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There are several drug classes which cause addictions. These
include narcotics (heroine, codeine, morphine), barbiturates (sleeping pills), benzodiazepines (nerve pills), alcohol, stimulants
(cocaine and amphetamines). Detox makes the process of getting drug free more comfortable and also safe. The most dangerous
drugs to detox from are the sedative drugs which include alcohol, barbiturates (sleeping pills), and benzodiazepines (Valium,
Xanax, Atavan), GHB. The possible complications from detoxing from the sedative drugs include sleep trouble, irritability,
stomach trouble, headaches, tremors, anxiety, panic, and seizures. The most serious of the complications are seizures. The
seizures that can occur in the detoxification are grand mal type. During a grand mal seizure, the person loses consciousness,
shakes violently, and may lose control of their bowel and bladder. Often they injure themselves severely by failing. Head
injuries are common, and frequently require hospitalization. Another serious complication of seizures are vomiting with some
of the vomit entering the lungs. This causes a severe immediate pneumonia which is usually life threatening and requires hospitalization.
The
purpose of detoxification is to limit the chances of these problems occurring by slowly detoxing the body and allowing it
to adjust the absence of these sedating drugs. Detoxification from these drugs should always be done with medical supervision.
What
should my family do if I have a seizure?
Your family should get you to the emergency room as soon as possible. Your
family should call 911 an ask for emergency assistance. Your family should notify your personal physician that you are in
the emergency room as the result of a seizure. Before the ambulance arrives, your family should gently hold your head to keep
it from injury, and should keep your mouth clear of vomit. Generally seizures do not occur if you are on adequate doses of
medications. If you have had a previous history of seizures, it is important to inform your physician, since in your case
it may be important to begin the detox with round the clock nursing supervision in a hospital or detox unit.
In the
past I have had crazy dreams when I have tried to detox, are they normal?
Most people who detox from these drugs and
alcohol experience a period of excessive dreaming. Usually these dreams have a nightmare quality, and will often wake you
up. These dreams are normal and are called psychokinetic dreams. These dreams are a result of your brain making up for the
dreams you suppressed when you were drinking or taking pills. Normal feeling sleep can take several weeks, but physiologically
normal sleep usually takes up to one year.
I have little desire to eat when I detox, is there anything
to worry about?
Many people have no appetite during the first few days of detoxification. As long as there has
been no serious weight loss, not eating normally isn’t a serious problem. What is important in the first few day of detoxification
is drinking adequate fluids. I suggest drinking an electrolyte balanced drink such as Gatorade. The drink will replace water
as well as important
electrolytes. If you find that you are not eating well by the third day, you should bring it to the
attention of the nurse or doctor.
Exercise is good for me. How much should I do?
I recommend that
people who are detoxing from sedatives take it easy with a quiet environment. Your body is tired from the drugs and needs
rest, not a lot of exercise. Until your doctor tells you different, exercise should be limited to slow short walks. Overheating
should be avoided.
What are benzo’s?
Benzo’s is a shortened name for benzodiazepines. This is a class
of drugs that include Valium, Xanax, Ata van, Halcion, Librium, Rufinols, and Tranxene. These drugs are usually prescribed
to control anxiety or to aid sleep. They are addicting, and they usually require a long
detoxification. They are used
to detox alcoholics and other benzo’s. They are safe and necessary in most detoxifications. It is important that the medical
team who supervises the detox be familiar with the complications associated with using these drugs.
What do I do when
the detox is over?
It is important to get a good evaluation and treatment so you do not have to return to
these drugs to handle life and it’s pain.
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