Opiate dependency
From Free net encyclopedia
Opiate dependency is a physical and psychological condition that develops from the long term use (more often abuse) of naturally occurring opiates such as morphine or codeine or synthetically derived opiates (opioids) such as demerol or oxycodone. Opiate dependency is unlike other substance dependencies, in that an individual is more likely to become physically dependent well before becoming psychologically addicted. Treatment for opiate dependent persons includes detoxification through the use of methadone. Alternative detox protocols call for total abstention from all opiates, with the use of various benzodiazepines and other medications to reduce the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with abstinence.
Symptoms of withdrawal from opiates include (but are not limited to) leg cramps, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and cravings for the drug itself. Detoxification is best conducted in an in patient facility that provides a controlled environment. Patients who are isolated and exposed solely to care givers and other patients in this environment have a better rate of staying clean then those who detox out-patient.
Additional withdrawal symptoms include (but are not limited to) rhinusitis, lacrimation, severe fatigue, lack of motivation, moderate to severe and crushing depression, feelings of panic, sensations in the legs (and occasionally arms) causing kicking movements which disrupt sleep further, increased heartrate and blood pressure, chills, gooseflesh, headaches, anorexia, mild or moderate tremors, and other adrenergic symptoms severe aches and pains in muscles and perceivably bones, and weight loss in severe withdrawal.
Depending on the quantity, type, frequency, and duration of opioid abuse; the physical withdrawal symptoms last for as little as 5 days and as much as 14 days. The user, upon returning to the environment they usually used opiates, can experience environmentally implied physical withdrawal symptoms well-after regaining physical homeostasis - or the termination of the physical withdrawal phase by synthesis of endogenous opioids (endorphans) and upregulation of opioid receptors to the effects of normal levels of endogenous opioids. (Morphine is a naturally-occurring substance in the brain in small amounts and is the majority of the chemicals known as endorphans) These implied symptoms are often just as disressing and painful as the initial withdrawal phase.
It can take up to two months for the brain's opioid receptors to return to their normal efficacy to endogenous opioids, meaning depression and anxiety can linger for this time period. Luckily, opioid dependence usually leaves no permanent damage to the brain or the opioid receptors, but some very heavy users of opiates (years or more) can never fully readapt and thus repeatedly relapse.