Detox

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Addiction to opiates has been recognized as a central nervous system disorder brought about by the continuous intake of an opiate such as heroin, morphine, methadone, or hydrocodone. The improper use of opiates will cause the nerve cells in the brain to stop functioning as they normally do. Not only that, but they would also stop producing endorphins. This would be unhealthy, as endorphins are the compounds that make us feel happy and naturally relieve pain. When the body ceases to produce endorphins, the body would then start to develop a dependence on opiates to achieve a satisfying state of happiness or freedom from pain. The longer the opiate abuse, the greater the amount of the opiate necessary to achieve the desired state of pleasure or painlessness.

If and when the body suddenly withdraws from using opiates, it could also develop another complication, which is withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal is a normal and long process to undergo as far as an addicted individual is concerned. It is not something done overnight. It is a painful and lengthy process that not only can help the individual suffering from addiction but can also have serious risks, such as causing permanent damage to the cardiopulmonary system and as well as to the central nervous system if not watched carefully. If the opiate detox process is not monitored and side effects are left untreated, the resulting damage to the body can be irreversible and can cause death to the individual.

These are among the reasons why opiate dependency treatment demands appropriate and responsible medical care. Symptoms brought about by the withdrawal syndrome have led to the growth of anesthesia-assisted opioid and opiate withdrawal procedures. Rapid detox, according to some proponents, is a relatively painless way to withdraw from opiates and opioids. However, like any other medical procedure, it also has its own share of unfortunate events. This procedure is likely to heighten the risk of psychosis, stress, and acute renal failure. All of these issues are difficult in themselves to cure and could even be fatal.

There are other available and accessible ways to detox opiates. These include opioid agonist drugs. Just be cautious not to get addicted to them as well, which is why they should be administered in an inpatient setting rather than outpatient treatment.

These drugs work like opiates but do not produce the same high and are given in doses that are gradually able to be decreased. Doses are given only in amounts necessary to help the individual and only as long as necessary. Since these medications work like opiates, again, the symptoms or signs that would determine that the withdrawal syndrome is reduced will be barely noticeable or recognized.

Clonidine, one of the drugs mentioned above, may be given through a transdermal patch. This patch would then dispense the drug gradually as needed and is consistently working over a seven-day period. Individuals who decide to take this patch would be required first to take the Clonidine orally for the first two days to observe if its effectiveness with the individual would be appropriate. Medications taken through the skin would actually take two days to start to be effective. It is also helpful if the blood pressure is monitored since Clonidine is capable of causing hypertension and sedation.

All in all, the treatment process to detox opiates is complex and arduous and requires a great amount of willpower, support, and love from family members. It also requires a team of well-trained and experienced medical professionals and is best done as part of a comprehensive inpatient drug treatment and rehabilitation program at a specialized facility. With outpatient programs, there is not as much chance of success due to the powerful nature of opiate addiction.

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