Welcome to your Life
Congratulations. We mean that sincerely. It's not easy making the decision to get your life back - and we know that you've worked hard, if you've come this far.
In detail, we will make sure that you are comfortable and assured about the next stages of the post-detox processes. After attending Detox 5, we prefer you to leave our facilities in the company of either a close family member or a friend who will be charged with your supervision from now on. Together, you will have received a post-treatment briefing, where we will discuss the physical and psychological effects of treatment you may experience.
As you body returns to normal, for example, you may be unable to sleep for a while; diarrhoea is to be expected, as is some nausea and leg cramps or pins and needles (your circulation has been reduced while your body has been resting, under sedation). There are other symptoms which you may or may not experience, but we will go through these with you in detail.
Remember, you can call a Detox 5 nurse at any time to talk in confidence on 01423 792 820.
Key Information:
It's important to remember that you are now free of opiates - and we will encourage and support you to stay that way. There are some key things to remember:
- We recommend complete supervision for at least 48 hours after discharge from our facilities
- Carry the medic card with you at all times
- In the event of an accident, illness or injury, opiate based painkillers will not be effective if pain relief is needed
- If you revert back to opiate use, your tolerance will be much lower and you will be at a higher risk of overdose
- Avoid alcohol, for at least one week after your detox
- Due to the amount of sedation you have received, it is highly recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery for at least one week after your detox
- We also recommend avoiding any non-prescription medication or opiates after discharge:
- Skunk in particular can make you very agitated and lead to hallucinations
- Stimulants (such as crack, cocaine or amphetamines), can make you agitated and interfere with your sleep patterns
- Ring your GP for an appointment on receipt of your discharge letter; you will need to see him or her to arrange for your prescription of Naltrexone to be filled
- Ladies: your fertitility will return even if your periods have not, so remember to take precautions
- With a Naltrexone implant, remember that attempts to override the medication can lead to faster erosion of the implant, and potentially a fatal overdose
