If a loved one is currently seeking treatment for an opioid addiction, then it is wise for them to visit a treatment center that is willing to provide a variety of choices when it comes to treating the disorder. While many physicians will try to use a variety of opioids in different strengths to limit withdrawal, this is not ideal for a lot of people. Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available that do not involve the use of opioids. Keep reading to learn about a few options.
Medication
Thankfully, there are some promising medications on the market currently that help to reduce the severity, intensity, and length of opiate withdrawal without the administration of narcotics. One of the most recent FDA approved medications is called Lucemyra. This medication has been on the market only since May of 2018, so it is relatively new.
The medicine can be used for about two weeks, and it reduces the amount of norepinephrine that is released into the body during withdrawal. Norepinephrine is a hormone that typically elevates the blood pressure and the heart rate, and it is partially responsible for opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Sometimes anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications are provided as well. Anti-anxiety medication, as well as IV fluids, may be part of the treatment too. This all depends on your loved one's needs, the abilities of the staff at the treatment center, and whether there is a health risk associated with the withdrawal. Keep in mind that withdrawal can last some time and medication is usually discontinued entirely after the worst symptoms have passed.
Comfort Care
Even if medications are used, your loved one will still go through a difficult time during the initial withdrawal. This can be devastating, and this is one reason why comfort care is provided to patients who are going through treatment. This allows your family member to remain more at ease.
Comfort care is important to allow the treatment facility to keep a close eye on your loved one as well. Not only does this help with symptoms of depression, but it establishes a relationship that can be encouraging during the entirety of the treatment period. Comfort care involves the use of any measure that makes your family member feel better. Soft pillows and blankets may be provided, and fluids are often given in excess. Movies can be played for distraction, and once the initial withdrawal passes, games, as well as music and art therapy, may be introduced.
For more information on non-addictive opioid withdrawal treatments, contact your local treatment center.
Share21 August 2018
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
