Opioid (Morphine) Dependence: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Opiod or morphine dependence is characterized by an addiction to a substance known as opioids that is mostly found in presrciption painkilers as well as illegal drugs such as heroine. The dependence can get very severe in a very short span of time and corrective measures have to be taken in order to treat this condition. The most popular treatment method for opioid dependence is rehabilitation, which helps the addict or dependent to overcome withdrawal symptoms so that he or she can lead a clean and normal life. Other treatment options include the administration of medicines, which is known as medical detoxification. Behavioral therapy is also a form of treatment for morphine dependence and is widely used. However, to ensure that the dependence ends, a combination of the aforementioned treatment programs needs to be employed. All of the treatment options are focused towards discontinuing the use of the drugs entirely and eliminate the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with the start of the treatment.

If one adopts the approach of medical detoxification in order to treat opioid dependence, the individual will be put on certain prescription drugs that will help in coping with the withdrawal symptoms. The drugs used for treatment include narcotics and sedatives and these may be either administered orally or intravenously via an injection. These drugs relieving pain caused by the addiction and help calm the patient down. The downside to this treatment method is that the drugs used can get addictive. Rehabilitation is another way to cure morphine dependence. In this treatment method, the affected individual is enrolled into a rehabilitation center where he or she is treated by medical experts and is monitored 24x7. Rehabilitation centers combine medical detoxification with behavioral therapy so that patients can tackle withdrawal symptoms and eventually get rid of their addiction. Lifestyle changes are also made to help speed up the process. Although enrolling into rehabs is recommended, patients can also opt for outpatient programs, in which is the entire treatment process ir carried out in one's home.

Patients who are severely addicted to morphine or who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction are eligible for all the treatment options mentioned.

There is criteria as such which deems an addict ineligible for the treatment programs employed to treat opioid dependence. However, patients who are allergic to the drugs used for treatment should consult with their doctor before starting the treatment.

There are no side effects of behavioral therapy or rehabilitation per se. However withdrawal symptoms may occur during such therapy which include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, sweating, chills, sleeplessness and mood swings among others. Side effects of the drugs used to fight dependence include headache, dizziness, constipation, itching, addiction, diarrhea, balance issues, dry mouth and more.

Post treatment guidelines for any of the methods mentioned include going for regular counseling sessions and staying away from addictive substances.

It can take about a minimum of 1 to 3 months to completely recover from opioid or morphine dependence. The duration can vary depending on the severity of the case.

The price of rehabilitation centers in India starts at Rs. 30,000 and can go higher depending on the facilities and programs offered by the clinic. Drugs used to treat addiction can cost between Rs 100 to Rs 350.

The results post therapy are permanent. However, a relapse can occur if the affected individual is exposed to doses of morphine or other opioids.

Alternatives to rehabilitation center and behavioral therapy and medical detoxification are few and far between. There are Ayurvedic treatments available though one should consult with a medical expert before opting for them.