Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Making it through heroin withdrawals

Applying clonidine for heroin rehabilitation is becoming a common practice in the present times. Doctor Akoury recommends the use of clonidine for heroin eradication.

We are not new to the effects of substance abuse to our health because as things stand now, the problems relating to drug addiction are affecting everybody whether directly or indirectly. Time has come when we must explore all the avenues of healing so that we can find lasting solutions to the problems we are faced with from time to time. In our quest of finding solutions we want to narrow down this discussion to applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation as a way of bringing thins problem of addiction to manageable levels. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and president of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for all addiction solution about this and she professionally said that Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs known as central alpha agonists. This is commonly used for treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also classified as a sympatholytic drug because it inhibits Postganglionic nerve fibers, and thus alters the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system which is the part of the nervous system that it is responsible for fight of flight response. And now back to using clonidine for heroin rehabilitation, doctor Akoury registers that one of the reasons why heroin addicts like any other addicts always find it so difficult to break away from their habit is fear of withdrawal symptoms. Some of the unpleasant side-effects of the detoxification process we are talking about may include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Cold flashes
• Agitation and anxiety
• Inability to sleep
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restless leg syndrome
• Muscle aches

One very important point to note is that these unpleasant symptoms that are associated with withdrawals are a serious obstacle to recovery and therefore anything that will make the process easier is of value and should be encouraged says doctor Akoury. A medication called Clonidine has proved successful in the treatment of these symptoms and that form the basis of this discussion.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Medical uses of clonidine

The question that we all beg to answer then would be “what are some of the medical uses of clonidine?” to respond to that the following are some of the current medical uses of Clonidine:

• Treatment of high blood pressure and this is achieved by relaxing the blood vessels so that there is less pressure.
• It can be used to treat chronic facial redness (Rosacea)
• It can stop hot or cold flushes.
• It is good for treating neuralgia type pain – this is pain due to stimulation of pain receptors in one or more nerves.
• It can also be an effective treatment for insomnia.
• It has been used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• It is sometimes given as a pre-med before surgery to help relax the individual.
• It has proved effective in treating the night sweats.
• Opioid detoxification
• It may help eliminate the tics associated with Tourette syndrome.
• It can be used as an anesthetic when treating animals.
• It provides some relief for menopausal symptoms.
• It can help people deal with alcohol, narcotic, or nicotine withdrawals.
• It can effective in the treatment of restless leg syndrome.
• It has been used in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorder including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders.
• It can be used in the treatment of abnormally rapid pulse (tachycardia).

Clonidine for heroin withdrawals

Clonidine can be prescribed for the treatment of heroin withdrawals. This drug does not claim to eliminate all these unpleasant effects, but it can eradicate many of the most unpleasant ones. It has a number of effects which make these withdrawals easier to deal with including:

• Combating the sympathetic nervous system response to heroin withdrawal thus making things easier for the individual.
• It helps in the prevention of restless leg syndrome. This is a common uncomfortable symptom in withdrawal (some would say the worst symptom of withdrawals), and it means that people are unable to get comfortable – they feel like they have to keep moving their limbs.
• It is also common with individuals who are going through withdrawals to complain of rapid heart-beat and this unpleasant sensation can also be eliminated by Clonidine.
• It can induce people into relaxation mode and sleep better at nighttime.
• There is evidence from recovering clients that it makes them feel more at ease with the process of heroin withdrawals. This therefore makes the whole process of recovery much easier and so the individual is more likely to see their detox all the way through to completion.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Side effects of clonidine

Like any other medication application there are a number of side effects associated with Clonidine including:

• It may occasionally cause low blood pressure (hypotension).
• There are chances that it can lead to constipation.
• Users of this drug can experience drowsiness.
• Some people complain of a dry mouth. This experience of a dry mouth is common however this can be sorted out by drinking plenty of water or chewing preferably sugarless gums.
• It can cause people to experience lightheadedness and dizziness.

Other rare side effects may include:

• An allergic reaction to the drug
• Irregular heart beat
• Mood changes including symptoms of depression
• Cold hands or feet
• Rashes on the body
• Swelling on the body
• Breathing problems

Finally from an expert point of view doctor Akoury is stressing that while using this kind of medication, it is important that the patients is properly advised by the doctor before usage. And if you are already on this medication, consistency is very important and therefore patient must ensure constant supply so that they do not miss doses along the way. There will be instances where patient may experience discomfort and vomiting if this causes them not to take their medication, they will need to inform their doctor right away for professional guidance. However it is dangerous to stop using Clonidine abruptly because it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including:

• Nervousness and agitation
• Headaches
• Shaking
• It could also lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure, and this would be dangerous.

Remember that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are usually not prescribed this drug. And for any further clarification, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further professional advice.

Applying clonidine in heroin rehabilitation: Making it through heroin withdrawals