Ultra Rapid Opiate Detox
In simple terms, Ultra Rapid Detox (UROD) flushes highly addictive drugs such as heroin, methadone, codeine, oxycodone and Subutex (buprenorphine) — along with other opiates and opioids — out of the body. However, it’s important to remember that UROD does not deal with the psychological cravings linked to heroin and other opiates.
Our opiate reversal procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia (anaesthesia-assisted detox). Ultra Rapid Opiate Detox is then followed by a maintenance programme using Naltrexone. This proven approach, designed for people who have become dependent on opiate-based drugs and medications, combines two essential stages of the recovery process.
We use a clinically recognised procedure — Anaesthesia-Assisted Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification (AAUROD). This medical process delivers an ultra-rapid detox in just six to eight hours, greatly reducing both the discomfort and duration of withdrawal. It is suitable for individuals dependent on opiates such as heroin, methadone, OxyContin, codeine, Subutex and similar substances.
This is followed by structured continuing care to support long-term recovery. The programme has proven effective in treating physical dependence on a wide range of opiate-based drugs and medications, including:
- Heroin
- Prescription painkillers such as Vicodin®, OxyContin® (oxycodone), Lorcet®, Darvon®, morphine, Demerol® and codeine
- Methadone
- Opium
- Substitol
What takes place during the UROD procedure?
While under general anaesthesia (anaesthesia-assisted detox), the patient is given medication to flush opiates (narcotics) from the body.
This triggers an immediate withdrawal. However, because the patient is unconscious, they are spared the distress of experiencing “cold turkey” while awake. Opioid antagonists are then administered, shortening the usual withdrawal period from six or seven days (or longer) to just six to eight hours. Full recovery may still take up to ten days.
During the procedure, the patient remains in a state where they effectively sleep through the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
When they wake, the physical dependence on heroin has been broken. The psychological dependence, however, can remain.
Recovery after ultra-rapid opioid detox does not always happen straightaway. On waking, patients may feel weak and drowsy. A few days later, though, appetite and normal physical and psychological functioning typically return. Recovery time can vary, depending on individual circumstances and health factors.
Ultra Rapid Opioid Detox: Safety Protocols
How long before an Ultra Rapid Detox should a patient be admitted to hospital?
- Patients are typically admitted 24-48 hours prior to the procedure to ensure full medical assessment, stabilisation, and preparation for anaesthesia-assisted detox
- The pre-treatment screening includes extensive tests such as EKG, blood levels, kidney and liver function tests, heart rate assessment, lung treatment and stabilization of vitals.
- Ultra rapid detox is a pharmacological procedure. It is imperative that the patient is admitted to start the 1st stage of detox This means starting preparation 24-48 hours prior to the detox procedure. In such a way 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 detox procedure. Ultimately, the length of the patient's stay is based on their medical and dependency history.
Where should UROD take place?
- “Ultra-Rapid Detox (UROD) should only be carried out in the intensive care unit of a specialised hospital. Any procedure involving anaesthesia and intubation must take place in a fully monitored, safe environment. Every precaution should be taken to ensure the patient’s safety, and in the event of any unexpected complications, appropriate medical support must be immediately available
Who should perform the ultra rapid opiate 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.
When is the patient discharged?
- The minimum stay after the detoxification procedure is 72 hours, but often may take 7 days.
What type of After-Care should the patient receive following the UROD?
- 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. Those usually surface after the procedure, requiring alternative methods of After-Care. An important component of after care program is Naltrexone maintenance. Our experience proves that Naltrexone implant/blocker/pellet or Naltrexone injection are the best options to help individuals stay clean.
- 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. This will give the patient an opportunity to go through detoxification without any additional interference in their life.
- Anesthesia assisted detox is taken as high risk form of heroin detox
