Rapid Opiate Detoxification

Opiates are highly addictive narcotic painkillers such as oxycodone or morphine, as well as the street drug heroin. It is possible to rapidly detox and clear the system of opiates through several methods. Comparing these methods of detoxification is vital before making a decision as to which one is right for you in terms of comfort, duration and cost.

Cold Turkey Detox

• The cold turkey method of rapid opiate detox is certainly the simplest and most inexpensive way to get off opiate drugs. This method can be very unpleasant to the opiate-dependent person, and may even pose health risks associated with the various side effects.

  Going cold turkey simply involves ceasing use of the opiate drug. After the next accustomed dose is missed, however, the body and brain will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms that may be difficult to handle. Symptoms may include tremors, muscle spasms, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, sweating, and even hallucination or delirium.

  The symptoms will subside within a week or two. However, craving for the opiate most likely will remain.

Methadone and Suboxone

• Two popular methods of rapid opiate detox that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are methadone rapid detox, and rapid detox with Suboxone. The two methods are similar, although Suboxone is a newer option, while methadone has been available since the 1970's.

  According to the White House Drug Policy website, methadone detox is a highly effective way to rapidly get off opiates. A person entering the methadone clinic is given a dose of the drug, which is a synthetic opiod itself, and the amount is gradually reduced over a period of 30 days.

  Suboxone detox works in a similar way, although an opiate-dependent person usually must locate a doctor who dispenses the medication via a special license. With Suboxone, which is yet another long-lasting synthetic opioid, the patient's dose is adjusted downward over a similar period to that of methadone.

  These two methods of rapid opiate detox minimize withdrawal symptoms, and have shown success. They are somewhat costly, with daily doses usually in the $15 per dose range, and some insurance will not cover either method.

The Waismann Method

• A new method of rapid opiate detox, endorsed by the Anaesthesia Assisted Medical Opiate Detox, Inc., is called the Waismann Method. This rapid opiate detox option became available in 1997, and is much faster than cold turkey or detoxing with methadone or Suboxone--though it may have a tougher impact on the wallet.

  In the Waismann Method an opiate-dependent person is first placed under general anaesthesia. Then, opiate antagonist drugs--or drugs that rapidly clear opiates from the brain's receptors--are introduced into the patient's body. Under anaesthesia, rapid opiate detox occurs, and the endorsers of this method claim that when the patient wakes up, he is free of opiate dependence and unaware of what happened.

  Before considering the Waismann Method, consult a doctor to determine potential problems with anaesthesia and to discuss the potential risks and associated costs.