My Medical Learning Center

 

Article approved by licensed medical personnel - rapid detox, addiction, pain killer, Oxycontin, opiatesWhat are Rapid Detox Centers - And Is Rapid Detox a Wise Decision?

Rapid detox centers are springing up everywhere. You have most likely seen some of the news magazines covering this, as well as being showing to the many ads for this conduct for chemical dependency.

teen drug testDo you suspect that your teenager is taking drugs?


 

"Rapid Detox" refers to the use of anesthesia in the detox method. It involves anesthetizing the patient and injecting big doses of opiate-blocking drugs, with the idea that the anesthetizing will hurry the detox process.

Opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, Methadone, and other drugs that have opiate-type components in them. Rapid detox programs appeal to some because of the uncomfortable withdrawal process that includes varied symptoms such as sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes.

How Common is Opiate Addiction?

 
Studies indicate that nearly 5% of the United States' population abuses opiates.  This figure includes  illegal drugs, such as heroin, as well as pain prescriptions, such as Oxycontin, that are prescribed by general practitioners.  Unforunately, prescription painkillers can progress into a very real drug dependence problem. When using painkillers, your body becomes accustomed to a certain quantity of the opiate-based drug and eventually requires more of the drug to maintain comfort and lessen pain.

There is no set "intake level" or statistic that determines when a person becomes addicted.  No person is the same. 

There is also a psychological component that often accompanies the physical addiction. The psychological condition may be very difficult to counteract. 

Tests For Dependency     

Your family doctor will require that a exam be completed. This includes a review of any past dependency issues and medications that you are currently taking. Detoxification can be complicated by the other medications that are being ingested, which is why it is important to work with a licensed medical doctor.  A UDS or Urine Drug Screen can be helpful in identifying the presence of opiates and fresh drugs in the body.

Is Rapid Detox Right For Me?

In making an informed decision about rapid detox, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor. There are many patients that have benefited greatly by this form of detox. Others have had less success due to the complications from the anesthesia used in the rapid detox.

The rapid detox center that you visit with will give you details about the anesthesia and procedure that will be uses so that you can consult with your family doctor. With this information, you and your doctor can determine whether rapid detox will be beneficial for you.