Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Effectiveness of home detoxification: a clinical audit
Trasi Callow1, Stephen Donaldson, Marian de Ruiter
1Windmill Drug and Alcohol Team, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, Chertsey.
Aim:
An audit of home detoxifications undertaken during a 2-year period in a community drug and alcohol service was performed to explore the impact of suitability criteria on the successful completion of the intervention, and to inform future practice.
Method:
A retrospective analysis of home detoxifications was undertaken in a community setting using a designed audit tool.
Results:
Of the 154 referrals for home detoxification, 59 commenced detoxification and 95 did not. The absence of a suitable carer and a pre-existing medical-psychiatric condition were the main reasons for home detoxification being deemed an unsuitable intervention. Of those who commenced detoxification, 96.6% completed the programme.
Conclusion:
Clear and rigorous screening by an experienced professional before home detoxification is commenced is important to ensure positive treatment outcomes; however, more can be done to improve the service offered and ensure appropriate referrals.
Related Concept Videos
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Phase II Reactions: Glutathione Conjugation and Mercapturic Acid Formation
Several distinctive characteristics distinguish glutathione conjugation from other phase II...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
