Kadian Abuse and Addiction
Kadian (MS Contin, Avinza, Actavisis) are brand names of a variety of timed-release compounds of morphine sulfate. Kadian is an analgesic usually prescribed for chronic pain. Due to its strength, it is typically prescribed to cancer patients and victims of severe but non-cognitive-damaging trauma.
Kadian is considered particularly dangerous to recreational drug users who are unaware that the time-release mechanism is a wax inside of the pill that, when heated, encases the morphine sulfate and presents an extreme danger to drug users who heat and inject the drug.
As with other opiod narcotics, the most hazardous side effect of Kadian is respiratory depression. Users who are older or who have lung or breathing problems are particularly vulnerable to respiratory depression. Other side effects include anxiety, constipation, depressed or irritable mood, dizziness, exaggerated sense of well-being, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, sweating and vomiting.
Kadian, like other opiod analgesics, can be highly addictive.
Kadian abusers will develop physical tolerance, and will experience withdrawal when stopping abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms include dilated pupils, restlessness, runny nose, sweating, abdominal and leg pains, abdominal and muscle cramps, anxiety, diarrhea, hot and cold flashes, inability to fall or stay asleep, increase in body temperature, high blood pressure, tachycardia, kicking movements, loss of appetite, severe backache, twitching and spasm of muscles, vomiting and weakness.
Depending on the amount and length of time Kadian has been abused, the initial period of physical withdrawal will end within a few weeks.
Most Kadian abusers also experience a secondary phase of withdrawal which might last for 2 to 6 months. Symptoms of secondary withdrawal include aching muscles, irritability, and insomnia.
Kadian withdrawal can be successfully managed with medically supervised detox. Kadian detox normally takes about seven days and is usually followed by psychosocial treatment in a residential treatment center to address issues of psychological dependence and social readjustment.
If you have additional questions, or if you would like us to provide you with a no-cost, no-commitment, confidential consultation, please contact one of our treatment specialists.
