Are you dependent on a substance? Are you unable to stop taking the drug yourself? Do you need medical care when you stop using? In many of these cases you will first get an appointment with our Nursing Specialist (US) Jenny de Rijke for outpatient or clinical detoxification of substances.
In this blog she explains how it works.
Dependence means that stopping the drug causes withdrawal. Depending on which substance you depend on, this withdrawal consists of palpitations, excessive sweating, headache, restlessness, tremor, poor sleep, muscle pain, flu complaints, etc.
First I carry out a file review, then I map out your current use and physical condition together with you. I do this by taking a physical, neurological and blood test. The blood test will determine your liver and kidney function, among other things.
Withdrawal symptoms
Together we will make a responsible tapering schedule or you will receive medication to combat the withdrawal symptoms. When there is alcohol dependence and malnutrition, you will also be prescribed vitamins to prevent damage to your brain. You will then be guided by me for two weeks. At those times we go through the withdrawal symptoms and the tapering schedule and we check your blood pressure and pulse if indicated. A healthy life is often no longer the case during active use. That is why attention will also be paid to a healthy lifestyle during tapering. Think of healthy food, a healthy day-night structure, sufficient relaxation and exercise, stopping smoking and picking up and maintaining social contacts.
Detox clinic
If at the first appointment with me it appears that detoxification at home (outpatient) is not possible, I will refer you to a detox clinic in the Netherlands in consultation with your practitioner. There you will be detoxified under intensive supervision of a doctor or nurse specialist. In many cases, this involves outpatient drug use (several drugs that must be reduced), seizure and/or delirium sensitivity, malnutrition, dehydration, etc. Your home situation is also taken into account when considering outpatient or clinical detoxification. If you do not have enough support for stopping a substance at home, this can also be an indication for clinical detoxification. For clinical detoxification, we have a close collaboration with various detox clinics in the Netherlands, such as Brider and GGZ Delfland.
Detoxify in Scotland
When you are advised to undergo clinical treatment in our clinic in Scotland, detoxification can also take place in Scotland. Of course you must be able to make the trip to Scotland. It is good to know that when you arrive in Scotland, you are expected to participate in the program immediately. Some substances cannot be detoxified in Scotland. For example, GHB. This requires intensive medical care in which you reduce GHB with pharmaceutical GHB.
Do you have more questions about detoxification after reading this blog? Ask your question to your practitioner or to our Nursing Specialist. We wish you all the best for your treatment at Castle Craig!
As a Nursing Specialist, Jenny has over ten years of experience in detoxification and treatment of addiction problems. Jenny is also a photographer. Hair photo book 'Recovery' shows fellows, as well as professionals in recovery, who talk about their journey to abstinence. in photos and text the book breathes strength, hope and inspiration. Because recovery is possible!