One of the most difficult parts of recovery is that it takes work. Once you develop an addiction, you will be more at risk for becoming addicted again. Fortunately, this risk is reduced as you move further out in your recovery.

Detox works in a similar way. Some addicts want to move through the withdrawal process to skip over the uncomfortable symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution to withdrawal. Rapid detox from drugs and alcohol is dangerous and can actually complicate a healthy recovery.

Let’s learn more about the dangers to rapid detox and the safer, more effective options available.

How Did Ultra-Rapid Detox Get its Start?

Rapid detox was developed over 20 years ago as a way to help addicted soldiers. Patients were sedated for several hours and given the drug Naltrexone, which was implanted into the body. The Naltrexone gradually released medication into the body to block the receptors that are responsible for getting high. Therefore, if a person slipped up and used heroin, the drug would have no effect on them.

What are the Dangers of a Fast Detox?

Rapid detox was marketed as a fast, painless way to go through detox and end addiction. However, rapid detox is not a dream come true. In fact, ultra-rapid detox still includes all of the painful, uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms, including stomach cramps, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. The only difference is that addicts aren’t awake for all of it.

Worse yet, when patients do wake up, they are hit hard with violent withdrawal symptoms as well as the effects from anesthesia. Patients usually remain in bed for several days following the treatment. Heavy sedation, adverse effects and allergic reactions are also major risk factors.

Rapid Detox: Not a Cure for Addiction

Another issue that is not addressed in rapid detox is what led the person to abuse drugs and alcohol in the first place. Even if you were to go through the detox process without any issues, the underlying reasons for the addiction are not addressed. Do you suffer from depression? Do you have trouble managing your anxiety? Do you have physical abuse or trauma in your background?

By not working through these issues, there’s a strong possibility that you will return to using drugs as a form of coping. To recover from addiction and any co-occurring disorders, you need ongoing counseling and support.

Safer Alternatives

A person who detoxes isn’t relieved of addiction. Detox is just the first step in getting the body strong enough to go through counseling. The safest and most effective way to detox is in a medically supervised setting.

The River Source offers around-the-clock care while our patients go through the detox process. You will never be alone, and we will effectively manage your symptoms as they arise. Once the withdrawal is complete – usually 3-7 days depending on your addiction and its severity – we can start you on a treatment plan that includes counseling and holistic therapy.

If you or a loved one is battling a drug or alcohol addiction, detox is the first step to recovery. Don’t believe the quick fixes that are out there. Not only are they misleading, but also they can compromise a healthy recovery. Call The River Source and let’s go through this process together in the safest and most effective way possible.