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.

Glossary Terms

A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is also found in some medicines, mouthwashes, essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants), and household products.

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

In medicine, to regularly watch and check a person or condition to see if there is any change. Also refers to a device that records and/or displays patient data, such as for an electrocardiogram (EKG).

The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.