[*tattooed~princess*]

I am a pre-nursing student looking for some info on nursing in a Chemical Dependency Unit. I have heard that a lot of Psych units have a lot of pts dealing with Substance Abuse - I am very passionate about working with addicts as I myself am in recovery- I just really have not been able to find much on the subject... so any info or experience anyone has would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much

[jpRN84]

Hello,

I currently work in a drug and alcohol detox center. I have been there for a year now, and although it can have it's ups and downs, its a pretty good job. The substances we detox people off of are opiates, alcohol, and benzos. Treatment for opiates includes methadone or suboxone, as long as they havent been doing benzos, they can opt to have suboxone. Treatment for alcohol is a Librium taper, which they only get if they start to show signs of mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal, which is calculated using the CIWA score. For people who use benzodiazepines, whether prescribed or not, get phenobarbital right away, since people coming off benzos have a high risk for seizures. It can be pretty taxing sometimes though since the majority of them tend to be manipulative and demanding. But overall I enjoy it. Hope this helps for you.

[abedinmd]

I am very glad to know that you want to study on anti drug. I am also do some work on anti drug. if want more info and you cantact me.
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Franklin Rose
Looking to perform an intervention on a loved one who is abusing drugs or alcohol? This site can definitely help. http://www.druginterventions.net

[inthesky]

i work on a general psych unit and half my patients are usually detoxers =P i do like working with them for the most part, im new but others say that it can be heartbreaking to watch them slowly deteriorate with each admit. They can also be extremely manipulative and many are convincing liars.

[aloevera]

You need really good assessment skills because as the above posts have mentioned, the detoxers are very good manipulators and many are med-seeking....they complain constantly and want some med for something...must determine if they are actually having withdrawal symptoms or just wanting a pill...on the plus side..there is never a dull moment and the shift goes quickly...you are always busy, for sure...
I just love giving them their picture (taken when they first came in) as they are being discharged...The difference is night and day...some don't even look like the same person...I tell them to put on their ref. to look at if they think about using again...