Some people are looking for quick fixes to everything, including opioid addiction. For that, they turn to rapid detox and rapid detox clinics to facilitate what is believed to be a fast and easy solution to a very big problem. However, studies are starting to show that rapid detox actually is much more counterproductive than it is productive. In fact, there are studies that show that rapid detox is both unhelpful and seriously risky. Rapid detox has been described to be expensive, ineffective, and extremely dangerous.
In the long run, rapid detox doesn’t seem to be all that good a choice. At Harmony Place, we firmly believe in quality treatment over speedy treatment. Unlike a rapid detox center that wants you over and done within a few days, Harmony Place works hard to give its patients the right amount of time necessary to ensure they are really cured of their addiction.
What is Rapid Detox?
Simply put, rapid detox is exactly as it sounds: an ultra-fast detoxification program. The process involves using heavy sedation alongside doses of opioid antagonists (such as naloxone), allowing for a rapid cleansing of opioids from the system. This is usually done as an inpatient procedure in a hospital or rapid detox clinic. The use of rapid detox is considered non-standard and dangerous in the world of drug addiction treatment.
Are There Disadvantages to Rapid Detox?
There are definitely notable disadvantages when it comes to rapid detox programs. This is the very reason why many medical professionals are against it. While rapid detox is usually complete within a few days, it does not entirely fix the problem.
Although rapid detox clears the body of opioids, it does not eliminate or address the addiction that is present. On the contrary, many individuals who have undergone such programs have regressed to their drug-related habits so quickly that they are worse off than when they started. Patients who have used rapid detox clinics and programs usually find themselves needing additional help from residential treatment or outpatient services to successfully recover from their addiction.
What Are More Downsides to Rapid Detox?
The more specific downsides to rapid detox treatment are many. It is important to know just how far the negative effects of rapid detox extend.
These effects include:
- Bodily Strains: Such as the inability to handle anesthesia and other elements related to rapid detox
- Potential Health Risks: Such as cardiac arrest or death
- Persistent Withdrawal Symptoms: Causing the patient to resume drug use in order to avoid discomfort
- No Improvement Over Traditional Detox: It does not cure the patient of addiction.
Since we believe in doing it right, Harmony Place has tailor-made detox programs for all sorts of addictions. Unlike rapid detox programs that usually are over in a few days max, Harmony Place allows individuals to receive the care they need at a slower and safer pace. This ensures that the detox is being done properly, without any of the downsides that would come with a rapid detox regimen.
Our addiction therapy options are quite vast. They include:
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy Groups
- Psycho-Educational Groups
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Again, a slower and more focused detox approach is always the best route. The gold standard for opioid detox is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medication-assisted treatment is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. These approaches are effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders and can help people to maintain freedom through recovery.
In MAT, long-acting opioids like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are prescribed to replace the opioid that someone is taking. Methadone and buprenorphine are long-acting with a ceiling effect that helps discourage further abuse of opioids. They can be used during medically-assisted detox to effectively wean the patient off opioids without the potential shock to the system that rapid detox may induce. Treatment is highly variable and each person may respond differently, making certain methods more effective for some than others.
Treatment for Opioid Abuse at Harmony Place
Harmony Place is licensed to offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during the detox stage of treatment. In MAT, any medications dispensed are just one piece of the larger puzzle of addiction treatment. The medication is used in conjunction with other forms of clinical, evidence-based, and holistic therapy.
If a client must be prescribed a certain medication, our physicians only do so thoughtfully and as needed. Clients who receive a detox medication regimen are usually tapered off the drug when it is safe to do so.
Additional Treatment Options Offered at Harmony Place
In addition to MAT, Harmony Place also offers holistic treatment modalities that will ensure an easy and soothing recovery. Rapid detox won’t bring even half the results that these therapies will bring you. With the right amount of patience and time, you or your loved one will find themselves in a much better place than they were before. A rapid detox clinic would not likely be able to offer the treatment you may need in order to successfully and safely end substance use in your life.
Some of our very sought after holistic modalities include:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Physical Training
- Mindfulness
- Art Therapy
With the right resources and treatment, you can overcome substance abuse for good. If you are seeking help and health, then rapid detox is not the answer. Rather, a focused and detailed detox program is the right answer to the right way to heal from opioid abuse and other such addictions. At Harmony Place, we are standing by and ready to give you the help that you need. Not just to be fixed, but to be completely healed, ready to go and take life by the horns like never before. Reach out to us today!