anonanon

I think the most useful skills working in detox are the abilities to de-escalate and to show empathy. Be prepared for charming manipulation alternating with challenging behaviors. Lying is to be expected. Still treat the patients the same as you would treat patients with any other disease; with respect, compassion and firm boundaries. You may want to familiarize yourself with COWS, CIWA, CINA scales. Same with common detox meds. Most places have standing orders for protocols but the protocols vary from place to place. Methadone, Suboxone, Subutex for opioids. Librium, Ativan, Klonopin, or Valium for alcohol/benzos. Some places use phenobarbital. Some offer ‘comfort meds’ for opiates such as clonidine, bentyl, vistaril. Others also offer muscle relaxants or meds to help with restless legs. Most give something for sleep. Depending where you live, you may also see meth, synthetics like K2 or spice, gabapentin or Wellbutrin abuse. You’re likely to encounter abscesses from IVDU. Seizures happen. So do overdoses. Know about Narcan. HCV is common, HIV less so. Sometimes nurses run groups on these topics. 12 step programs are often encouraged. Your facility may also offer Vivitrol or MAT after detox. Good luck!