Lec 48 SFSS SP 09 c Detoxification 1

Lec: 48 - SFSS - SP – 09 c Detoxification 1

DETOXIFICATION • The removal of poisonous (toxic) substances from a person’s body is known as the process of detoxification. • Detoxification is a process in which the body is allowed to free itself of a drug. 2

PURPOSE OF DETOXIFICATION • The purpose of detoxification is to clear or remove the toxins out of the body so that the body can adjust and heal itself after being dependent on a substance. 3

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS • The term “withdrawal” means discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance. • “Symptoms” are the changes in the functions of the body that are experienced by an addict or a patient. • Withdrawal symptoms are the physical or psychological disturbances experienced by an addict when he/she discontinue the drugs. or to abstain from the drugs to which they are addicted. 4

Cont. • Some common withdrawal symptoms are mentioned below: ØDepression, ØExcessive sweating ØWatery eyes and nose ØAbdominal pains ØSleeping Disorder /Insomnia ØDisturb eating / drinking routine ØVomiting ØRestlessness ØBody pain Øetc. 5

METHODS OF DETOXIFICATION • There are different methods of Detoxification. • The most commonly practiced methods are mentioned below: • Symptomatic Treatment • Cold Turkey Method • Gradual Withdrawal • Opiate Therapy/Substitution Method • Vitamins Therapy • Acupuncture Method 6

SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT • This is also a commonly practiced method of detoxification. In this method the addicts are given medicines according to the withdrawal symptoms shown by them. • For example, if addict is feeling pain in head, muscles, backbone etc. The caregiver will provide pain killers to take relieve from that pain. • In this method the patient also experiences the lose of sleep which makes the patient uneasy to make the patient sleeping pills will be given to the patient. 7

COLD TURKEY METHOD. • The term COLD TURKEY means “immediate, complete withdrawal from something on which one has become dependent. • The term “cold turkey” means suddenly stopping consumption of dependent drugs. • In this method the patient is locked in a room (under supervision) for 72 hours and only allowed to get out of the room to attend the washroom only. • And given cold water bath with regular intervals. • After 10 hours withdrawal symptoms starts which cause vomiting, Body pain, Daria, loss of sleep, watery eyes, running nose. • The addict suffers the symptoms of withdrawal for several days until he/she no longer feels drug related cravings. 8

GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL • In this method the addict is allowed to consume the drug to which he/she is addicted in a smaller or decreased quantity. • The dose of the drug is gradually reduced, allowing the patient to look forward to an eventual end of dependency. • For example, if a person is taking 2 grams of heroin daily, his dose will be reduced to 1 gram, then after a few days to half gram and eventually the addict will give up the use of heroin. • Similarly for example if a patient is addicted to cigarette and smokes 10 cigarettes a day so his treatment will be done in a way that patient will be given 8 cigarettes the 6 then 4 then 2 and the gradual treatment will be done in this way gradually. But it takes long time. 9

Cont. • The successful application of gradual withdrawal method depends upon the addict’s will power (to recover) and self control (to abstain from drugs). 10

OPIATE THERAPY/SUBSTITUTION METHOD • In this method of detoxification the addict is given opium in a capsule as a substitute to the drug on which the person is dependent. • The dose of opium starts from 250 mg and is gradually reduced to 0 mg. • This method is also known as substitution method as the drug to which the person is addicted is substituted or replaced by opium which is comparatively less addictive substance. 11

Cont. • Doctors may substitute artificial opiates (substances or drugs made of opium) such as opioids, methadone or buprenorphine for heroin or similar sedative and intoxicating drugs. • This is a type of psychological therapy that helps the addict to give up the use of drugs. • During this treatment the natural mechanism of the body which has become impaired due to the consumption of drugs, starts working again. • This method takes long time because this method takes many days in reducing the dose and make the patient to become familiar with taking drug in small amount. 12

Vitamins Therapy • In this method the patient is given different type of multi-vitamins 4 times a day along with calcium and magnesium solution in plenty to increase the immunity / resintance power of the patient to make him able to tolerate the withdrawal agonies, and to become strong enough to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. 13

ACUPUNCTURE METHOD • Acupuncture is the Chinese art of healing by inserting needles in the skin. It is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). • The acupoints are usually at the back of the neck , in the outer ear, and in the joints. • When the needle comes in contact with the acupuncture points (nerves), the patient feels a sensation of numbness and aching. • When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an appropriately trained practitioner using clean needle technique and single-use needles. Accidents and infections are associated with infractions of sterile technique or neglect of the practitioner. 14

Cont. • In this method the toxins are usually expelled out of the body through the kidneys and urinary tract. • The pain received by the needle pricks gives the addict a strange kind of sensation, which relieves withdrawal symptoms and prevents the patient’s craving for drugs. • This method is said to be a useful technique due to the perceived pain involved in it. 15

Conclusion: • Apart from these methods there are some other methods of drug detoxification. • But these methods are either too expensive or not very effective, so they are not commonly practiced. • In addition to these therapies, the addicts are given counseling therapies which include both individual counseling as well as group counseling. 16

Thanks 17