All opiates belong to a group of drugs called narcotics. These are sedative, addictive substances that are mainly used for the treatment of pain and illegal consumption. Overcoming dependence to any opiate is mostly a matter of making it through the physical withdrawal period and staying determined to remain clean. Although withdrawal at home is an option, this process can be greatly facilitated by medical professionals.
Dependency
Most addictions to any type of drug start as simple "social" use where a person uses illicit drugs only at certain events or around specific people. Many people who engage in this type of use handle their habit and never develop any extremely severe problems as a result. However, there are some who are not able to contain their habit. The casual use then becomes more regular and most users find themselves needing more frequent or larger doses. Over time, they develop tolerance. Eventually, if a drug user continues to abuse drugs the same way she has in the past, she will become dependent on drugs.
Withdrawal at Home
Withdrawal from opiates is rarely life threatening, says Drugs.com. This makes withdrawal at home an option if necessary. However, there are certain opiates, like methadone, no one should attempt to withdraw from at home. It is a good idea to go to an emergency room and talk to a doctor before taking any decisive steps. Although withdrawal at home is an option, anyone considering withdrawal from opiates should know that the process is extremely hard and will most likely end in failure. Even with professional help, the process will be a demanding, time consuming and extremely difficult endeavor.
Methadone
Methadone is a widely accepted, relatively safe and extensively researched pharmaceutical opiate, says MedlinePlus. It is especially useful in managing opiate withdrawal from potent drugs like heroin. The feeling of craving that is commonly associated with opiate withdrawal is caused by irritated receptors in the brain. After an opiate is introduced into the body, it binds to receptors in the brain. After prolonged exposure, these receptors start craving for the presence of these drugs. Methadone works to occupy these receptors but is designed not to cause some of the euphoric rushes and hectic behavior associated with abusing opiates.
Alternatives
Two pharmaceutical alternatives to methadone treatment exist in the forms of levo-alpha acetyl methadol, more commonly known as LAAM, and buprenorphine. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, since the FDA released buprenorphine to be used in opioid withdrawal treatment, it has been found to be safer than methadone in terms of overdose. The agency also reports that buprenorphine is responsible for fewer side effects and is as useful in managing opiate withdrawal as methadone. The pharmaceutical's only downside when compared to methadone is its poor availability. LAAM, unlike methadone, is administered in fewer doses than methadone, says a study conducted by P. Finn and K. Wilcock and published in the "Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment" in 1997. This makes regular checkups less frequent. LAAM is also equally successful in managing opiate withdrawal as methadone, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Support Groups
Overcoming withdrawal and physical addiction is only the first step in treating opioid dependence. The next step is to treat the mental addiction that anyone who has consumed opiates for a long time will have. Organizations like SMART Recovery and Narcotics Anonymous are committed to helping people recover from addiction, stay off drugs and re-enter society. Local centers for these and other similar independent and government run programs can be easily found by calling addiction hotlines, performing research online or simply by talking with a doctor.
References
- Drugs.com: Opiate Withdrawal
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: About Buprenorphine Therapy
- MedlinePlus: Opiate Withdrawal
- "Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment"; Levo-Alpha Acetyl Methadol (LAAM). Its Advantages and Drawbacks.; P. Finn, K. Wilcock; November 1997
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Methadone
