|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Opiate Withdrawal Treatments

In 2006, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 2.4 million people were addicted to heroin or other opiates, including drugs prescribed by a physician. Medication such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and Dilaudid are all opiate-based prescription pain-killers and can be habit-forming in certain individuals. There are a variety of safe and effective treatments for these addictions available for those who seek it.

  1. About Methadone Treatment

    • Methadone, a synthetic narcotic medication, has been used as a treatment for opiate withdrawal for over 25 years. It can benefit recovering narcotic patients by easing the pain and discomfort associated with withdrawing from opiate use. It must be prescribed by a medical doctor and used in addition with a licensed recovery program. Methadone is not a narcotic, but patients will experience a sedative effect while on this medication. Methadone can be problematic due to its addictive nature and difficulty in withdrawing from it.

    Alternative to Methadone

    • Buprenorphine is another synthetic narcotic used in the treatment of heroin and opiate withdrawal. A newer drug on the market, it claims to have less addictive tendencies and a "milder withdrawal profile" than Methadone. Buprenorphine, also known by the pharmaceutical names Subutex and Suboxone, must be prescribed by a physician while the patient is following a withdrawal treatment program.

    Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal

    • Because the withdrawal effects from opiates can be severe, it is recommended that people going through withdrawal do so through a treatment program. Patients "kicking" heroin or other opiates can experience seizures, nausea, vomiting, sweats, agitation, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition, people who withdraw off synthetic opiates such as methadone are advised to do so under a physician's care, as coming off of these medications "cold turkey" could prove fatal.

    In-Patient Treatment

    • Every state has licensed treatment facilities to provide care for people withdrawing from opiate addiction. There are state-run, non-profit and private organizations. There may be a wait list to enter into these facilities, particularly those that provide low-cost or free care. Treatment centers generally provide a complete detoxification program that includes health evaluations, counseling and that requires regular attendance at 12-step or other peer recovery program. Patients generally stay between 30 and 90 days.

    Out-Patient Treatment

    • Some people opt for outpatient treatment programs. These provide the patient more freedom and lifestyle flexibility while completing treatment. Patients are often required to meet with counselors and physicians and submit to regular urine analysis in order to continue the program. Patients may also be required to attend regular peer recovery meetings.

    Peer Based Recovery

    • The 12-step program of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is the most widely known peer recovery program. It is a spiritually-based program though it does not commit to any one denomination or religion. NA does not require dues or fees and relies solely on donations.
      SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is an alternative self-help program that teaches members to work on coping mechanisms and behavior modification in fighting the urge to use drugs

Drug Addiction - Related Articles