Opioid or opiates are used to treat severe and chronic pain. However, these drugs are highly addictive if not appropriately regulated. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 26.4 million to 36 million people worldwide abuse opiate drugs, whether legally as a prescription pain reliever or illegally for recreational purposes. If you suddenly cut back on your usage or completely stop using them after heavy use, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. An opiate withdrawal medication may help make the whole withdrawal process less uncomfortable.
Who are More at Risk of Developing Opioid Addiction?
Most people who have an opioid addiction did it intentionally. They took and abused the drug all on their own. However, some people need this drug to manage their pain but eventually ended up being addicted to it.
Genetic, environmental and psychological factors all play a significant role in addiction. But aside from these, several more factors can increase a person’s risk factors for abusing this drug, which include:
- Unemployment
- Poverty
- Family and personal history of substance abuse
- Young age
- Mental health problems
- Contact with high-risk people or environments
- Severe anxiety or depression
- Chronic stress
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
You will experience your first withdrawal symptom within 12 to 30 hours of your last drug use.
Early symptoms include:
- Drug cravings
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Muscle pain
- Runny nose
- Agitation, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
- Increased tearing
- Insomnia
Late withdrawal symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Goosebumps
Withdrawal Treatments
Some opioid withdrawal symptoms can be deadly, which is why it is not recommended that you go through it on your own. Treatments can be done in several different settings. It can be done at a residential rehab facility or in a regular hospital. It can also be done at your home in Fort Lauderdale as long as you have access to the right opiate withdrawal medication, counseling, and support.
