66 How restraint should be used 47. Over the years, many patients have talked to CPT delegations about their experiences of being restrained. Patients have repeatedly said that they felt the whole ordeal to be humiliating, a feeling at times exacerbated by the manner in which the restraint was applied. For the staff of a psychiatric hospital, it should be of the utmost concern that the conditions and circumstances surrounding the use of restraint do not aggravate the mental and physical health of the restrained patient. This implies, inter alia, that previously prescribed therapeutic treatment should, as far as possible, not be interrupted and that substancedependent patients should receive adequate treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Whether these symptoms are caused by deprivation of illegal drugs, nicotine or other substances should not make any difference. 48. In general, the place where a patient is restrained should be specially designed for that specific purpose. It should be safe (e.g. without broken glass or tiles), and enjoy appropriate light and adequate heating, thereby promoting a calming environment for the patient. Further, a restrained patient should be adequately clothed and not exposed to other patients, unless he/she explicitly requests otherwise or when the patient is known to have a preference for company. It must be guaranteed in all circumstances that patients subject to means of restraint are not harmed by other patients. Of course, staff should not be assisted by other patients when applying means of restraint to a patient. When recourse is had to restraint, the means should be applied with skill and care in order not to endanger the health of the patient or cause pain. Vital functions of the patient, such as respiration, and the ability to communicate, eat and drink must not be hampered. If a patient has a tendency to bite, suck or spit, potential damage should be averted in a manner other than by covering the mouth.