The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
The term "detoxification" describes the process that a drug- or alcohol-dependent person goes through when reducing the level of the substance in his or her body, or eliminating it entirely. Chronic (long-term) use of a drug can result in physical dependence. Stopping the use of that drug can cause a withdrawal syndrome. The goal of detoxification is to help the drug abuser make a safe and comfortable transition from withdrawal to being drug-free.
The detoxification process usually takes place in a supportive environment, often a hospital or clinic. It might also involve the use of medications to control or suppress symptoms and signs of withdrawal. The level of care and whether medications are used depends on which substance was abused and the severity of the withdrawal syndrome. It also depends on medical complications the person might have as a result of the drug or other conditions. The most severe complications of withdrawal occur from substances such as alcohol and sedative-hypnotics (such as the barbiturate Seconal and the benzodiazepine Valium). Detoxification is generally the first step in the process of recovering from alcohol or drug addiction.
Addiction: Concepts and Definitions; Alcohol: Withdrawal; Benzodiazepine Withdrawal; Cocaine: Withdrawal; Nonabused Drugs Withdrawal; Treatment Types: an Overview.