“I have to go out by myself.” “I can with this.” “I leave it whenever I want.” These are phrases we hear frequently. But time passes, and they continue to use drugs. Because you need a safe, planned and judicious detoxification program, in certain cases, the addiction detoxification phase can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, on many occasions, hospital admission is necessary. 

What Is Substance Abuse Intervention?

For the World Health Organization (WHO), addiction is a brain disease like other recognized neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia. In addition, it equates to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or arterial hypertension. So, isn’t it a vice? Isn’t it a depravity? Isn’t it a problem of a moral nature? Well no.

Specifically, addiction is a disease in which the ability to control the impulse to consume alcohol or other drugs is lost. People who are addicted are unable to stop consuming these substances, not even when they already face a serious health problem or the harmful repercussions at a psychological, family, social or work level that dependency entails. The more time passes, the more difficult it is to treat. Therefore, the sooner we try to remedy the better results we will obtain. Many people with this disease deny being addicted, often minimizing their problem by claiming they can quit whenever they want or that their friends are also using.

It takes time for someone to become addicted. The drug directly affects the brain and damages it causing us to respond this way to its effect. One of the great difficulties when proposing a detoxification process is the perverse mechanism of addiction, not only psychological but also physical, generated by these substances.

We call “craving” the intense desire, the craving, to consume drugs. These powerful desires are part of the human condition because our brains are wired to appreciate and pursue natural rewards like food or sex. The drugs consumed by addicted people activate the same neural circuits that motivate pleasurable behaviours. Cravings for alcohol or other drugs can be even stronger than those for food or sex. And so, on a day-to-day basis, we frequently observe, for example, a careless diet secondary to alcohol abuse.

There comes a time when more doses of the drug are needed to achieve the same effect (tolerance), and when you stop using it, and the body lacks it, it responds with a withdrawal syndrome. Many times the person drinks or takes the drug already in the morning to avoid the appearance of withdrawal symptoms, mainly malaise and tremors. When the withdrawal syndrome appears, it must be treated appropriately because apart from the fact that the person has a very bad time, sometimes symptoms of sufficient severity may appear to require medical attention on their own.

Physical Symptoms

The physical symptoms of the withdrawal syndrome may vary according to the substance consumed and its severity. Seizures and the presence of delirium tremens can complicate it. This toxic-metabolic disorder could be considered the maximum degree of withdrawal syndrome and is a vital emergency since it is life-threatening. It usually begins with anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and dilated pupils. Feeding may not be tolerated, causing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Subsequently, a clouding of consciousness appears, with a confusional state and disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, psychomotor agitation, inversion of the sleep-wake cycle, profuse sweating and generalized tremors.

There is scientific unanimity that drug use damages neural connections and brain functioning. Alcohol consumption can lead to severe neurological disorders such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome. The first, fortunately, has pharmacological treatment in the initial phases, and the second no longer.…

In general, we can differentiate three stages in the treatment of addiction:

1. Detox

In this first step, many addicted people must enter the centre. It is about eliminating alcohol or other drugs from the body and achieving physical stability without the body missing the substance. It should always be carried out under the watchful eye of the doctor and psychiatrist since intense discomfort can appear and become dangerous. This way, the detoxification will be carried out safely, and the possible physical withdrawal symptoms will be managed. Doctors will prescribe drugs to avoid withdrawal effects and make this process safer and easier. Sometimes, fluid therapy will be required, given the intolerance to food and the severity of the condition. Intervention Specialisttreatment tries to avoid the appearance of complications. For it,

The evolution that occurs these days of hospital admission is very significant, and the change is radical in a high percentage of patients. The first 48 hours of the hospital phase are crucial. By all means, we must avoid the appearance of the feared withdrawal syndrome and, if it appears, make it as bearable as possible. The patient becomes calmer, begins to see things differently, improves sleep and appetite and, in general, feels much better. Laboratory tests (biochemical, neurobiological and nutritional parameters) and an electrocardiogram are performed to monitor physical condition.

There is currently a general trend to reduce admission times. Pharmacology makes it possible. In our case, hospitalization time ranges from 48 hours to 7 days. Previously, seclusion was the norm and was committed for much longer periods.

However, we must not forget that detoxification is the initial phase of the process, the beginning of the path to a new life. Weaning must begin immediately to ensure definitive abstinence.

2. Weaning

Weaning is carried out in patients who are already detoxified; that is, they do not suffer the effects of drug withdrawal. This stage must be done without hospitalization. It is a process in which the person tries not to return to substance use, mainly with psychotherapeutic treatment, to live without consuming, improving their psychosocial functioning and healthy habits. For this, professionals must foster certain personal and social skills to achieve said achievements.

3. Reintegration

The change is consolidated in this stage, and future plans and life projects are carried out. Professionals must remember the commitment to a new life, re-living, and always support their needs.

What Are The Types Of Treatments For Addictions And Problematic Substance Use?

The word “treatment” might make most people think of rehab or detox centres. In reality, while especially important for treating excessive alcohol or benzodiazepine use (Xanax, Ativan, or Valium, among others), detoxification is not a treatment, it only focuses on relieving the physical symptoms of withdrawal, and rehab centres are just one of several options.

Substance use disorder treatments are offered in different settings (may require admission or hospitalization or maybe outpatient) and have varying degrees of intensity. In general, a person’s treatment plan is designed to alleviate their physical, psychological, emotional, and social problems and substance use. Treatments also focus on the type of substance used and may include medication for specificsubstance abuse intervention can help treat withdrawal symptoms and urges to use.

Before making any decisions, take the time to understand the types of addiction and problem substance use treatments, so you know what they offer and what options are best for your loved one.…