Somatic damage

The main risk is that of the occurrence of delirium tremens (DT) and its risk of somatic damage by eon-vulsions, aggravated by dehydration. Symptoms of DT include restlessness, heavy sweating, tremor, severe anxiety, delirium, and hyperthermia. It is treated or better still prevented by a calm environment, adequate (but not excessive) hydration, and careful monitoring, with the adjunction of anticonvul-sive/sedative agents, mainly benzodiazepines. The preventive effects of benzodiazepines on withdrawal morbidity has been clearly demonstrated. There do not seem to be major differences between benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide or diazepam or others. Because of the abuse potential in these highly susceptible patients, these should be rapidly weaned, and proper prevention of relapse instituted. 

Explain the difference between somatic damage from radiation and genetic damage. Which type causes immediate damage to the exposed individual ... 

Somatic damage radioactive damage to an organism resulting in its sickness or death. 

This by-product of nuclear-weapon testing may do more genetic and somatic damage than has been supposed. 

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