inpatient recovery care.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reports that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US. The study shows that 2 million Americans had a prescription pain abuse disorder in 2015 and 591,000 had a disorder involving heroin. With these tragic numbers, some treatment centers begin advertising overnight rapid detox protocols. These fast and often irresponsible techniques “are not” what a rapid detox procedure was meant to be.
Rapid Detox Center Differences
How Does Rapid Detox Works
Ultra rapid detox process was established in the late 1980s and entails sedating patients in a hospital, while an opiate blocker — such as Naltrexone— is administered to induce and speed opioid detoxification. Upon waking, patients do not remember the detoxification and remain in the hospital until physically stable for discharge. Patents that stay in a recovery center for a few extra days to overcome the regulation phase are much more likely to succeed.
In the last few years, “rapid opiate detox centers” have popped up all around the country. More and more, providers are cutting corners and not providing an adequate level of medical care. Furthermore, patients do not have an appropriate inpatient time in a proper medical facility. Subsequently, the medical community criticized “Rapid Detox” because of patient safety concerns.
WHILE TRADITIONAL DETOX TREATMENTS FOR OPIOID DRUGS CAN REQUIRE EXTENDED TIME AND INTENSE DISCOMFORT, A RAPID DETOX CAN PROVIDE A MEDICALLY ASSISTED WITHDRAWAL COMPLETION IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.
Rapid Detox Differences and Safety Requirements
To understand Rapid Detox differences, you need to be aware of the necessary safety requirements.
- A Full-Service Hospital
An accredited full-service hospital provides access to specialists for consultation and immediate medical assistance when needed. This medical accessibility significantly contributes to the safety and effectiveness of the rapid detox procedure. Hospitals can offer a broad range of medical services not available in overnight surgical centers.
These are just a few examples of the medical resources available at hospitals and not often found in surgery centers.
- Experienced, Credentialed Physicians:
A physician with extensive experience in rapid detox can modify each procedure based on health, age, dependency history. Furthermore, having the proper credentials( from recognized and reputable medical institutions) can also show the capacity and competency of the treating doctor.
Being able to identify and implement modifications to the procedure at any given time requires a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience.
- Adequate Inpatient Pre-Evaluation:
Each patient’s physiological response to medications varies immensely. Some patients receive a small dosage of commonly used drugs and become overly sedated, have low blood pressure or even a slow heart rate. Other patients might need more substantial doses or different medications to maintain the expected stability and comfort. Comprehensive pre-treatment testing includes x-rays, CT scans, blood tests, an echocardiogram, urinalysis, and an ECG. Hence, these pre-tests ensure safety and reconfirm that anesthesia opiate detoxification is the safest treatment option for the patient.
Another primary requirement should be the absolute knowledge of what the patient has ingested or used 24 hours before their rapid detox. For this reason, hospital admission the day before the procedure is a must. Any unknown substances, varying dosages or even consumed foods can directly affect events throughout the detoxification.
The treating physician should require at least one day of assessment before anesthesia detox, to accurately identify the right drugs and dosage the patient will need during detoxification.
- Length and Anesthesia Used During Rapid Detox:
Rapid Detox Centers which are still using general anesthesia for 2-6 hours are merely using an old protocol. This archaic form of detox can pose significant and unnecessary health risks to the patient.
Medicine is an evolving science, and anesthesia-assisted detoxification has also evolved over the past two decades.
- The Benefits of a Private ICU Room:
Rapid detox can cause sudden physiological changes which might require comprehensive medical care. For this reason, undivided attention in an ICU is crucial for the patient’s safety and comfort Furthermore patients should remain in the ICU overnight, for monitoring of blood pressure, chemical levels (such as salt and minerals in the bloodstream) and respiratory function.
An intensive care unit is also equipped to manage acute needs including any unexpected complications or if the patient develops irregularities. Also, this highly advanced area of the hospital has skilled medical staff, and specialized equipment is available.
During and post detox, patients should be in an ICU where they can receive the extensive and individualized monitoring required.
- Rapid Detox After Care (Recovery Care):
Post detox essential organ functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and fluid retention, sleep patterns and the emotional balance will be trying to regulate. While this process can be smooth for some, others may find it incredibly difficult. At a private recovery center can make this challenging phase much more comfortable and safer for the patient.
Spending several days in our private recovery center can make all the difference in succeeding.
Contact Us Today at 1-800-423-2482 for Additional Information and Treatment Options.

Rapid Detox Center in a Full-Service Hospital
Waismann Method® – The Wise Choice for Rapid Detox
Waismann Institute® has been the leading rapid detox center worldwide, for over 20 years.
Our medical director is one of the pioneers of rapid drug detoxification. His credentials, experience, and success with detoxification under sedation are unparalleled. Dr. Michael H. Lowenstein, MD, and the Waismann Method® team are the forerunners in the evolution and advancement of Anesthesia Assisted Detox.
Our commitment for providing superior care, is as strong today as it was in the late 90’s, when we started.
Rapid detox, when done responsibly, can be the most beneficial form of opioid detox that exists today. It focuses on the patient’s physiology, instead of the symptom (addiction). It is the evolution of medical science. Rapid Detox comes from the ability to understand what opioid dependence is, and using medicine to reverse it. There are no therapeutic benefits to shame, stigma or unnecessary suffering. Additionally, rapid detox provides individuals, the ability to participate in mental health care without the influence of opioids, withdrawal or physical cravings.
WAISMANN METHOD® RAPID DETOX treatment is considered the most advanced and safest Rapid Detox Center. Thousands of patients, from all over the world, are given the opportunity to return to a productive life, with their dignity intact. Call today for more information and treatment options. 1-800-423-2482
We don’t make our patients feel guilty or shameful about their addiction; instead, we empathize and assure them they are not alone.