If you've been struggling with a dependence on heroin, morphine, or prescription painkillers for some time, you may be at the point where you no longer rely on these substances to get high—but just to get through the day without entering the painful and potentially dangerous detoxification process. However, this cycle isn't sustainable, and you likely know that your lifespan will be significantly shortened if you don't take steps to kick your addiction.

If you've heard of "instant detox," this could sound like a promising solution; however, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Read on to learn more about this process and some of the factors you'll want to weigh when deciding whether to pursue it further.

How does instant detox work?

You're likely already familiar with the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. As the heroin or morphine is metabolized by your body, you can begin to feel shaky, nauseated, or chilled. For those in the throes of a severe addiction, withdrawal may include frequent vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, hallucinations, and even seizures. These symptoms can last anywhere from a day to a week, depending upon your usage levels and metabolism. For many addicts, it's the fear of withdrawal—rather than a craving for the drug—that causes them to continue using.

Instant detox speeds up this process considerably, helping you rid your body of opiates (and yourself of the side effects of withdrawal) in just a few short hours. During this process, you'll be placed under general anesthesia and given an IV injection of drugs designed to speed up the way your body processes opiates. This will put you into withdrawal mode immediately, but you won't remember the process, and once you awaken, your body will be completely heroin-free. 

While you'll still experience the psychological cravings inherent with any addiction, you'll likely be better able to stay clean now that you've been able to extricate yourself from the consumption and withdrawal merry-go-round.

Is this the best option for you? 

This treatment option is a lifesaver for those whose fears of withdrawal are preventing them from seeking treatment. However, not all are eligible—if your heart or lungs have been damaged by your addiction, being placed under general anesthesia could be dangerous. You'll need to check with your physician before traveling to an instant detox facility or enrolling in this type of program.

In other cases, the pain of detoxing on your own can be the kick you need to seek intensive treatment in an inpatient facility—a type of "tough love" approach perpetrated by your own body. However, if you find yourself frantically seeking more heroin or morphine as soon as the first symptoms of withdrawal hit, instant detox may be the answer to your prayers. Learn more about your options by contacting facilities like Ocean Addiction Recovery Services, LLC. 

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