Opiate addiction is the oldest, most persistent and widespread drug problem, second only to alcohol abuse, according to Harvard Medical School. MedlinePlus reports that nearly 9 percent of the population abuses opiates such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, opium and heroin. Taking opiates induces an initial euphoric sensation; however, taking the medications over long periods or in high amounts causes addiction. When opiates are not available to the body, withdrawal symptoms may be severe. Many factors are involved in successful opiate addiction treatment.
Intervention
Many opiate drug abusers will not admit to having a drug addiction. Often, family members, co-workers and friends identify a problem and persuade the addict to seek treatment. According to MayoClinic.com, a well-organized intervention is often required to bring attention to the opiate addiction. Family members, clergy and other close friends of the addict must discuss the consequences of the addiction as well as ask the addict to seek treatment. MayoClinic.com advises a successful intervention involves planning, research and teamwork. A poorly executed intervention causes the addict to further withdrawal and often makes the situation even worse, reports the clinic.
Acceptance and Understanding
An addict must accept that withdrawal will occur. He should understand that the process is painful, but will not be life-threatening when performed correctly. According to MedlinePlus, opiate withdrawal varies per person. Heroin withdrawal begins within 12 hours of last use and methadone withdrawal symptoms begin within 30 hours. Early symptoms include irritability, anxiety, muscle pain and sweating. Late symptoms include dilated pupils, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and goose bumps.
Specific medications are prescribed to counteract withdrawal symptoms. Clonidine, a common blood pressure medication, reduces anxiety , irritability and other early symptoms of withdrawal. Buprenorphine has shown to work better than other detoxification medications when used for opiate withdrawal, according to MedlinePlus. Drugs such as buprenorphine and methadone are tightly regulated to use and administration.
Rapid detox methods preformed under anesthesia are widely advertised, but remain controversial. Medical professionals inject large amounts of opiate-blocking medications. MedlinePlus warns that withdrawal symptoms may be extreme and there is no evidence that time spent in withdrawal is reduced. Several deaths have been associated with the rapid withdrawal method.
Counseling and Support
MayoClinic.com advises counseling to determine the underlying cause of the drug abuse. Individual, group or family counseling are available, advises the clinic. Counseling teaches coping skills and other lifestyle factors to prevent the addiction from happening again. Support may be found in 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, through church or religious organizations or employee assistance programs. Finding healthy activities not associated with opiate or other recreational drug or alcohol use is critical. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, treatment does not need to be voluntary to be successful.
