Kadian is a prescription tablet containing morphine, a common pain reliever that has narcotic properties. Morphine works by blocking the brain’s pain receptors, thus making the body less capable of detecting pain. It is prescribed to relieve chronic, moderate or severe pain, and it provides feelings of elation and well-being.
“Often, these people do not seek treatment for morphine dependency until they overdose on the drug.”
People who take morphine regularly can become dependent on it and can ultimately overdose. Often, these people do not seek treatment for morphine dependency until they overdose on the drug. Call us at to get connected to a Kadian detox center that can help you or your loved one suffering from Kadian addiction.
Did You Know?
The invention of the hypodermic syringe was a major factor in the increase in morphine use from 1857.
Kadian Overdose Symptoms
Because people don’t often seek intervention until after they overdose, you can save a life by knowing the signs of morphine overdose. Kadian and morphine have a sedating effect on the body; therefore, the heart, lungs and other vital functions slow down. The following are visible symptoms of morphine overdose:
- Shrunken pupils
- Labored breathing
- Blue tinge to fingernails and lips
- Weak pulse
If the person complains of drowsiness, nausea or constipation, it also can indicate morphine overdose. In extreme cases, he or she may be unconscious. If you suspect a morphine overdose, call 911.
Kadian Detox Facilities
Inpatient facilities are used to treat chronic abuse or dependency to morphine. Kadian detox centers employ a mixture of detox therapy, individual psychotherapy and group therapy sessions to both rid the excess morphine from the body and address the underlying causes of morphine abuse. Morphine is rigidly prescribed to patients according to their weight and need; deviating from prescribed amounts constitutes abuse. People become substance abusers for a reason. Therapy helps to determine what that reason is and how to deal with it.
Physical Detox
The initial phase of the recovery process from substance abuse is detox. In many cases, detox involves a complete cessation of the drug; complete morphine withdrawal, however, causes complications. Doctors in detox facilities are trained to watch for withdrawal symptoms that are out of the ordinary. Symptoms include but are not limited to anxiety, irritability, depression, crying, muscle cramps, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Patients are typically given progressively lower doses of morphine until the body stabilizes. Oftentimes a substitute medication is given to help the body adjust. Withdrawal symptoms typically last over four days from the time of the last dose.
About 5.1 million people in the United States abuse prescription narcotics like Kadian.
Individual and Group Therapy
After detox, Kadian rehab centers will address the psychological component of addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are often used to address the thinking and behavior between the drug use. These approaches address the underlying concerns and negative thought patterns that provoke substance abuse and seek to change the patient’s thought patterns into positive, life-affirming ones. Dialectical behavioral therapy, which is a subset of the above, delves into the specific triggers and goes from session to session using patient-therapist interaction as a model for situations requiring stress management skills. Group therapy helps the patient deal with people on a peer level as opposed to doctor-patient roles. It also acts as a system of support and accountability.
What to Expect
Upon checking into a Kadian detox center, the patient will undergo an initial assessment, after which his or her medical history will be given to the presiding doctors, nurses and orderlies. The assessment will cover physical condition as well as the amount of morphine in the body. After this, a treatment program tailored to the patient’s needs is created.
If you or a loved one enters a Kadian detox program, know that the timeframe of care will vary between people. The more cooperative and willing to work the patient is, the more quickly he or she can progress and the more likely the treatment is to stick. For 24-hour help and support in treating a Kadian addiction, call us at .
