Hainan drug control volunteer training class opened, and during the routine check when leaving the city, two bags of ice poison were found. In Luoyang, prisoners were found to be trafficking drugs within the prison. Further promotion of venue culture construction has been carried out.
For people who consume drugs, those who fail in quitting drugs and relapse are not a small number. So, how can one quit drugs completely? Below, I will introduce it in detail for you, hoping it will be helpful to everyone.
What are the common methods to quit drugs completely?
First, how does natural detoxification work?
That is, no special detoxification medicine is provided to drug users, and drug use is forcibly stopped, allowing withdrawal symptoms to develop naturally and fade away naturally. This method is also known as the "cold turkey" method. The peak period of withdrawal symptoms usually occurs on the third day, which is 72 hours after quitting drugs. After enduring this period, the condition begins to improve. Within 7 to 10 days, most obvious symptoms disappear, and the physical dependence is basically overcome. The application of the natural detoxification method has a long history. Up to now, many countries, especially Southeast Asian countries, still widely promote hard drug withdrawal in compulsory detoxification institutions. This method is simple and takes the shortest time. Some people even believe that allowing drug users to experience discomfort and pain helps them learn lessons and avoid relapsing.
However, the natural detoxification method has been used worldwide for decades, but there has been no evidence showing that it helps people learn lessons and avoid relapsing. On the contrary, it makes drug users fear detoxification institutions and try to avoid them, losing their motivation to seek treatment. The natural detoxification method is not suitable for the elderly or weak individuals, and may sometimes endanger life. However, for those who have not been using drugs for long, with low dosage and less severe physical dependence, the natural detoxification method can be used. Completing the detoxification process does not mean everything is fine. Persistent withdrawal symptoms take half a year, or even a year, to subside. Drug users always feel tormented, and the craving for drugs sooner or later leads to relapse.
Second, how does medication detoxification work?
This involves using various anti-withdrawal symptom drugs to reduce the pain experienced by drug users during the detoxification process, or using other similar drugs for substitution and gradual reduction treatment. Simply put, it's drug detoxification.
(1) Methadone Substitution and Gradual Reduction Method
Methadone is a synthetic anesthetic with pharmacological effects similar to morphine. Its effect lasts longer, and oral administration works well. These two characteristics make methadone the main drug used in substitution and gradual reduction methods. Since it does not produce toxic effects on human thinking and behavior, it is also used as methadone maintenance therapy. The side effects of methadone are similar to those of morphine. Common side effects include constipation, sweating, sedation, and sexual desire suppression. Women sometimes experience swelling in the lower limbs. Except for persistent constipation, other side effects gradually become mild as the body adapts.
Methadone also produces euphoria, but not as strongly as heroin. Methadone is a bitter white powder, soluble in water and ethanol. It can be administered through various routes, but subcutaneous injection is irritating. Methadone injection solution comes in vials, at 10 mg/ml. Tablets specifically designed for opiate addiction treatment contain 3.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 40 mg per tablet. Detoxification methadone contains insoluble excipients to prevent its misuse via injection. Domestically, methadone syrup is commonly prepared for oral use.
There are also methadone tablets, capsules, and oral liquids. Oral doses are reduced according to the 'Guidance Principles for Common Detoxification Treatment of Opioid Addiction' issued by the Ministry of Health. Most cases are completed within 15-20 days, with cessation on the 21st day. Methadone effectively controls withdrawal symptoms, has a long-lasting effect (clinical effects last 24-36 hours), is convenient to use, has no serious side effects, and repeated use can produce long-term clinical effects. Long-term use of methadone can lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence, and tolerance. Therefore, the addictive nature and abuse potential of methadone should not be overlooked. A strict management system for methadone must be established to prevent its loss and transformation into a drug.
(2) Opiate Gradual Reduction Method
The opiate gradual reduction method has been used in China for the longest time, and it is clearly effective in helping opiate addicts quit. It is safe to use clinically, has few side effects, and is suitable for opiate or milder heroin addicts. The dosage of the opiate gradual reduction method needs to be appropriately controlled; too much makes it difficult to taper off, and too little fails to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The principle of individualization should be followed, considering factors such as the duration of drug use, daily drug consumption, the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and the amount of drug consumed in the past two weeks to determine the initial dose, then adjusting based on the control of withdrawal symptoms.
The opiate gradual reduction method usually takes about 10 days to complete, but in some cases, it may extend up to more than two weeks. The first three days are for adjusting the substitute dosage, ensuring sufficient replacement, followed by gradual reduction. The reduced dosage is replaced with a placebo. Specific usage follows the 'Guidance Principles for Common Detoxification Therapies for Opiate Addiction' issued by the Ministry of Health.