Detoxification: the basis of current practice.
With chronic use of a psychoactive drug the central nervous system undergoes a series of changes. These changes vary both in nature and in extent with each drug, but in general, they alter the responsiveness of the nervous system to the drug so as to reduce the perceived clinical effect, and also alter the innate responsiveness of the affected neurons to various stimuli. With cessation of drug use the nervous system undergoes a natural healing which consists of a restoration of normal responsiveness, but this process takes some time during which the patient's responses are abnormal and they are vulnerable to a variety of stressors. Detoxification is the safe negotiation of this period.
Foy
A
A
Alcohol and Drug Services, Royal Newcastle Hospital, PO Box 664J, Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia.