Choosing to Quit

After entering the hospital, a patient is evaluated physically and mentally. The patient is tested to determine exactly what drugs are being abused. Unfortunately, addicts often lie about the extent of their drug use. Addicts lie to defend the continuing use of the drugs. This behavior is also called minimizing. Addicts minimize their drug use because it's too painful to accept the truth. It's necessary to determine what drugs are in a patient's system before withdrawal treatment can begin.

Treating physical dependence involves a process called detoxification. Detoxification is the process of freeing the body of any addictive substance. The treatment is designed to prevent withdrawal stages two and three. Treatment also tries to prevent the patient from having seizures. The process can be handled in two different ways.

In the first method, a doctor reduces the amount of the drug the patient is taking. Under careful supervision, the patient is given smaller and smaller doses of the drug. This method is a step-by-step process. Its goal is to lessen the effects of the withdrawal symptoms while completely freeing the body of the drug.

In the second method, a doctor may choose to give the patient a substitute drug. The substitute drug has the same effects as the depressant, but has a lower risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. This substitute drug is also given in gradually smaller doses until the patient is no longer physically dependent. Careful guidance is also needed, however, to be sure the patient does not become dependent on the substitute drug. For example, an alcoholic may be given a benzodiazepine during detoxification. The benzodiazepine helps the addict through the withdrawal process, but it is very important to ensure that the patient doesn't become dependent on the benzodiazepine.

Once the body has safely gone through the detoxification process, it is time to address the psychological aspects of addiction. In order for a patient to successfully stay off drugs, it is essential that he or she make some major life changes.

It is necessary for a patient to undergo therapy to talk about what has happened. Recovering addicts need to understand the results of their behavior in order to learn how to avoid any obstacles to recovery. One of the changes recovering addicts need to make is to stay away from the places and people involved in their drug abuse. They need to find drug-free, supportive friends, along with new, drug-free activities.

The beginning of recovery is a very difficult and frightening time. It is hard to confront the past and face the future. The past is filled with bad behavior and the hopelessness that comes with drug addiction. The future is a long process of recovery that, at times, may seem impossible. Sometimes addicts relapse. Relapse means a person starts using drugs again shortly after detoxification. When someone suffers a relapse, it is usually because he or she does not have the proper support system in place.