Rehabilitation therapy against addiction among its main objectives to help overcome the withdrawal symptoms. Again, in each case must consider what is the substance used by the patient, as it will depend on which steps to follow:
Alcohol. One of the first complication to be addressed is the nutritional deficiency, which is common for the administration of vitamin supplements rich in vitamin C and thiamin (B1); also combat dehydration with intravenous solutions of magnesium and glucose.
On the other hand, a drug often prescribed benzodiazepine for a few days to calm agitation, and if the patient suffers hallucinations will antipsychotics. All these measures are more aggressive in case of delirium tremens, but also requires the use of painkillers to help with fever and headaches.
Once it has passed the critical phase of the problem, it requires the removal of alcohol entirely. Because it is practically impossible for the patient to achieve on their own, it is necessary to count with psychological help and support from family, not forgetting the importance of receiving individual counseling by a physician (sometimes prescribe some medications to help you prevent relapse, without forgetting that probably require special attention due to liver problems or kidney). It is very useful for the integration of group therapy as provided by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Nicotine. Have developed various strategies for therapy, but to fulfill the goal of finally overcoming the withdrawal symptoms and smoking cessation should be used under prescription. In mild cases it is ideal to use supplements in the form of nicotine gum or patches, and in more severe cases drugs such as clonidine (helps regulate blood pressure), fluoxetine and buspirone (antidepressants).
Also important are the emotional and psychological therapy to overcome nicotine dependence, and it is highly recommended to attend a smoking clinic, which offers comprehensive treatment to the patient, always according to their characteristics.
Narcotics. The replacement of these substances Methadone is the main procedure to overcome the withdrawal, in fact, this drug is also a narcotic, but produces minor alterations, is taken less frequently and may decrease the dose gradually. Furthermore, naltrexone is useful for recovery in case of heroin dependence, blocking the effects of this drug even in major intravenous doses. Support groups or psychological therapy are also helpful.
Anxiolytics and hypnotics. Even with the best treatment, a person can take a month or longer to feel normal. Often, doctors treat the withdrawal re-administer the drug cause, only in lower doses and decreasing gradually over days or weeks.
Amphetamines. Reaches a chronic need for hospitalization during the withdrawal. If you suffer from delusions and hallucinations may receive an antipsychotic drug, as clorpomacina, which has a calming effect and relieves suffering, but can lower blood pressure significantly. Also, a soothing and safe environment helps a person to recover.
Cocaine. The treatment requires close supervision because the person may become depressed and suicidal, hence, often recommended for admission to a hospital or rehabilitation center. The most effective method is to combine medical advice and personalized or group psychotherapy, as well as in case of exhibiting depression or bipolar disorder should be given antidepressants or lithium, respectively.
“Angel dust” or PCP. The measures taken depend on the specific symptoms: given drugs to lower high blood pressure or to stop seizures, when the patient is agitated, it is installed in a quiet room to relax, but you should monitor often blood pressure, respiration and heart rate. It does not help talking in a calm, as it may agitate even more. In case the unrest remains, will a drug like diazepam. The crisis is required psychological treatment and probably some antidepressant.
Withdrawal in newborns. Babies with this problem are irritable and difficult to console, so be wrapped in a blanket during these episodes can help. They can also require extra calories because of their increased activity, so that they provide milk formulas that meet their requirements. If vomiting or diarrhea, given intravenous fluids to avoid dehydration.
Medication can be prescribed to treat severe symptoms, such as methadone and benzodiazepines, especially seizures. It is also common to use the same substance that was exposed newborns, and while controlling the symptoms of withdrawal, the dose is gradually reduced.