The initial symptoms patients face can vary widely depending on the substances they abuse, the duration of their addictions, the amount of the substances they used each time, and the individual physiology of each person. Some patients never experience physical symptoms, while others may actually die from them, especially in the case of alcohol addiction.
The most symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, visual hallucinations, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and nausea. In extreme cases people may experience irregular heartbeats, seizures, and even coma or death. Trying to quit opiates or related drugs such as morphine or heroin can lead to tremors, nausea, muscle pain, anxiety, and a widespread painful itching. Although these symptoms are severely unpleasant, they are very rarely fatal.
The purpose of hospitalization is to monitor patients while they go through the rough period for two main reasons: to make sure they do not return to their drug of choice, and to protect their health during such a hazardous period. Sometimes drugs are administered to ease the problems listed. Alcoholics may be given barbiturates or benzodiazepines along with vitamins their bodies greatly need. Opiate addicts are most commonly treated with a milder painkiller known as methadone, but they may also be treated with benzodiazepines. No matter how or what the patient is being treated for, it is vital for hospital staff to keep their nutrition and hydration at acceptable levels.
One controversial form of treatment is known as the Waismann Method. This procedure entails placing a patient under sedation and clearing toxic substances out of their systems. While its proponents have reported many successes, it can also be a very dangerous procedure. Currently it is only legal in Isreal, where it was developed, and Orange County CA.
While millions of people have been helped at treatment centers, an alarming number have been injured or even killed. Causes of these injuries include poor monitoring of patients' health, improper administration of drugs, and the use of unsafe procedures. Fortunately victims of these errors do have the option of legal recourse.
For more information, contact Chicago hospital negligence lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake.
Joseph Devine