Cover Story:
Mobile Electro Therapy
& Drug Withdrawal.

Therapy Closeup:
Wrist to Wrist Stimulation.

Special Guest Contributor:
Pat Searles, Snr. Counsellor
Drug Users Parents' Aid Foundation (DUPA).

User Profiles:
Two ex-drug users tell their stories.

The Fact Files:
Medical research from around the world in support of Electrical Stimulation in drug withdrawal programs.

by Pat Searles OAM
Senior Counsellor - DUPA Foundation

BioStim™ and Drug Withdrawal

The onset of withdrawal symptoms begins when the intake of drugs is reduced, or ceases abruptly. Withdrawal is always associated with discomfort, but is essentially an individual experience, and the degree of discomfort varies between people. A range of symptoms can be experienced, from bodily aches and pains to poor sleep to extreme tiredness.

I have found that BioStim™ can be productive for people who have made a serious commitment to stop using illicit drugs. There will always be those for whom nothing works, and the reasons vary. They may lack commitment, be pressured by their peer group, or even be giving the 'appearance' of going through rehabilitation to meet legal requirements. Sometimes, it is simply the overpowering influence of a person's 'psychological addiction' - which can be more pressing than their actual physical need for the drug.

In addition to minimizing withdrawal symptoms, the DUPA Foundation uses BioStim™ for people experiencing grief, stress, anger and depression. The machine has a relaxing effect on the users, and this is a great help during sessions. It allows me to broach issues that are difficult for that person, and often very emotional. Naturally, the aim of all counselling is to reach a point where the client is comfortable to speak openly, but BioStim™ allows me to get there much faster. Searching for psychological and emotional problems that a client has experienced can be time consuming. In the case of a suicidal person, time is in serious shortage, and cannot be wasted trying to find the 'causes' for their frame of mind.

After using BioStim™, I find clients more receptive and generally keener to 'get on with it'. BioStim™ cannot make miracles happen, but it is a great help. I regard it my co-worker assistant, and a very valuable one at that.

Pat Searles can be contacted at:

DUPA Foundation Inc.
Suite 7 / 532 Hampton St
Hampton VIC 3188
Australia
Phone: (+61 3) 9598 5366
Email: dupa@magnet.com.au