April 11th, 2008 by jgold454

Substance abuse can physically alter a person’s mind and body.  There are chemical imbalances which can occur.  It is imperative that proper detox treatments are administered during the critical hours.  This time usually occurs within the first 48 to 72 hours.

During this time the substance abuse patient can go through many changes in their mental and emotional state.  The body can become racked with pain.  Vitals must be monitored.  The patient must be made to feel safe and secure. Doctors and trained medical staff of the rehab program are with the patient every step of the way during the detox program.

The mind can play tricks on the substance abuse patient while their body is becoming drug free.  They may start to hallucinate.  The patient can become nauseated.  Feelings of anxiety and tremors may occur.  Many times the body breaks out into a cold sweat.  In some instances grand mal seizures can occur.  The symptoms will coincide with how deeply involved in substance abuse the patient was. These conditions are all symptoms of the body cleansing it’s self of the toxins.

Substance abuse patients need to know their physical and emotional needs are being met when they go through the detox program.  The patient may become irrational.  The staff helps them to overcome feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger.  As the detoxification process continues the symptoms become weaker and less noticeable, until the body is finally clean.  Now the real work begins.  The patient must learn how to stay clean.  There must be a time of healing.  The feelings and emotions someone suffering from substance abuse has can become overwhelming.  There may be instances of guilt.  As long as there is a support team available, the patient will be able to cope.  He or she will be able to learn to live a drug free life.