How to Cure an Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction is a complex problem, involving many aspects. Opiate use over prolonged periods creates physical and psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms once use is discontinued. Tolerance is a physical response to high amounts of opiates--over time, you need more opiates to get the same effects. Addiction is not just physical, but involves emotional issues, reasons for starting and continuing opiate use, as well. Although addiction has no "cure," many treatments and options are available to help stop use and abstinence from opiates.

Things You'll Need

• Medical professional
• Treatment center
• Support group
• Medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Make a conscious decision to abstain from opiates. When you are forced to quit by others, the chances of successfully quitting opiates is reduced. It is important that you want to stop. Know the reasons for your decision. For example, if your life is damaged, if your health is suffering or if your relationships are failing. Quitting can be more difficult without a strong, conscious reason.

• 2

  Find help from a medical professional. A doctor might prescribe certain medications to help deal with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, chills, nausea and insomnia. They can be intense and painful, or mild. A doctor can help supervise the process of withdrawal and abstinence from opiates. Enroll in a treatment center, where medical help is available, along with emotional support, lifestyle changes and a comfortable place to detoxify from opiates.

• 3

  Take medication (under a doctor's supervision) to help with withdrawal symptoms. Since withdrawal can be difficult and very intense in some cases, medication assists in alleviating the physical problems, so other aspects of addiction can be addressed. Buprenorphine and clonidine are used to diminish physical symptoms.

  Consider methadone maintenance. Methadone is generally used to treat heroin addiction and is an easier drug to stabilize and control. Over time, doses are lowered until you can stop taking methadone and avoid using heroin or other opiates.

• 4

  Join a support group. Drug counseling and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other support groups exist in order to provide emotional support and therapy, which deals with all the issues involved in addiction. Make sure to address the emotional and psychological problems during group or private sessions, to gain insight into your addiction. Along with medication, joining a support group decreases the chance of a relapse.

• 5

  Build a personal support system. Talk to your family and friends, and ask for their help during withdrawal and after. It may be difficult at first to admit your addiction, but it helps to have understanding and loving support during the difficult process of withdrawal. Explain your situation, and ask for support.