To overcome a drug addiction, one of the first steps is completing a detox. There are several ways to achieve drug detox, but they all involve completely ending the use of drugs. One method is rapid drug detoxification. While the fast approach might seem appealing, it can be a dangerous process that no client should consider.

Why is Detox Necessary in the First Place?

Clinician and patient deciding on medical detox instead of rapid drug detoxificationFirst, it is essential to understand why detox is necessary. If you want to overcome an addiction to drugs, you need to stop using them altogether. When you do so, your body will go into withdrawal.

Symptoms of withdrawal can be unpleasant, but they are a sign that the body is relearning how to function without drugs. Once the withdrawal symptoms end, clients are free from their chemical dependence on drugs. There are still plenty of behavioral, emotional and psychological issues to address. However, detox is the first step and deals directly with the physiological aspect of drug addiction.

What is Rapid Drug Detoxification?

A typical detox can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the drug in question. Traditionally, clients are awake and aware of the entire detox process, although there are indeed some medications and resources that can reduce pain or discomfort. With a rapid detox, however, clients are under heavy medication or sedation the entire time.

A rapid drug detox involves putting clients under general anesthesia and then administering an opiate blocker. This blocker is sometimes used to prevent a fatal overdose, and it is incredibly powerful and fast acting. The idea behind a rapid detox is that it speeds up the detox process and spares clients entirely from the worst symptoms. A rapid detox is often administered in a medical facility, and sometimes clients are released after just a few days.

The Health Risks of a Rapid Drug Detox

On the surface, it might seem like a rapid drug detox is an easy way to deal with withdrawal. Unfortunately, however, it can cause a long list of severe health problems. Forcing the body into a rapid, drug-induced detox can put clients under a staggering amount of physical stress. In rare cases, death is even possible.

Far more common is that clients will experience an incredibly high body temperature. They might also vomit and be at risk for choking. Infections are possible, which can, in turn, lead to high fever.

When clients wake up from their medically-induced sedation, further health risks are likely. It is incredibly confusing to wake up after a day or two and be in incredible pain. For some clients, the process is so overwhelming that paranoia or aggression can set in as a result.

The Long-Term Problems Associated With a Rapid Detox

Even if a client makes it successfully through a rapid drug detoxification, there are still risks and problems ahead. Detox should be a choice and part of a comprehensive plan for addiction treatment. If clients are asleep for the whole thing, then it might not be a significant step after all.

Relapse is far more likely among those who complete a rapid drug detox. That might be because they don’t view recovery in the right way. A rapid detox is not a replacement for actual addiction treatment. It is a temporary band-aid over a problem, and even that temporary band-aid can create more significant health risks down the road.

Complete a Safe Detox at Serenity House Detox & Recovery

Detox can prepare you for comprehensive addiction treatment, and it is the first step on the road to recovery. While detox is essential, you should only ever choose a detox program that is safe and effective. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, clients can expect quality care and a range of resources. All of the following will be available to clients at Serenity House Detox & Recovery:

  • 24/7 supervision
  • Quality medical care
  • Safety as top priority
  • Comfortable accommodation
  • Plans for long-term recovery and relapse prevention

Rapid drug detoxification is never the right answer. Instead, opt for support, guidance and medical care at an affordable Florida detox–Serenity House Detox & Recovery. Once you’re ready to begin the road to recovery, call 866-294-5306 to learn more.