Opiate Withdrawal
Opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, methadone, and others. Officially entitled Opiate Withdrawal Syndrome, opiate withdrawal is what the body goes through after it has stopped receiving the drug it has become physically dependent upon. This often includes abdominal cramping, dilated pupils, nausea, runny nose, goose bumps, sweating, headache, shaking, angst, and depression. Although painful, the withdrawal symptoms are not life threatening to healthy patients. However, permanent damage to the cardiopulmonary and central nervous systems is a possibility. The largest problem with opiate withdrawal is that the long and painful process can often lead to a return to drug use. Often, opiate overdose occurs with people who have recently gone through withdrawal. This occurs because the individuals are not aware that withdrawal causes a lesser dependence on the drug and that a smaller amount is required than before. Traditional treatment for inpatient programs include medications such as clonidine and methadone. The new drug buprenorphine, which will help both the physical and mental affects of withdrawal, is expected on the treatment scene soon.