Narcotic (morphine, heroin) abuse

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Description

Narcotic abuse can involve illegal opiates such as heroin or from the abuse of prescription medications such as opiates (pain medication: hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine). Overuse of prescription pain medications can often be referred to "prescription medication abuse". Taking narcotics for an extended period of time may lead to tolerance and increased doses to alleviate pain. Abruptly stopping the medication will cause withdrawal symptoms-this is narcotic dependence. Addiction is elevated narcotic abuse that becomes compulsive and self-destructive. Complications of intravenous narcotic abuse include infections such as HIV, hepatitis and organ failure. Abuse of any narcotic can lead to loss of job and alienation from loved ones.

Symptoms

Needing increasing doses of narcotics, taking narcotics for other reasons besides pain, experiencing social and work problems associated with the drug, experiencing withdrawal when not taking narcotics.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine damage done by the narcotic abuse may be performed.

Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Urine or serum toxicology screen

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine

Treatment

Clonidine and anti-nausea medications can help relieve withdrawal symptoms as the narcotic dose is reduced. A narcotic antagonist naltrexone may be added. Switching the patient to methadone, then starting a program with methadone maintenance is often recommended.