What are the pros and cons of detoxification under anesthesia (Rapid Detox)?
Pros: Treatment is administered in the intensive care unit where there are experts available to mange the intense symptoms of the induced withdrawal such as seizures. The medical professionals who perform this method of detox are experienced in it. Cons: It is not sufficient treatment for the brain disease of addiction. Detoxification is only the first step of a recovery, removing the opioids from the body does not do anything to treat the brain disease of addiction. Changes to the structure and function of the brain due to addiction may persist for months and if not treated usually result in relapse. Detox does not eliminate the cravings, and does not address the problems that lead to the addiction in the first place, unless psychosocial care is employed after the actual detoxification. It is physically dangerous, which is why it is done in an intensive care unit, and it is very expensive making it unavailable for most people. Modern addiction treatments have made a detoxification pha
