Withdrawal Information
Withdrawal refers to the symptoms that can occur when a drug causes a physical dependence. A person can experience various side effects during withdrawal, known as Delirium Tremors (D.T.’s). These will be different for everyone and can include: sweating, shaking, headaches, drug cravings, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sleeplessness, confusion, agitation, hyperactivity and depression.
These symptoms can be controlled or eliminated with appropriate medical monitoring, or with medications, administered at a center that provides 24-hour nursing and counseling, together with credentialed physicians who can administer the appropriate medications if needed. The objective of these facilities is to guide the individual during withdrawal and to treat any medical or psychiatric conditions that have contributed to their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Medical detoxification employs the use of anti-convulsive drugs, anti-nausea drugs, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, beta-blockers and other prescription drugs to make withdrawal symptoms more tolerable. In some cases, decreasing doses of a drug similar to the addictive substance are given in order to ease or reduce painful symptoms. Alternatively, the holistic approach uses vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise and sauna to successfully relieve symptoms.
|
