HOW DO I COME OFF MY PILLS? ACUTE WITHDRAWAL IN HOSPITAL

The speed at which you can withdraw may depend on what is happening in your life. If you have a stressful job, particularly where driving or operating machinery is involved, or have young children or a sick person depending on you, it may have to be taken slowly.

Acute Withdrawal in Hospital

If sick leave is possible, your doctor may be able to arrange hospital admission. This is usually advisable after a long drug history, or where the side-effects are causing chronic ill health. A four to six week stay is usual with at least two weeks without the drugs before leaving hospital. For some, there will still be a recovery period after discharge.

Since this is essentially a medical problem, a pharmacological or drug dependence unit is preferable. Some people refuse a bed in a psychiatric hospital. Others are eager to come off their drugs quickly and will go anywhere. Resist well-meaning therapists who attempt psychological probing in early withdrawal. You may not have deep psychological problems. Even if you have, it is not the time for the ‘Why do you hate your father?’ approach. It should be a time for rest and reassurance. Deep conflicts will arise spontaneously if they need to.

Try not to develop a ‘pill phobia’. Accepting other drugs temporarily to keep you comfortable could help your recovery.

It is exciting to see the physical changes that appear as people come off their tranquillizers—eyes lose the dull glazed look, skin colour and texture improve, and hair comes back to life.

*7\49\8*

Share and Enjoy: