Narcotic (Morphine, Heroin) Abuse

Description

Narcotic abuse can be with illegal opiates such as heroin or from the abuse of prescription medications. Taking narcotics for an extended period of time may require increased doses to alleviate pain. Abruptly stopping the medication will cause withdrawal symptoms-this is narcotic dependence. Addiction is elevated narcotic abuse that becomes compulsive and self-destructive. Complications of narcotic abuse include: loss of job, infections, organ failure, and death.

Symptoms

Needing increasing doses of narcotics, taking narcotics for other reasons besides pain, experiencing social and work problems associated with the drug, experiencing withdrawal when not taking narcotics,

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine damage done by the narcotic abuse may be performed.

Treatment

Switching the patient to methadone and slowly weaning off the narcotic is the standard therapy. Withdrawal symptoms can be controlled with clonidine, and anti-nausea medications. A narcotic antagonist naltrexone may be added. Rapid detoxification using general anesthesia has not been well studied and has the risks of general anesthesia. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

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