Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
In addition to the abuse of the illegal drug heroin, the overuse and misuse of many prescribed pain medications has caused a rise in the addiction to opiates. Signs of opiate dependency include slurred speech, extreme fatigue and dilated pupils. If a person has grown dependent on opiates and suddenly ceases taking them, the body will inevitably go through a series of withdrawal symptoms until the drug has completely left the body.
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What is an Opiate?
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Drugs that are derived from the poppy plant are considered opiates. They act as sedatives and are often prescribed for pain. In addition to drugs such as heroin and morphine, other opiates include Codeine, OxyContin and Vicodin. Opiates are highly addictive because along with relieving pain, they also affect the area of the brain which perceives pleasure and results in a feeling of euphoria.
Causes
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Consistent use of opiates can build up the body's tolerance and therefore higher doses are necessary to achieve the desired effect. Eventually, the body becomes dependent on these drugs and the person using them will become addicted. If use of these medications suddenly slows or stops, withdrawal symptoms will occur.
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Early Withdrawal Symptoms
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In the early stages of withdrawal, the person may not even realize she is experiencing symptoms. These symptoms can often be mistaken for the flu and depending upon the individual can include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, runny nose, sweating and yawning.
Late Withdrawal Symptoms
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As withdrawal becomes more severe, the following symptoms may occur: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goose bumps, nausea and vomiting. As severe as the symptoms can be, opiate withdrawal is not life threatening. The body is simply reacting and adjusting to the absence of the drug in its system.
Considerations
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Withdrawing from opiates should be done under medical supervision or in a detox rehabilitation center. Trying to go "cold turkey" can be extremely harmful and is rarely successful. In a medical detox facility, the person undergoing withdrawal symptoms will be made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Not only will the physical symptoms of the addiction be addressed, but the mental reasons will be evaluated as well.
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