Opiate addiction is one of the most powerful addictions present in the United States today; however opiate withdrawal is more powerful than the addiction. As it is a common drug prescribed for pain due to injuries, cancer, and post-surgical treatment. It is a very addicting drug and although it may help many pain issues, it also has a component that causes the individual to feel a high from it. As with any other drug or substance, repeated or long term use can lead to tolerance. In turn, the tolerance (needing of more to reach the euphoria) can lead to addiction of Opiates.
Experiencing opiate withdrawal.
If a person forms and addiction to the drug, without it in their system, they can experience horrible withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Opiates can be fatal. In most cases, a person addicted to Opiate medication will need medically supervised detoxification and rehabilitation to reach success in recovery.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Distressed breathing
- Rapid heart beat
- Decreased blood pressure
- Coma
Opiate withdrawal without professional help can be fatal.
Opiate addiction is more commonly associated with tainting of the medication. Addicts may crush the drug to snort it for faster absorption into the body and they may also dilute the drug for injection directly into the blood stream. While it is easy to overdose on a drug just by building tolerance, it is even easier to overdose by altering the drug. Who knows when you may take your fatal dosage of the drugs? Opiate withdrawal symptoms can arise as soon as six hours of the last dosage and can last up to one week. This is why it is recommended to seek a medical detoxification program and rehabilitation. There are medications to help an addicted individual get through the withdrawal phase of the program. If you or someone you love is experiencing the signs of Opiate withdrawal, contact 911, these symptoms can be fatal if not treated properly.
