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Rapid Detox: Process, Risks, and Effects on Mental Health

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 9 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 9 minutes

Explore the process of rapid detox. Learn about the risks and mental health effects. Discover its effectiveness and the costs involved.

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Process and Benefits of Rapid Detox Programs

What is Rapid Drug Detox

Doctors administer opioid antagonist medicines during rapid detox while the patient remains sedated for four to six hours. This process helps remove opioid substances, such as narcotics or prescription medications, from the body. The procedure avoids the agony and suffering associated with opiate withdrawal by drugging the individual.

The idea is that the drugs will be out of the system when the person wakes up. This will lessen the withdrawal symptoms. After the staff kept the patient under watch for an extended period (often one night), they finally freed them of the substance.

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Evaluating the Effectiveness

Does Rapid Detox Work?

In rare cases, rapid detox methods may rid the system of opioids. Addiction is a complex mental health problem. It requires long-term therapy and does not respond well to medical detox.

While it may only take a few days to complete detox, the path to recovery might be lengthy. Rapid detox patients also need assistance, such as inpatient or outpatient care, to overcome their addiction. Also, since relapse is common in drug addiction, a person who uses drugs again after detox is starting over.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine estimates that 2.5 million Americans (including those aged 12 and above) struggled with opioid dependency in 2015. People going through opioid withdrawal may hesitate to join a rehab program. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that treatment for addiction should last at least three months.

The National Institute on Drug Addiction reports that many studies show this approach does not help people stay sober. Many people do not view a rapid detox center as an effective way to detox. Because of this, healthcare providers do not recommend it.

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Understanding the Process

Process of Rapid Detoxification

Rapid detox helps people move quickly from dependency to sobriety. It aims to increase the chances of successful withdrawal. This is different from the longer treatment plans used in regular opiate detox methods.

Rapid detox started in the 1980s. It aims to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

This can help people seek and finish drug treatment. Doctors put patients under general anesthesia and give them an opiate blocker like naltrexone to start the detox procedure. As soon as the process ends, you can use medicines to ease withdrawal effects.

Rapid detox has specific hazards for the patient’s health, and it is not a proper therapeutic intervention. Detox is a great first step in recovering from drug use.

However, it is not a good final goal on its own. To stay sober for the long haul, you need to address the core issues that prompted your drug abuse in the first place. A practical treatment approach can assist you in developing this ability.

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Evaluating the Success

How Effective Is Rapid Detoxification?

Standard withdrawal therapy or quick detox may not be effective for opioid addiction. The data we have does not provide a clear answer. Researchers compared people who underwent rapid detox to those who received standard treatment with buprenorphine. Researchers also compared them to individuals who received therapy with clonidine and non-opioid medicines.

People who had a quick detox did not do better at avoiding relapse. They also felt more pain during and after the process. Also, only 20% of people in the fast detox group finished therapy. In comparison, 24% of those in the buprenorphine group completed it.

We need to address concerns other than effectiveness in quick detox. No research that satisfied the criteria for critical evaluation has shown that immediate detox therapy is safe. One study issued a caution regarding the use of rapid detox procedures.

The findings of six independent studies showed a high risk of complications. They also found a greater chance of serious adverse effects that could be deadly.

Concerns about fast detox’s effectiveness and safety aside, it doesn’t address any underlying mental health concerns. Researchers have demonstrated that rapid detox can exacerbate the symptoms of mental health disorders. People with mental health issues often miss the therapy that comes with medically approved detox.

Opiate addicts benefit from medically supervised detox. During this process, their bodies can remove opioids. They also experience withdrawal symptoms in a safe and comfortable setting with help from medical professionals.

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Understanding the Dangers

Risks of Rapid Detox

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) advises against undergoing a rapid detox, stating that potential advantages do not justify the hazards involved. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports multiple deaths related to rapid opiate detox.

According to JAMA, other potential risks associated with quick detox usually involve:

  • Reduced levels of thyroid hormone.

  • Enhanced sympathetic nervous system function.

  • Hallucinations.

  • Increased suicidal behaviors.

  • Death.

  • A rise in the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and corticotropin.

  • Breathing difficulties.

  • Kidney failure.

  • Pulmonary distress.

  • Deranged heart rhythms.

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Exploring the Financial Implications

How Much Does It Cost To Rapid Detox?

The cost of rapid detox varies widely depending on specifics. The procedure requires overnight hospitalization. Furthermore, the price quickly rises because of the need for anesthesia and careful supervision.

Insurance providers often do not pay for procedures that are not essential for health. Because of this, insurance companies usually do not cover this type of treatment.

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In Conclusion

Rapid Detox and Its Effects on Mental Health

Persons battling substances also undergo a major mental disorder. As a result, about 30% of those suffering from severe mental health illnesses also engage in drug addiction. In addition, patients in rehab for substance abuse often uncover co-occurring mental health issues.

Some people may use drugs or alcohol to feel better for a short time. This often occurs when doctors do not properly diagnose their mental illness. Opioids induce tranquility and may provide short relief from various mental health problems, including sadness, anxiety, and panic attacks.

However, the effects of drug misuse and addiction are cumulative and ultimately harmful. Using illegal drugs makes it harder to manage mental illness. This is because drugs can interact with prescribed medicine.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with addiction, Rolling Hills Recovery Center can help. We offer a detox placement service. We work with an extensive network of trusted detox providers. Contact us today, and let us help you begin your recovery journey.

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Written By:

Dr. Saman Aftab, Ph.D.

Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health write at Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Dr. Saman is a mental health writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. Dr. Saman started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with her extensive clinical experience.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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