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Addiction to Drugs/Bathing in Water as a detox technique

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Expert: Caroline West - 8/14/2009


Question
Can you explain how for some addicts, bathing in a tub of water assists with withdrawal management? Also, detoxing off of which substances is this used for? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Andrew,

There are so many so called 'Detox' techniques out there but in practice for maximum effectiveness is to use a combination of these methods.

Bathing in water is suggested as the heat eases aching muscles and promotes relaxation and helps cleanse the body of frequent sweats addicts have. It is also recommended to use relaxing oils in the bath which also has positive effects on the mind,body and detoxification process.

This bathing helps but in my mind it is no way the only exclusive method to use. Especially with Heroin addicts just a bath detox is no way appropriate as the body will be on fire as soon as the Heroin leaves the body and causes a HUGE amount of extreme and unbearable mental and physical pain. Therefore medical assistance is paramount.

Bathing is a good idea for people coming off all sorts of drugs;even in non-addicts its beneficial.

I hope some of this has answered your questions. If you would like to ask anything more then by all means feel free to write in again.

Take care, Caroline.  

Addiction to Drugs

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Caroline West

Expertise

My expertise in this area is in illicit/street drugs as well as some over the counter and prescription drugs/meds. I can answer questions about most illicit drugs and prescription drugs. I can offer advice on Opiate maintenance drugs like Methadone, Subutex and Suboxone,and the process of going through a Detox and/or Rehab. I understand the problems Drug use can cause regarding convictions and debt problems. There is a difference between recreational drug use and drug addiction and can answer questions on both. Relationship advice if you or your partner is using and can offer help there too. Drug addiction is no joke and it can shatter the lives of the family as well as the user so I can also offer help and advice to friends and family. Drug dependency creates a great deal of issues both mentally and physically and left untreated can lead to poor Mental Health, Psychological and Physical harm and worse. Life can become unmanageable in many ways including work and schooling alongside breakdowns in relationships,risk of convictions and a reduction in personal care. I can offer advice and support in all these areas having been in them and now out of them.

Experience

I have had multiple drug addictions in the past that have included Cannabis,Heroin,Crack,Benzo's,Codeine and over the counter tablets as well as prescription medicines and taken near enough everything. It caused a great deal of problems in my family and I also had suffered breakdowns,Hospitalizations,suicide attempts,convictions the lot. I had been in a 7 year drug using relationship which was tough. I've come out the other end now and haven't used illicit drugs for 5 years. I really do understand what it is like for the user and those around them.

Organizations
I am in 4 other categories here at All Experts: Abusive Relationships; Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT which can simultaneously help those with BPD and with Drug/Alcohol Problems; and Teenage Problems. I also belong to Care2.com which helps various causes all over the world.

Education/Credentials
I have schooling up to A-Level standard,College Diplomas and what I offer here is valuable 'life experience'.

Past/Present Clients
I have done this voluntary job here at All Experts for about 3 years now.

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