Drug Detox At Home

By: Jason Gluckman
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:41:29
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Helping drug addicts get off the disease needs the concerted efforts of families and medical professionals. Treating a patient without this perspective will make the procedure long and most times unsuccessful.

There may be people who think they can deal with this disease on their own. But drug addiction requires professional intervention. And although there are some things you can do at home to address the issue, you will still need help from experts who have knowledge and skill in the scientific way of detoxification and rehabilitation.

What is Detoxification?

Addictive drugs have dangerous effects on the brain. The toxins cling to the system and alter brain activity, and change attitudes and behaviors. They can leave long term effects such as memory loss. The more a person is exposed to the drug, the more dangerous it becomes and harder to deal with.

The first step to getting rid of the disease is detoxification. Anyone who wants to get off drug addiction undergoes detoxification. It is a process that rid the body of toxins left by long-term drug abuse.

Detoxification uses the cold turkey process. A person admitted to a detox program is immediately deprived the use of the addictive drug. And as expected, withdrawal symptoms set in. This is the most critical phase of the rehabilitation and the most dangerous too for some people. Medical attention is needed to monitor and control the effects of these symptoms on the patient.

A detoxification program is followed by extensive counseling and therapeutic interaction with a support group. Post detox treatment is important to the success of the rehabilitation process.

Dealing with Symptoms

A patient when discharged from a rapid detoxification procedure may go home experiencing some effects of his withdrawal. Heroin addicts for example may continue to suffer insomnia, loose bowel movement and restlessness. Family support is needed to help the patient tide the symptoms over.

It will help if you have ready warm blankets to ease the cold flushes and a lot of re-hydrating fluids on hand. Ask the doctor for other medications that may be administered to the patient when the symptoms are present. Remedies and support are much needed in this critical phase. Otherwise, the easiest solution for a recovering patient is to resort back to his old habits.

Constant counseling is also required. So it is important to encourage and even force some patients to go through scheduled therapy sessions.

Article source: Expert Articles