Rapid Detox Safety Protocol FAQ

How long prior to rapid detox should a patient be admitted to the hospital?

• To maximize success and ensure safety, the patient is properly screened and hospitalized at least 24 hours before the rapid detoxification procedure commences.

• The pre-treatment screening includes extensive tests such as EKG, a chest x-ray, blood levels, kidney and liver function tests, heart rate assessment, lung treatment and stabilization of vitals.

• Rapid detox is a pharmacological procedure. It is imperative that the patient is admitted 24-48 hours prior to the procedure so the doctor can become familiar with each individual patient's reaction to and absorption of medications.

• Some patients may require several days of inpatient screening and pre-medication before the procedure. Ultimately, the length of the patient's stay is based on his or her medical and dependency history.

Where should rapid detox take place?

• Rapid detox should only be performed in an intensive care unit of an acute hospital. Procedures that require anesthesia and intubation should be performed in a safe and well-monitored environment. Every possible precaution must be taken to ensure the patient's safety. Should anything unexpected surface, proper medical resources must be immediately available.

Who should perform the rapid detoxification procedure?

• Due to the fact that most of the risks associated with this procedure are those related to anesthesia, having a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist will greatly benefit the outcome and reduce the risk of the procedure.

How much Naltrexone should a patient take?

• Naltrexone should be prescribed appropriately for each patient based on many factors, such as liver function and dependency history.

• Each patient should individually be assessed to maximize success.

When is the patient discharged?

• Discharge is authorized by the physician based on the patient's physical and psychological well-being and not be set prior to the procedure. The minimum stay after the detoxification procedure is 24 hours, with an average of 48 hours.

What type of After-Care should the patient receive following rapid detox?

• It would not be fair, or even beneficial in most cases, to make a concrete plan for After-Care when the patient is under the influence of opiates. Opiates can mask numerous psychological or psychiatric symptoms that usually surface after the procedure, requiring alternative methods of After-Care.

• Another issue is customizing the After-Care to fit each individual's needs and lifestyle. The patient will adhere to options that will be both beneficial and comfortable for them. In some cases, allowing the patient to maintain a productive lifestyle without any interruptions will greatly benefit the outcome, and will give the patient an opportunity to go through detoxification without any additional interference in his or her life.

Why are the patient's social needs an important part of the After-Care program?

• The patient's life will be waiting for them after completing the rapid detox procedure. This can encompass environments from a loving and supportive to stressful and destructive.

• Instead of forcing the patient to adapt to a whole new style of living, he or she will have a greater chance of success if we adapt our After-Care program to reflect their individual realities.