Dr. Silverman says the study is the only one of its kind in the Houston area, although hospitals in New York and Florida offer a similiar procedure. The cost of outpatient drug rehabilitation is covered by most insurance plans. With heroin, for example, the acute physical withdrawal is grueling and could last up to 72 hours. During the standard detoxification process, patients experience symptoms that include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cramping and severe shaking. Health professionals also believe that the introduction of a virtually trouble-free withdrawal process may encourage more addicts to quit.
Many addicts go through a detox process more than once.
The trick is to stay off the drug.