- Opioid withdrawal occurs while patients are asleep under general anesthesia.
- Patient is given IV injections of medications called opioid blockers such as naltrexone, naloxone, and nalmephine, and physical detoxification is achieved within 4 to 8 hours.
- Patient is also given IV injections of muscle relaxants, anti-nausea medications, and other drugs to relieve symptoms.
- Rapid detox takes place in an intensive care unit of a hospital, and the patients are typically discharged within 48 hours following recovery from anesthesia and assessment of their physical status.
- Can cost many thousands of dollars, and insurance may or may not cover this option.
- Only treats the acute symptoms, and does nothing to combat PAWS.
—>Continue to next section: Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification>>