Rapid detox is a detoxification method, most often used for opioids, that involves placing a person under anesthesia or deep sedation while the drug leaves their system. It differs from ultra rapid detox and standard medical detox and should only be performed under medical supervision.
Before undergoing rapid detox, individuals must be screened by a qualified medical provider to determine if it is a safe and appropriate option for them.
Key Facts
- Rapid detox utilizes general anesthesia or deep sedation plus opioid antagonists to speed up the withdrawal process.
- Rapid detox can last hours up to a couple of days.
- Rapid detox does not address the underlying cause associated with addiction.
- Ongoing treatment is recommended after rapid detox to ensure the best recovery from addiction.
What Is Rapid Detox?
Rapid drug detox is also known as anesthesia assisted rapid opioid detoxification (AAROD).
This is a process where medical professionals use general anesthesia or deep sedation along with opioid antagonists such as naltrexone or naloxone to speed up the withdrawal process.
It is an approach used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Examples of opioid drugs include heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl. Rapid detox is not a cure for addiction, but it does allow you to start the recovery process.
Rapid vs. Ultra Rapid vs. Traditional Detox
Rapid detox is also referred to as ultra rapid opioid detox (UROD) and is different from standard medical detox.
During standard detox, medical professionals utilize medications to alleviate unpleasant withdrawal symptoms while you detox; however, you are not sedated or under anesthesia.
It may take several days for the drugs to leave your system, compared to hours or a couple of days when doing rapid detox.
While rapid detox may be an option for some, traditional medical detox and medication assisted treatment (MAT) remain the evidence based standard of care for detoxing from opioid addiction.
How Does the Rapid Detox Procedure Work?
Before rapid detox, an individual must undergo a medical examination and receive clearance from a qualified medical professional.
Once scheduled, you will go to a medical facility for the procedure, remain there for monitoring, and then move on to the next step in recovery, comprehensive addiction treatment.
Pre-Procedure Screening & Medical Clearance
A thorough pre-procedure screening is essential before rapid detox. You can expect a complete physical exam, including labs and an EKG. As well, the medical provider will obtain a thorough medical and psychiatric history.
During the screening, medical personnel will look for any high risk conditions such as heart disease, lung issues, pregnancy and polysubstance use. If they find you have any high risk conditions, you will not be a candidate for the process.
During the Procedure: Anesthesia & Opioid Antagonists
Once you have been cleared for rapid detox, you will be admitted to a hospital or specialized unit.
After you are settled, you will have an IV placed where they will administer your medication. You will likely also be intubated to safely maintain your airway.
During the procedure, you will have continuous monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and respirations.
Once you are sedated, the doctor will administer opioid antagonists to precipitate rapid withdrawal while you remain unconscious.
Immediate Recovery & Short Term Monitoring
When you are brought out of the sedation, you may experience fatigue, confusion, nausea and muscle aches. You will have continuous monitoring for 24–48 hours, or longer, if you should develop any complications.
If appropriate, you may receive early introduction of extended release naltrexone or other relapse prevention strategies.
Pros, Cons & Safety of Rapid Detox
As with most medical procedures, there are pros and cons to consider with rapid detox, as well as understanding the safety and risk factors.
Perceived Benefits: Speed & Reduced Awareness of Withdrawal
Some reasons people choose rapid detox include the appeal of “sleeping through” the most intense part of opioid withdrawal and a compressed detox timeline that may mean fewer days away from work or family.
A potentially smoother transition onto naltrexone can be another reason people choose rapid detox.
Limitations: What Rapid Detox Does Not Treat
There are also limitations to rapid detox. It does not address cravings, habits, trauma, or co-occurring mental health concerns and has no impact on psychosocial factors such as environment, stress, relationships or housing.
Furthermore, detox alone has very low long term success rates without ongoing treatment and support.
Is Rapid Detox Safe? Side Effects & Complications
Common side effects of rapid detox include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Serious risks of rapid detox include:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Blood pressure swings
- Respiratory issues
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Death (rare)
Many medical societies and addiction experts caution against rapid detox due to the limited evidence of superior outcomes when compared to other interventions and the higher risk profile associated with rapid detox.
Is Rapid Detox Right for You?
There are several factors to consider when determining whether rapid detox is right for you.
Who Might Be Considered for Rapid Detox?
Adults with severe opioid dependence who have failed more conservative detox attempts might benefit from rapid detox if they are medically stable and have been cleared by internal medicine, cardiology and anesthesiology.
Who Should Avoid Rapid Detox or Use Extreme Caution
People with significant lung, liver or kidney disease, as well as older adults, pregnant individuals and anyone with unstable mental health or a history of polysubstance use are not appropriate candidates for rapid detox.
In addition, anyone seeking a “quick fix”, without the willingness to do ongoing treatment, should seek alternative treatment options.
Comparing Rapid Detox to Other Evidence Based Options & Cost
Rapid detox often costs thousands of dollars and is usually not covered by insurance.
In contrast, most insurance plans will cover the cost of medication assisted treatment (MAT) or inpatient medical detox that utilizes FDA approved medications, including buprenorphine or methadone tapers.
These medications help to improve withdrawal symptoms during the process without the risks and symptoms associated with rapid detox.
What to Expect After Rapid Detox & Next Steps
Recovery after rapid detox can be described by two stages, including early recovery and long term treatment.
Early Recovery: Symptoms, Overdose Risk & Emotional Fallout
Individuals who have undergone rapid detox will often experience symptoms of post acute withdrawal syndrome.
These symptoms include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Cravings
In rapid detox, your opioid tolerance drops rapidly, making relapse especially dangerous and increasing your overdose risk.
Additionally, many people will experience an emotional letdown after a “big procedure,” which makes support from family and friends important during this time.
Building a Long Term Treatment Plan After Detox
Detox is only the beginning of your recovery journey. There are many options for ongoing treatment, including residential rehab, PHP/IOP programs, standard outpatient programs, peer support groups and ongoing medication assisted treatment.
Continued comprehensive treatment is critical to long term recovery.
After detox, your mind and body are better prepared to engage in programs that help you to recognize your triggers and how to handle them. They can also help you to develop healthy coping skills and generate a long term relapse prevention plan.
Rapid Detox FAQs
The procedure itself often lasts several hours, but your total hospital stay may be 1–3 days. Many people feel unwell, tired or emotionally raw for days to weeks afterward.
Many programs are out of network, cash pay and have costs that can run into the high thousands. Some insurers may cover parts of your hospital based care, but often not the full package.
Call your insurance carrier to verify benefits, request itemized estimates and compare them with covered medical detox/MAT options.
Yes, you can relapse after rapid detox. Rapid detox does not “reset” your brain or guarantee abstinence.
There is a high relapse risk for those who do not utilize therapy, MAT and structured follow up care. There is also a high overdose risk if you return to prior opioid doses after detox.
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