Articles
Drug Detoxification: Critical Stage on the Road to Recovery
by Jati Kumar Health ConsultantThe process of de-addiction is a long and hard one with pitfalls waiting to test the patient’s resolve and will to get back on their feet. One critical process is that of drug detoxification that takes place alongside the other methods applied to help the patient to recover their former self. When a person has been habituated to a substance for a long time, they develop what is distinguished as a ‘physical habit.’
What makes a physical habit different from a mental one is actually one based on the degree of anguish that the person goes through in the process of de-addicting themselves. For example, those who quit smoking cigarettes are likely to be cranky and moody in the period immediately after they stop. This is a mental habit and the withdrawal symptoms that manifest are mental in nature.
However, if you look at the withdrawal symptoms of those habituated to heroin, you will be struck by the fact that the patient’s basic physical functions are unable to manage on the withdrawal of the drug. Digestion, fevers, tremors and other such acutely physical symptoms have been observed. It really is no fun watching someone go ‘cold turkey’ and it is also a dangerous process. The suffering of the addict and their conflicting symptoms also increase the chances that the patient might revert to their original harmful nature just to escape the pain of detoxification. The effects of withdrawal also leave emotional scars as a result of the experience. In most cases, in the absence of medical supervision, patients revert back to their addictions. How can they face life, if they cannot find the strength to look beyond their immediate discomfort and pain? This is where drug detoxification can be a tremendous help.
Many doctors offer detoxification medicines and detox clinics are also available where the patient can rest assured that measures have been taken to restrain them from harming themselves. The addition of round the clock supervision and immediate availability of medical assistance greatly enhance the patient’s chances of recovery.
In the actual process of detoxification, the patient is first evaluated and tested. The substances found in their bloodstream and its magnitude is assessed. On the basis of this assessment, along with disorders and issues faced by the client, the patient is put through the detoxification process. This stage is usually done with the help of medication. The final stage is one where the patient is now ready to face the underlying causes of their addiction. Now that the medical detox has dealt with any physical habituation or dependency of the drug addiction.Sponsor Ads
About Jati Kumar 
Health Consultant
1 connections, 0 recommendations, 13 honor points.Joined APSense since, January 13th, 2014, From Mumbai, India.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
