Opioid withdrawal

Abstract

Opioids are one of the few drugs that lead to extreme dependence and will result in severe withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation. The chronic use of opioids result in physiological changes within the central nervous system leading to dependence, withdrawal syndrome, and addiction. Many patient consuming chronic opioids to treat chronic pain desire to stop them but rather continue them in order to avoid the severe withdrawal syndrome. However, there are accepted methods of discontinuing opioids that if carefully done will avoid the withdrawal syndrome. These methods include a slow taper with the use of adjuvants to treat withdrawal side effects, outpatient Suboxone detoxification, or inpatient detoxification for selected patients. The method used will be determined by patient factors such as compliance, psychosocial factors, and level of chronic pain.