Facts
- The elderly are admitted to emergency departments and hospitals about as often for alcohol-related causes as for heart attacks.
- Rapid opiate detoxification to treat opiate withdrawal can be performed in a hospital or private clinic setting using a drug such as Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist that blocks opiate receptors and reverses the effects of opiates. Clonidine is administered at the same time to ease the symptoms of withdrawal.
- Seizures as a result of GHB use can occur if the user combines the drug with alcohol or other types of drugs.
- Barbiturates are prescribed as anticonvulsants, sedatives, and general anesthetics but can also induce euphoria, elation, and uninhibited behavior which make them candidates for abuse. If individuals suddenly cease using the barbiturates, symptoms of withdrawal syndrome appear 12-20 hours after the last dose.
Parmelee - Hospital InpatientAn individual who is seriously addicted to drugs or alcohol will benefit greatly by attending a hospital inpatient rehab program. These types of programs are geared towards making the individual�''s withdrawal and detox as smooth as possible. Recovering persons will have access to medication as well as medical staff around the clock. While not every person attempting recovery requires this level of care, it is beneficial to those who have severe physical addiction problems to drugs or alcohol. Hospital inpatient programs often last several days to even up to a month. Once the hospital inpatient portion of their treatment plan is finished they may choose to participate at a sober living facility or transfer into an outpatient program.