Anyone ever work in Detox?

Dayla · Sep 17, 2008

Hi.. I work in DETOX!!!! Oh what fun.. I have been an LPN for 2 yrs and I was hired at the hospital I work at as a new grad. I was hired as "the med nurse". I am the only med nurse on my unit, about 26 pts. Over the past two yrs I worked my way out of the med room and I now do everything the RN does.. You have to have an understanding of addiction in order to do well with these pts. They are sick, physical and mentally. I have my frequent flyers, who I love dearly, and I have my first timers, who I respect greatly. Overall I love it. Some of my friends cant understand why i do. Its not a place for everybody. Give it a shot. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck.

Gamom2three · Sep 17, 2008

I also work in detox. I work at a narcotic addiction center. We specialize in medication management therapy. Another common name is a methadone clinic. I hate that because there is such a negative attitude towards methadone. I had the same attitude about it until I understood it.

People who are addicted to opiates like lortab, oxycodone, and even heroin can go thru horrible withdrawals. A lot of time, people will not obstain from using them due to the withdawal symptoms. What we do is start the patient on 20-30mgs methadone and gradually increase until their withdrawal symptoms are alleviated. The reach a "maintenance dose" that stay at for about a year while they get their life back on track. Then, the are gradually tappered off of the methadone usually at a decrease of 5mg every 2weeks. This has proven to be highly effective for many patients.

It is also very rewarding. It is amazing when you have a patient that starts treatment taking up to 15 lortab or oxycodone a day, don't have a job, lost custody of their kids, and feel helpless. Then you see them slowly build their life back and remain abstinent of drugs! I love what I do. Although it is not for everyone.

GAmom2three:nurse:

luv4lpns · Sep 17, 2008

This sounds like a field that is ver interesting and differrent!!

Butterflybee · Sep 17, 2008

hmmm something I could look into.