Public Understanding and Accessibility to Opioid Detoxification Treatment Options
Not only does access to opioid treatment need to improve, but so does the information that the public receives regarding their options. Knowledge is the best tool an individual can possess when making treatment decisions.
Finding the right program can seem overwhelming because addiction treatment protocols are not alike, but neither are the individuals needing help. In other words, clearly understanding your addiction treatment options allows you to pick a program that will meet your individual needs.
Studies show that in 2017, nearly 201 million people were suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). When OUD is not treated correctly or, worse, when the condition is left untreated, a conglomeration of health, emotional, and social issues occur. When an individual seeks help, detox is often the first step to achieve full recovery. Being off opioids allows the patients to be emotionally present for an accurate psychological assessment while providing the clarity to participate in treatment.
Getting through opiate withdrawal is not just a painful and challenging experience, but also risky in many ways. Withdrawal effects are one of the primary reasons why people continue using opioids. If medical detox is widely accessible then many more people will receive early treatment, which will directly reduce the incalculable harm related to untreated drug addiction.
One of the most controversial forms of opioid detoxification is rapid detox, also known as anesthesia detox, accelerated detox, or Waismann Method®. Although rapid detox provides patients with nearly a 100% detox success rate, it is not for everyone, and concrete parameters need to be respected by practicing physicians. When rapid detox is provided in an ICU of an accredited hospital, and by an experienced board-certified anesthesiologist, the procedure is extremely safe and exceedingly successful.
For those who are not rapid detox candidates and wish to be off opioids without delays, the most effective form of opioid detoxification is an inpatient medically assisted detox. Furthermore, in a hospital, doctors can use higher doses of medication to control vitals and significantly reduce discomfort.
Once patients complete an opioid detoxification program, they face a critical time of adjustment — the initial period of adjustment is incredibly challenging. Full physiological regulation occurs. Individuals are hypersensitive and fragile. Professional care and guidance are not just necessary for most, but also critical to prevent immediate relapse.
For this reason, Clare Waismann, founder of the Waismann Method, created Domus Retreat 15 years ago. Although there was no denial of how incredibly successful rapid detox and medically assisted opioid detoxification was, Clare believed patients needed a little more professional assistance. A place outside the hospital, for a short time, which could provide patients a safe environment to adapt to this new normal. Where individuals could gain some stability, strength, and next-step guidance. A place with no predetermined protocols and where individuals felt heard. Where a plan could be made for an effective way to treat the underlying physical and emotional issues that accompany addiction
For those and many other reasons, Domus Retreat has been a model of what treatment centers should look like. At Domus, we hope to encourage people to live a productive life. To identify the issues and find a solid solution. To fully recover instead of spending a lifetime in recovery. Individuals have an opportunity to evaluate their next options, all while surrounded by a caring team dedicated to their success.
Opioid use disorder is plaguing the United States. The country needs creative solutions and effective treatment options. With a medically assisted detox approach and adequate mental health care, we believe most people can overcome this condition. We also know that as healthcare providers, we should not only strive to do more for those who seek us for help, but also do better, much better.
