Drug Withdrawal

Drug dependence refers to compulsive use of a drug, not for medical reasons. Some of the common substances that are abused are opium, codeine, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines since they have a stimulating effect. Some barbiturates have a soothing and numbing effect on the central nervous system. Drug withdrawal therapy or detoxification treatment is aimed at aiding a drug addict in reducing or eliminating the dependence on the substance. Drug withdrawal leads to symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Nervousness and shaking
  
• Drenching sweats
  
• Seizures
  

This occurs because the nervous system is disrupted. It is essential that drug withdrawal is done systematically and gradually. Otherwise the drug withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and often dangerous. Detoxification is most often carried on in a center geared towards helping drug addicts in getting rid of the drug abuse or substance addiction.

Blood drug test

Blood drug tests are conducted to check for any traces of barbiturates or drug abuse. Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow as is the case with other blood tests. Blood drug tests are used to screen for presence of illegal drugs or overdose or poisoning. Drug abuse of substances such as cocaine, heroin as well as overdose of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, phencyclidine and codeine can be analyzed with a blood drug test. The presence of illegal drugs or drugs not prescribed for the person indicated by a blood drug test can be suggestive of illicit drug use. Blood drug tests are conducted to monitor drug abuse cases, delirium and dementia.