Choosing a Rapid Detox Program

Is the program a state licensed rapid detox program?
Does the patient receive a complete physical prior to the detox procedure?
Are all detox procedures done in a hospital?
Are the physicians qualified in rapid detox procedures?
How long is the patient kept under general anesthesia?
What follow-up care is provided after the procedure?


There are many factors to consider when choosing a detox program. Depending on individual needs, each factor may be weighted differently in selecting the best detox program

Is the program a state licensed rapid detox program?

A state licensed program is required by regulation to meet rigorous standards. Program performance is reviewed by the state, and it must demonstrate adherence to standards of patient care. A state licensed program is held to the highest standards of care and safety. (back to top)

ODI is the ONLY state licensed rapid detox program in America! ODI is licensed by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services Division of Addiction Services which has set the standards for patient care and safety for rapid detox procedures. All ODI physicians and counselors must meet state licensing and certification requirements. ODI complies with HIPAA security standards for patient confidentiality. No other rapid detox program in America is held to the performance standards that ODI is. (back to top)

Does the patient receive a complete physical prior to the detox procedure?

Addiction takes a toll on the body. People suffering from addiction frequently have serious health problems resulting from the addiction. Also, the detoxification process is physically demanding. To ensure the safety of the patient throughout the detoxification process, it is essential to know the overall health of the patient before starting detoxification.

Each ODI patient undergoes a comprehensive, “Executive-level” physical examination prior to starting the rapid detox treatment. Any serious health issues uncovered by the physical examination are addressed before detox is initiated. (back to top)

Are all detox procedures done in a hospital?

Due to the physical demands of rapid detox, serious complications can arise. To protect the patient, it is important that excellent medical care be immediately available to deal with any issues. Critical response-time delays have been known to occur at programs where detox is done on an outpatient basis and patients are sent home or to hotels to recover.

ODI performs all rapid detoxification procedures in a JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) accredited hospital. Our team of experienced, specially trained medical professionals provides round the clock care for each patient. (back to top)

Are the physicians qualified in rapid detox procedures?

Opiate addiction is a complex disease which includes both physical and psychological aspects. To successfully support a patient’s return to an opiate free life, a rapid detox treatment program must address the patient’s physical and psychological needs equally. It is important that rapid detox physicians be experienced and knowledgeable in both aspects of addiction.

At ODI, our physicians are highly experienced and qualified in all aspects of rapid detox. Richard Z. Lipsky MD, revolutionized the rapid detox field by developing the exclusive, patent pending General Anesthesia Assisted Opiate Detoxification (GAAOD) procedure, and is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Eugene S. Gorman MD, Medical Director, is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and is a member of ASAM. Jacob H. Jacoby MD, Clinical Director, is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by ASAM. (back to top)

How long is the patient kept under general anesthesia?

There are serious patient risks associated with prolonged exposure to general anesthesia. Reducing the time a patient is under general anesthesia not only minimizes these risks, but also shortens the recovery time by reducing the time it takes the body to rid itself of the anesthesia. (back to top)

Through the use of the exclusive, patent pending General Anesthesia Assisted Opiate Detoxification (GAAOD) procedure, ODI limits patient risk of over-exposure to general anesthesia to less than 30 minutes. The procedure is pain-free, and patients emerge without withdrawal or narcotic-craving symptoms. (back to top)

What follow-up care is provided after the procedure?

Detoxification is not a cure for addiction. Studies have shown that the greatest number of relapses occur in the first few weeks. Detoxification is the first step in a life-changing rehabilitation process that must address the underlying physical, emotional and psychological issues of addiction.

At ODI, each patient meets with licensed addiction therapists to create a maintenance/rehabilitation plan to achieve a stable drug-free life. In the weeks following the treatment, when the risk of relapse is the greatest, ODI doctors and the patient care coordinator monitor patient progress through frequent phone calls, and provide recommendations for on-going support groups and counseling facilities. Our goal is to help our patients achieve a drug-free life. (back to top)