Toronto has become the latest city to adopt an IV Infusion Clinic.
The company is called Reviv and has opened its doors on Bay Street, promising hangover cures and anti-aging solutions through an intravenous drip of vitamins and “other medicines.”
Does anyone else see a problem with this? Check out Global News‘s report on this new trend.
Imagine the experience: You enter a loft-like space decorated with lively plants. The interior style alone has you feeling better. You’re handed a “menu” of delicious IV infusions, such as the “Hydromax,” “Vitaglow,” and the “Royal Flush.”
Very alluring product names, it won’t be easy to choose just one.
After you make your choice, you relax on a white couch while being administered treatment. The entire process is complete in 30 minutes, which will have flown by because you were utterly consumed watching BBC’s Blue Planet.
You stand up utterly guilt- and concern-free for the abuse you put your body through the night before, and pay between $100-$275 for the service.
Reviv takes a medical procedure and turns it commercial. The money making game becomes integrated into the Canadian administration of IV technology, which is no surprise considering Reviv is an American company where healthcare and profit go hand in hand.
Reviv was founded in 2010 by American ER Doctor, Johnny Parvani. “This is something we do day in and day out,” Parvani reassures us. “There’s really no argument [about it] because this is standard of practice medicine.” (Source: Global News)
While the idea of being able to cure a hangover for a fistful of cash is alluring, there’s actually something seriously skewed with the concept. This clinic lets people get away with pummelling their bodies full of toxins, like alcohol and/or drugs, and never suffer the consequences. The IV treatment is like a quick fix.
Not having to deal with the consequences of our actions can create bad habits, and potentially destructive behaviour.
You’ve also gotta wonder about the safety and legitimacy of this service. Many questions arise: How credible are these treatments? Where are the products coming from? What regulations are in place for proper sanitation? What are the possible negative side effects?
In Sydney, Australia, it has been reported that a ‘hangover clinic’ was shut down just three months after it opened due to an unexpected health issue. A woman was sent to hospital for stomach pains and low blood pressure while receiving an IV drip. The company blamed an “unknown supplier” of an ingredient in the infusion, and the company continues to claim that their IV treatments are safe.