From their hometowns to the evening news to online news sources and social media, it’s nearly every day we hear about one of the most significant public health concerns that affect the US: opiate addiction. In fact, according to the CDC, in 2022, nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses, with 82,000 of those deaths (about 76%) involving opioids.
More troubling for the families of those addicted and the addicted themselves is that they often want to break free from the addiction; however, they struggle in taking the first step thanks to the intense challenges of withdrawal. Hence, the rise of rapid anesthesia-assisted opiate detox to support the withdrawal process before rehab.
So, if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re likely wondering, “What is rapid opiate detox under anesthesia? This comprehensive guide will answer that question with everything you need to know about the procedure, including health factors to consider, what to expect post-procedure, and more.
What is Rapid Opiate Detox Under Anesthesia?
One of the main reasons patients struggle with detoxing is the intensity of withdrawals. Withdrawals typically consist of jerking, shaking, restlessness, agitation, coughing, sneezing, and sweating. These withdrawal symptoms can last several hours to days without intervention,
all of which are uncomfortable for the person who’s attempting to detox from opiates.
That’s where rapid opiate detox under anesthesia enters the conversation. This innovative procedure helps patients detox from opiate dependency while minimizing its debilitating withdrawal symptoms. It does so through treatment that accelerates the detoxification process while under medical sedation.
By addressing the first step that typically holds patients back, the procedure allows the patient to continue their sobriety journey in rehab or otherwise faster. It’s particularly valuable for those struggling with powerful opiate dependencies, such as fentanyl, prescription painkillers, or heroin, where traditional withdrawal methods may prove too challenging to complete.
How Opiate Detox Under Anesthesia Is Performed
So, just how is the procedure performed? The process is completed in 2 steps. First, detox the patient and then administer Naltrexone to block the opiate receptor to prevent relapse.
To begin, the patient is started on an I.V. for hydration and medication administration. Vitamins and electrolytes are also replenished through the IV. Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, pulse, and temperature) are constantly monitored. The next step is sedation, performed under the supervised care of board-certified anesthesiologists (MD), a board-certified addictionologist (MD), certified paramedics, registered nurses, and other skilled staff professionals.
During the sedation stage, the opiates are flushed from the patient’s opiate receptors by administering an opiate antagonist. When the patient is sedated under anesthesia, the withdrawals are precipitated using a rapid-onset opiate blocker. The long-acting opiate blocker Naltrexone is used to block the patient’s opiate receptor.
Naltrexone is an opiate blocker used to reduce cravings and prevent any opiates from getting back into the brain receptors. The under-the-skin implant is the preferred route of Naltrexone administration with our rapid opiate detox treatment. The Naltrexone implant dissolves on its own over 2 months and does not need to be removed.
Sedation Detox: Health Factors to Consider
While sedation detox is a promising path to recovery, it’s essential to carefully consider certain health factors to understand if it’s right for you. As with any anesthesia procedure, patients must undergo comprehensive medical screening to ensure their safety and optimize outcomes. The evaluation process helps medical professionals determine if rapid opiate detox is the most appropriate treatment option for each individual’s specific situation.
- Cardiovascular Health: Patients will often undergo a thorough heart function screening, which includes ECG testing and a blood pressure evaluation, as anesthesia can impact cardiovascular function during the procedure.
- Respiratory System: All pre-existing respiratory conditions will be considered and assessed, as opiate withdrawals and anesthesia can affect oxygen saturation levels and standard breathing patterns.
- Liver and Kidney Function: To detox opiates, the liver and kidney organs will play crucial roles in processing medications and maintaining bodily balance. Blood tests will be performed to verify adequate organ function before proceeding.
- Mental Health Status: It’s not just your body that needs to be prepared for the procedure; it’s also the mind. Before sedation detox procedures, a psychological evaluation will be performed to detect any underlying mental health conditions that can affect both the detox process and long-term recovery success.
- Current Medications: As with any medical procedure, all current prescriptions and supplements must be disclosed, as some may interact with anesthesia or detox medications.
- Pregnancy Status: Due to the potential risks of the procedure on fetal development, the procedure is not typically recommended for those who are pregnant. This means females may undergo a pregnancy test as a part of their pre-procedure medical evaluation.
- Previous Anesthesia Experience: Lastly, any history of complications with anesthesia must be discussed with the medical team to ensure the procedures go smoothly and safely.
What to Expect: Results & Aftercare
When patients wake up, they should expect to be tired and fatigued. Certain medications will be given after the detox to help curb the sleeplessness, some mild anxiety, and poor appetite. Remember, this treatment is part of the detox phase, the first step towards rehabilitation or entering a rehab facility.
Most patients will not experience any pain from withdrawals, as the bulk of the symptoms pass during the procedure while sedated. However, some patients may experience mild but manageable symptoms after the procedure, which are less severe than cold turkey. In this case, the doctor you’re working with may implement additional supportive measures and medications to help you should any residual symptoms occur.
While aftercare will differ from facility to facility, at All Opiates Detox, the patient is continuously monitored in our inpatient setting before, during, and after the detox treatment. The next day, once stable, patients will be discharged to the care of their companion or, if necessary, to an assigned caregiver.
What is Rapid Opiate Detox Under Anesthesia? The Final Word
Now that you can answer the question, what is rapid opiate detox under anesthesia? The next question is…where can you find a reputable rapid detox center to administer your care? Fortunately, you’re in the right place. All Opiates Detox is proud to offer patients a rapid 3-day opiate detox from board-certified M.D.s at our state-of-the-art facility.
Located conveniently in Wyandotte, Michigan, patients from across the US (even Los Angeles!) travel for treatment to overcome their addiction to opiates better. Our facility goes above and beyond to ensure your care as a patient or loved ones with financing options and unlimited physician aftercare.
Ready to stay opiate-free, comfortably and safely? Get clean by getting in touch with our team –
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit our website now to learn more or to call or message us directly.
