Inpatient Treatment
Patients with current substance abuse problems who are scheduled to undergo surgery should, if possible, be admitted to the hospital several days early in
order to stabilize drug use to prevent withdrawal and to plan treatment. To
prevent the patient from obtaining illegal drugs, he or she may be given a room
in a location that can be easily monitored, and he or she may be restricted to
the room or the floor. Restrictions may also be placed on the patient's
visitors. The patient's room as well as packages brought by visitors may be
searched periodically for drugs or alcohol. The patient's urine may also
undergo regular testing. The restrictions placed on the patient are necessary
to ensure that medical treatment will not be jeopardized by ongoing drug use.
Treatment should include frequent monitoring to prevent withdrawal and to
control symptoms.
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