Treatment Of Narcotic Addicts

Opioid abuse is one of the most abused medicines. Opioid drug addicts increase in number and it is steadily increasing over the years. The main purpose of the medication is to relieve pain and not to cause this addiction.

Pharmacist’s Obligation

Patients with prescription could buy the drug legally in the pharmacy but it doesn’t ensure safety from abuse. Consecutive refills from different prescribers, insisting on paying cash or asking questions about other narcotics that are more potent are some reasons to suspect drug addiction. The pharmacist must be keen to recognize signs of the abuse of opioids and careful in reviewing the prescription in details. Check the quantity, refill amounts and the prescription dates in particular. Verify the prescriber immediately if there are any suspicious information.

Confrontation

Patients who come to the drugstore aren’t all abusers but it’s the responsibility of the pharmacist to ensure safety of the patient buying the addictive drug. If the patient exhibits signs and symptoms of dependence the pharmacist should call healthcare providers who could help the patient after establishing trust. In confronting narcotic addicts, the pharmacist should maintain a calm demeanor and thoroughly explain the legal and social consequences. Provide info on the therapy centers and treatment programs that could help the addict. Reassure the client that this is the 1st step to recovery.

Narcotic Therapy Programs

When the patient is admitted to a healthcare center either as inpatient or outpatient treatment begins. The goal of the treatment program is to help the abuser live a drug-free life and to improve relationships in the family, workplace and society in general. Pharmacological therapy and behavioral therapy are the 2 main goals of treatment.

Pharmacological Therapy

Pharmacological therapy concentrates on withdrawals from an addiction to opioids. When a person abruptly stops taking the narcotics they experience uncomfortable symptoms. Synthetic opioids are given to patients to heal the withdrawal signs and symptoms. These drugs mimic the pain relieving effects of opioids without the side-effects. They are used to slowly discontinue the use of opioids by tapering it.

Behavioral Treatment

In behavioral treatment the patient learns how to handle social stigma and how to function normally in the society. It instructs patients on how to deal with cravings and relapse. This therapy also includes the friends, family and partners in order to achieve a lifetime recovery through their help.

Medical professionals must work together to help the addicts. There is hope for the abusers.