Addiction to opioids such as heroin or morphine is a serious problem in the United States. With the addition of fentanyl to many opioid drugs, it becomes even more crucial to reducing the number of people dependent on abusive substances. The approach must be multi-prong if they are to prove to have any success. Treatment programs that combine an understanding of the physical, mental and emotional aspects are one essential component of this equation. They start with some form of detox. For some clients in Fort Lauderdale, this involves utilizing opiate withdrawal medication.
Treating Opiate Withdrawal
Physicians prescribe opioids as a means of controlling pain. As a recreational drug, they produce a high, eradicating any pain – emotional or physical, replacing it with a feeling of good will and/or lassitude. This lasts until the drug wears off. The addicted body and brain now crave the specific opioid and demand it. The user must give in to escape the feeling of sickness that envelops him/her. However, now, the amount required to keep the body happy is now higher. This creates a vicious cycle that will continue until the addict seeks help or dies.
Opiate withdrawal is not pleasant to undergo or watch. The body, deprived of the drug, reacts violently. Among the symptoms are:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Cold flashes accompanied by goose bumps (the so-called “cold turkey”)
- Craving
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Muscle and bone pain
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
To counteract these reactions, a Fort Lauderdale doctor may administer opiate withdrawal medication. This may take the form of benzodiazepines, buprenorphine, clonidine or methadone. It will depend upon the drug, the history of the client and other related factors.
Opiate Withdrawal Medication
Some sufferers of drug abuse are not able to cope with the violent symptoms. Doctors often use opiate withdrawal medication to reduce the painful effects of drug detachment. In Fort Lauderdale, drug programs utilize this method to help their clients in their recovery.
