Rapid Opiate Detox: Is It Right For You?

I’ve been reading quite a bit about Rapid Opiate Detox these last few months. It’s an extremely controversial subject, but one that I definitely feel the need to inform my readers about. If you are thinking about going through the procedure, I would urge you to do your research first. There are many dangers involved, so it’s best to know what to expect before you proceed.

What is Rapid Opiate Detox?
Rapid Opiate Detox or Ultra-Rapid Opiate Detox (UROD), as it is know in some circles, is basically a medically assisted detoxification procedure. It shortens the length of time that a patient has to suffer through the worst symptoms associated with acute opiate withdrawal. The patient is placed under anesthesia in an intensive-care unit (ICU), and is administered a shot of Narcan (Naloxone) to precipitate detox. If you haven’t heard of Narcan, it’s basically a drug that pushes all of the opiates from your brain’s receptors and sends you into full-blown withdrawal in seconds. It’s also used during any type of opiate overdose, to pretty much bring the person back to life.  Remember the scene in Pulp Fiction?

One form of Rapid detox called the “Waismann Method” or “Accelerated Neuro-regulation” (ANR) was invented by an Israeli doctor by the name of Andrew Waismann in 1994, hence the name “Waismann Method”.

How Much Does It Cost?
The price tag on a procedure like this is anywhere between $10K-$15K. It’s definitely not cheap. All the more reason to do your due diligence before even thinking about going through with it.

The Risks
Anytime, you have to go through a procedure in the intensive-care unit, you better believe there are going to be some risks involved. Especially if that procedure includes anesthesia as well. We all know the dangers involved with anesthesia, so I don’t really have to explain that one. Also, I’ve read that the process can be very taxing on the body, which I probably could have guessed just through common sense. Many addicts have complications that may be unknown to the doctors who carry out such a procedure. Complications that could be life threatening, if they go unnoticed. Be sure to tell your doc, if you have had or do have any heart, kidney, liver or any other major health problems.

The Controversy
I recently read a thread on Opiophile.org in which a patient depicts his experience with the Waismann Method of detox. He’s not happy, to say the least.

Clare Kavin, who runs the Waismann clinic in Beverly Hills is a moderator for Opiophile.org. She gets a chance to respond to the patients allegations, but after reading the entire post, the question still remains about whether rapid opiate detox is a viable alternative to other forms of opiate withdrawal treatment methods like buprenorphine (suboxone) or methadone maintenance.

The internet is full of malpractice articles, so like I said before…DO YOUR RESEARCH. You do not want to end up on the table with a doctor who has a bad record, so check your doc’s history.

In Conclusion
Although there is a ton of negative press on this subject, I can’t imagine that rapid detox would last this long if it wasn’t effective at all. However, I am yet to find anyone who has gone through the procedure with praise and thanksgiving. I think the best people to ask, are the ones who have been through it. So, please leave your comments here if you’ve gone through rapid opiate detox.