Opiate Withdrawals
Opiate withdrawals refers to the range of symptoms that occurs when an individual ceases use of opiate drugs after prolonged and/or heavy use. Opiate drugs include methadone, codeine, OxyContin, morphine, and heroin. Opiate drugs can cause physical dependence when used for a long time or very heavily. This means that a person relies on the drug to prevent physical symptoms of withdrawal from occurring.
With time, the person requires more and more of the drug to feel the same effects. If an individual ceases use of the drug, withdrawal symptoms will occur. Symptoms experienced by the user in the early stage of withdrawal include: anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, running nose, and agitation. Symptoms experienced in the late stage of withdrawal include: cramping in the abdomen, dilated pupils, nausea, and vomiting.
We Offer Help With Opiate Withdrawals
Opioid withdrawal reactions can be very uncomfortable but are not life threatening. A doctor can diagnose opiate withdrawals and can then recommend treatment for the individual. This is important since withdrawal symptoms can be so bad that the user continues heavy and prolonged use of the drug to escape late symptoms of withdrawal. Treatment for opiate withdrawals symptoms typically involves support, management, and medication. A common medication used to curb withdrawal symptoms for opioid withdrawal is Clonidine, reducing anxiety, agitation, aches, sweating, and running nose. Other medications can be used to treat others symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. Those medications include Methadone and Buprenorphine. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and SMART recovering can be extremely helpful to help individuals cope with addiction and relapse. It is important to seek a treatment plan that helps the individual cope and heal short-term and long-term.
