Treatment of Opioid (opium) Abuse
Withdrawal symptoms are generally opposite to that of acute drug intoxication like nausea, vomiting, coughing, sweating, salivation, tearing, running nose, twitching of muscles, fever, increase in respiratory rate and increase in blood pressure. There is intense craving for the drug, with sleeplessness and yawning. With shorter acting drugs like morphine and heroin, the withdrawal symptoms generally develop within 8 to 16 hours of taking the last dose. Symptoms become severe in 2 to 3 days and disappear in 5 to 8 days. But some of the symptoms may persist for more than 6 months and probably contribute to relapse.
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms: A thorough physical examination including assessment neurological function is done. Look for systemic or local infection and abscess. Blood should be tested for hepatitis B and HIV. Before starting treatment, proper nutrition should be provided with vitamins and mineral supplementation.
Categories: Addiction, Health Information Tags: modalities of treatment, opium withdrawal in infants, Withdrawal symptoms
