Rapid opiate detox is an innovative, emerging alternative to traditional detox methods for those struggling with opioid addiction. Due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxing from opiates, many of those fear entering recovery. That’s where this accelerated approach enters the conversation. 

The goal of rapid opiate detox? Patients can more smoothly and comfortably enter their recovery journey by being under sedation during the most painful withdrawal symptoms. 

For those considering this treatment option, understanding the complete journey from pre-admission screening to post-procedure recovery is essential for making informed decisions and preparing mentally and physically for the process.

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to rapid opiate what to expect, before, during, and after the procedure. Keep reading to get informed and to decipher if the procedure is right for you or a loved one struggling with addiction. 

Rapid Opiate Detox: What to Expect Before the Procedure

The journey towards detoxing with advanced anesthesia-assisted methods begins with a consultation at the facility of your choosing. Once you’ve established which trusted medical facility will perform the process, the “before” work begins, which typically starts with a comprehensive medical screening. 

Similar to other procedures, a consultation reviews personal information to ensure that they’re an ideal candidate. During the screening for anesthesia-assisted detox, the patient typically undergoes: 

  1. Medical assessment: During the medical evaluation, a thorough physical examination will be performed. This often includes an EKG, blood tests, chest X-ray, and other diagnostics to evaluate your overall health status and identify any conditions that might increase your risks.
  2. Psychological evaluation: Mental health professionals will assess your psychological readiness, identify any co-occurring mental health disorders, and evaluate your support system and aftercare resources.
  3. Addiction history review: Medical staff will document your complete substance use history, including types of opioids used, duration of use, dosage, previous detox attempts, and other substance dependencies.
  4. Medication review: Patients will be asked to share all current medications they’re taking to evaluate them for potential interactions with the anesthesia and detox medications. 

Once the patient is cleared to move forward, additional steps will be required before the procedure as pre-admission preparation. Your facility’s care team will provide clear instructions to help you physically and logistically prepare, which may include: 

  • Stopping or reducing dosages of certain medications to avoid any potential interactions.
  • Adjusting your diet may also be required for optimal health balance, before fasting for 8-12 hours beforehand (like any anesthesia). 
  • Being asked to abstain from alcohol, stop smoking, and the easiest of all, staying well-hydrated until your fasting period begins. 
  • Completing all necessary paperwork, confirm financing, and sign legal consent forms. 

During this time, it’s imperative to take the pre-procedure steps seriously for the success and safety of the procedure. It’s also essential to source a support system that’ll be with you every step of the way. Not only will this person or group be responsible for transporting you, to and from the facility, they should be available to generally support your well-being during the initial recovery period. 

Rapid Opiate Detox: What to Expect During the Procedure

Now, onto rapid opiate detox, what to expect during the procedure is next. Even though you’ll be asleep, internally and physiologically, your body will be undergoing withdrawal symptoms. To best understand the process, step-by-step, here’s what to expect while the detox is performed. 

First, and foremost, on the day of admission, you’ll undergo a few final steps to ensure everything is in place for a safe and successful procedure. A final medical check will be conducted to monitor your vital signs and confirm you’re ready to proceed. 

Once cleared, medical staff will place an intravenous (IV) line to administer necessary medications throughout the detox process. You may also be given pre-anesthesia medications to help reduce anxiety and prepare your body for sedation. 

Here are the steps involved with the rapid detoxification procedure, which typically takes 4-8 hours. 

  1. Anesthesia induction: The procedure starts with sedation, where the patient is placed under general anesthesia like any other surgical procedure. 
  2. Antagonist administration: Once the patient is fully under anesthesia, medications such as naltrexone or naloxone are administered by the medical team. These medications displace opioids from receptors in your brain and body, accelerating the withdrawal process.
  3. Symptom management: As the withdrawal symptoms occur, additional medications are administered to manage them. The most common symptoms are nausea, muscle cramps, diarrhea, and others.
  4. Continuous monitoring: The medical staff will closely monitor your vital signs, throughout the procedure, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and oxygen saturation.

After the primary detoxification procedure, you’ll awake in a recovery room under close supervision as the effects of anesthesia wear off. There, the medical staff will closely monitor your vital signs and overall stability to ensure a safe transition into the early recovery phase. 

While the most intense withdrawal symptoms are managed while you’re under sedation, it’s normal to experience some lingering effects, such as body aches, sweating, nausea, or general discomfort. 

To support your recovery, IV fluids will be continued to maintain hydration, and as your system stabilizes, you’ll gradually begin with clear liquids and light foods. Throughout this period, medications may be adjusted to ease any remaining symptoms, and in some cases, your care team may initiate naltrexone maintenance therapy to support long-term recovery.

Rapid Opiate Detox: What to Expect After The Procedure

Lastly, when undergoing rapid opiate detox, what to expect after the procedure is all about recovery and maintenance. The first week is especially critical for stabilization. Here’s what the initial, and long-term goals will look like, post-procedure for patients seeking lifelong recovery from opiates. 

  1. Inpatient Observation: Depending on the facility’s protocol and your response, you may remain under inpatient observation for several days before discharge. This could last anywhere from 1-3 days. 
  2. Symptoms management: After the detox is complete, it’s normal to experience various symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, body aches, gastrointestinal issues, and mood fluctuations. These symptoms typically peak within 2-3 days after the procedure and begin to subside thereafter, so working closely with your team to manage comfort is key. 
  3. Health focus: Focusing on your nutrition and hydration, may include a carefully planned diet to restore nutrients and maintain a healthy balance as your body recovers.
  4. Initial counseling: Depending on your exact recovery plan, you may begin individual or group therapy sessions to establish the foundation for long-term recovery.

As your body continues adjusting to life without opioids, ongoing support is essential. You’ll likely begin a maintenance regimen with naltrexone or a similar opioid antagonist to block cravings and prevent relapse. During the first few weeks, regular medical follow-ups are also essential to monitor your recovery and make any necessary medication adjustments. 

The Final Word: Rapid Opiate Detox at All Opiates 


Now that you’re an expert at rapid opiate detox what to expect, what’s the most important step of them all? Selecting a trusted facility first. All Opiates, located in Wyandotte, Michigan, next to Henry Ford Hospital, offers patients a compassionate staff that supports their recovery process from start to finish. 

All Opiates is the only facility in North America that staffs two board-certified medical doctors to lead the procedures. These doctors are available every step of the way and offer unlimited post-procedure support and guidance for patients 24//7. 

Want to continue learning? Check out our complete collection of resources and guides, browse our FAQs, explore financing, or get in touch with our team to start the first steps towards recovery with rapid opiate detox at All Opiates.