Difference between revisions of "Come Off of Opiates"

Whether you were prescribed opiates for a medical issue or began taking opiates recreationally, dependence or addiction can develop very quickly. Dependence is usually characterized by withdrawal symptoms and tolerance (resulting in the need for higher doses), while addiction is characterized by compulsive abuse coupled with physical and mental dependence beyond medical pain relief.<ref name="rf1">http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/painkillers-and-addiction-narcotic-abuse?page=2#2</ref> If you believe you may be dependent on or addicted to opiates, it's best to seek medical care to ensure that you taper off your drug use safely and effectively, although it is possible to gradually wean yourself off of opiates at home as well. Learning how to come off of opiates can help you return to optimum health, eliminate the unpleasant side effects of opiate use, and return to a normal, functional lifestyle.

Whether you were prescribed opiates for a medical issue or began taking opiates recreationally, dependence or addiction can develop very quickly. Dependence is usually characterized by withdrawal symptoms and tolerance (resulting in the need for higher doses), while addiction is characterized by compulsive abuse coupled with physical and mental dependence beyond medical pain relief.<ref name="rf1">http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/painkillers-and-addiction-narcotic-abuse?page=2#2</ref> If you believe you may be dependent on or addicted to opiates, it's best to seek medical care to ensure that you taper off your drug use safely and effectively, although it is possible to gradually wean yourself off of opiates at home as well. Learning how to come off of opiates can help you return to optimum health, eliminate the unpleasant side effects of opiate use, and return to a normal, functional lifestyle.

== Steps ==

== Steps ==

===Tapering Off Opiates at Home===

===Tapering Off Opiates at Home===