Detoxification “detox

If alcohol-dependent, consider the need for detoxification (detox). If still drunk, ask staff to start qds physical obs, and watch for withdrawal. Follow your Trust s protocol if available, otherwise, the guidance below may help. 

Engelhart et al., 1999). This instrument assesses many more areas of cognitive function than does the MMSE. I Iowever, as a screening tool, it too has limits to what it can tell you. My recommendation is that if a client of yours screens positive for a cognitive problem on one of these measures, you refer that client for a comprehensive neuropsychological workup as part of the treatment plan. Note that sometimes a person will screen positive during detoxification, but will clear cognitively after that period is finished. You should probably retest after detox has been completed if the client screens positive while in detox. 

Detoxification, as mentioned in Chapter 2, may involve the use of certain medications to prevent severe discomfort or even possible medical side effects related to withdrawal symptoms. These medicines can range from tranquilizers (often benzodiazepines) and antidepressants to anticonvulsives and antihypertensives, and the medical protocol for detox will depend on the drug or drugs being abused, the client s vital signs and other symptoms, and the known risk for certain withdrawal symptoms associated with the drugs being used. The duration... 

It has been suggested that metabolites resulting from detoxification of plant compounds such as ferulic acid, a detoxification by-product of coniferyl benzoate and analogous compounds, may interfere with reproduction. However, experiments have shown that coniferyl benzoate in the diet of Japanese quail [Coturnix coturnix) had no hormonal effects. Rather, costs of detoxication and reduced nutrient utilization deter wild birds such as ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbel-lus, from feeding (Jakubas etal, 1993). 

Herbivores biotransforms xenobiotics from natural or artificial sources to render them harmless. Disarming potentially toxic compounds is termed detoxication, while the term detoxification refers to correcting a state of toxicosis (Johns, 1990). Herbivores degrade secondary plant compounds in a variety of ways, starting in the mouth, and leading to excretion. 

DETOX An abbreviation for detoxification, it refers to ridding the body of the toxic effects of regular, excessive alcohol consumption. During detox, alcoholics often experience severe withdrawal symptoms including acute cravings for alcohol, delirium tremens, and convulsions. 

Once detoxification is complete, the drug abuser can start the rehabilitation and long-term recovery process with a clear head. Research shows that detoxification alone is not an effective treatment, and addicts who leave rehab immediately after detox with no further counseling or interventions soon abuse methaqualone or another mind-altering substance again. 

Clonidine (Catapres) is another drug used to treat opiate addiction. It can relieve the anxiety, runny nose, salivation, sweating, abdominal cramps, and muscle aches of opiate withdrawal. Side effects are dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. Clonidine is initially taken at 0.8-1.2 mg a day, maintained for a few days, and then gradually decreased. Combined with the opiate blocker naltrexone, clonidine can allow a more rapid detoxification (the removal of morphine from the body). Detox in a single day can be accomplished by heavy sedation or anesthesia while giving naltrexone to an unconscious addict. This controversial method has not been studied in controlled trials. 

However, if the patient has also been abusing other inhalants, the detoxification period could conceivably take up to 40 days, depending on the chemicals involved. Withdrawal symptoms in inhalant abusers may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and cramping, chills and sweats, irritability, tremors, headaches, and hallucinations. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient s physical condition, the controlled environment of a residential setting may be preferred for the detox period. 

Ensuring that the patient is referred for management of the detoxification process this may be a social detox or a medical detox program, depending on the severity of the dependence and the probability of life-threatening withdrawal. Ensuring that the patient is referred for a comprehensive medical history and physical examination in order to obtain treatment for the medical and psychiatric complications of the alcoholism or other SUD. 

For more advice on gentle, safe, and effective detoxification, read my book The 4- Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan. 

Figure 9.7 Schematic representation of herbicide detoxification in a plant cell. Both XH and XZ are herbicides entering the oxidation-glucose conjugation pathway and the glutathione-dependent pathway, respectively. XOH is the hydroxylated herbicide XOGlc, XGS and Xcys are the glucose, GSH and Cysteine conjugates respectively. [Reproduced with permission of the authors from K. Kreuz and E. Martinoia, Herbicide Metabolism in Plants Integrated Pathways of Detoxication, in G. T. Brooks and T. R. Roberts, Eds., Pesticide Chemistry and Bioscience, The Food-Environment Challenge, Serial Pub. No. 233, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 1999, pp. 277-287.]...

Microorganisms can convert toxic organics into nontoxic and inactive compounds. This process is referred to as detoxication or detoxification. The inactive compounds can undergo the following ... 

The origin of certain types of compounds such as glycosides and methylated derivatives has been ascribed to catabolic changes and detoxication mechanisms (Hartmann, 1985 Luckner, 1972). Indeed, there are marked differences in the biological activities of aglycones and the corresponding glycosides and methylated derivatives (e.g., see Chapter 11). However, detoxification seems inadequate to explain the variety of secondary metabolites found in plants (Williams et al, 1989). 

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