Opioid Withdrawal
RESOURCES FOR PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Opioid withdrawal occurs when a patient who is dependent on opioids suddenly reduces or stops taking opioids. It can also be caused when a patient has an opioid in his/her system and is given an opioid partial agonist like buprenorphine or antagonists like naloxone or naltrexone.
US Cases: 79m-died
World Cases: 115m-died
Sex Ratio: 2.5M/W
Age Onset: Age 20
Brain Area: brainstem,limbic system
Symptoms: breathing slows
Progression: may cause unconsciousness/death
Therapies: Support breathing
Medications: Give naloxone
YouTube Video: The science of opioid withdrawal
Support Groups:
iocdf.org; International OCD Foundation; A Meeting Directory is on their website. 617-973-5801