Those going through detoxification from opium addiction or coming down from using narcotic painkillers containing the alkaloid morphine are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may be graded from less severe drug craving and anxiety to more severe sweating, muscle twitching and nausea, or even abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. The more quickly opiates are withdrawn, the more intense the withdrawal symptoms.
Synthetic Opiates
Synthetic opiates, also called opioid agonists, can help block some of the opiate withdrawal symptoms. Synthetics like methadone don't give the same "high" feeling as morphine. AddictionSearch.com states that the synthetic opioids help reduce the worst withdrawal symptoms without giving the user reason to crave more. With gradual reduction of synthetic opioids, there are greatly reduced symptoms.
Cold Turkey
Cold turkey detoxification is accomplished without the use of synthetic opioids or anesthetics to block the pain. But sudden withdrawal without medication to buffer the severe withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, painful and even life threatening. Close monitoring and medical supervision is necessary to ensure permanent damage to the patient is avoided. MayoClinic.com advises a slower detoxification process to make sure such risks are avoided.
Long-Term Residential Treatment
Long-term residential treatment may be the treatment of choice for those who have a complicated poly-drug withdrawal or a history of relapses. If previous methadone treatment and out-patient services haven't been successful, a long-term residence in a therapeutic community program may give the combined supervision, peer support and medical monitoring needed to deal with withdrawal symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, those who stay at least three months in such a program are less likely to relapse due to withdrawal symptoms. Criminal activity for such residents is reduced and the likelihood of successful full time employment for these patients is increased in the three to five years after completing the program.
