Detoxification is the first step in undergoing withdrawal from drugs of abuse, and it is often cited as the most challenging barrier to those seeking treatment. One of the most effective ways to undergo opiate detoxification is through “rapid detox” such as the Waismann Method treatment. The Waismann Method of rapid detox has almost 20 years of evidence and thousands of patients successfully treated.
What Is Rapid Detox?
Unlike most traditional forms of detox, in which a person goes “cold turkey” and may or may not be in a medically supervised environment, rapid detox refers to a particular medical approach to managing withdrawal. Rapid detox for opiate addiction allows the body to be cleansed of harmful opiates while the patient rests in a comfortable, safe hospital environment assisted by sedation.
Unfortunately, some laypeople and professionals alike have become confused by criticism launched at rapid detox methods. With poor industry control over the term “rapid detox,” many treatment providers do not follow minimal standards for caring for patients in a safe, effective, and compassionate way. The Waismann detox approach adheres to our core principles for responsible patient care while incorporating the latest science to provide high-quality rapid detox treatment in a full service, accredited hospital.
Is Rapid Detox a Safe and Effective Treatment for Opiate Dependence? How Does Rapid Opiate Detox Work?
Rapid detox is one of the most effective ways to achieve reversal and freedom from physical opiate dependence. However, potential patients must beware the swift proliferation of facilities claiming to provide “rapid detox” services without attending to patient safety or industry best practices. Just like any medical procedure, rapid detox is only as good as the ability of the doctor in charge. Rapid opiate detox should be offered as part of a package that includes inpatient preparation and post-detoxification around-the-clock professional support to prevent medical complications or immediate relapse. Consider the following factors that contribute to the safety and efficacy of rapid detox:
Performed by an Experienced Physician
Several of the criticisms that have been raised against rapid detox methods have been based off of scientific research performed by physicians inexperienced in the rapid detox procedure. For example, the Waismann Method center medical director, Dr. Michael Lowenstein, has nearly 20 years of experience helping patients with opiate dependence and is regarded as a pioneer in the field of anesthesia-assisted detox.
Following a Protocol that ensures Patient Safety
Opiate dependence takes a toll on the body, and trying to weather withdrawal symptoms on your own can be very uncomfortable or even dangerous. That is why the best rapid detox protocols are administered in a full service, accredited hospital. Rapid detox protocols are safest and most successful when patients receive around-the-clock medical care by experts who can identify and treat physical changes before, after, and throughout the detoxification process. In particular, an inpatient hospital stay allows medical staff to observe the detoxification process and provide interventions to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications that can occur when a patient goes through drug detox.
Tailoring the Intervention to Each Individual Patient
Rapid drug detox is far from a “one size fits all” approach to treating substance dependence. It is essential that patients undergo a thorough medical assessment to determine their candidacy and unique medical needs. Then, medical specialists may customize the detox protocol to account for individual patient characteristics. For example, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, chronic medical conditions, IV drug use, or chronic opiate use may change the parameters of the rapid detox protocol. Providing individualized, specialized care from pre-treatment assessment through aftercare is a core feature of Waismann treatment and the best way to experience success with rapid opiate detox.
The bottom line is that rapid detox is only an appropriate intervention when performed in a controlled medical environment by expert physicians who tailor the treatment to each individual patient. Rapid opiate detox centers touting a fast, easy rapid detox fix for opiate dependence are doing their patients a disservice and possibly even placing them in harm’s way. The Waismann Method prioritizes a responsible medical protocol, providing the safest and most effective rapid detox treatment available today.