Kadian is a prescription pain drug given to patients to alleviate intense pain. Kadian is intended for continuous, long-term treatment exclusively for patients who have not responded well to other pain medications.

Kadian, classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, poses a significant risk of abuse, addiction, and dependence. For this reason, it is essential to use Kadian precisely as directed by your physician and to be aware of the dangers of Kadian dependency.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Kadian addiction or abuse, here’s everything you need to know about Kadian withdrawal and detoxing from Kadian. Gratitude Lodge offers personalized treatment to help patients who are stopping Kadian use and looking to maintain lifelong sobriety.

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What Is Kadian?

Kadian is a medication for pain relief that is utilized to manage intense, persistent pain, primarily for those with cancer. Kadian is categorized as an opioid analgesic (narcotic) and is assigned exclusively to patients who are tolerant to opioid pain relievers or when immediate-release opioids fail to adequately relieve pain.

Kadian is produced as an extended-release form of morphine. Morphine operates by altering how the brain and nervous system react to pain. The aim when developing this medication was to create a substance that functioned as effectively as morphine but had a significantly longer effect, given that morphine’s impact diminishes rapidly. This makes Kadian a highly desired option for individuals battling extensive pain and seeking a more potent solution to combat their discomfort.

However, the enduring and potent pain-relief properties of Kadian have contributed to its popularity for misuse. Kadian is not commonly prescribed because of its strong effects, yet it is often abused by individuals attempting to overcome their opioid drug tolerance. With time, individuals who abuse it will develop a higher tolerance to its effects and might look for more potent substances, such as heroin.

What Is Kadian Withdrawal Like?

Kadian withdrawal results from dependence, which happens when an individual uses the medication consistently over an extended duration. This may occur if an individual is using Kadian as prescribed by a physician for pain management, if someone takes the medication as directed and begins to misuse it, or if they start misusing it without a prescription.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Kadian

Individuals dependent on Kadian or addicted to it will likely encounter unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they skip a dose or attempt to discontinue its use abruptly.

Kadian triggers intense cravings and adverse effects that require professional assistance to manage. Without medical help, the chances of resuming opioid use increase significantly because of the pain.

Some of the common unpleasant withdrawal symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Agitation
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Backache
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue)
• Goosebumps
• Hot and cold flashes
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Restlessness
• Runny eyes and nose
• Yawning

Kadian Withdrawal Timeline

The intensity and duration of Kadian withdrawal symptoms differ from individual to individual. Typically, withdrawal symptoms will begin within 30 hours, reach their peak between three and eight days, and subside within 10 days following the final use of Kadian. Nonetheless, certain individuals might face withdrawal symptoms for a prolonged duration.

Moreover, the duration of withdrawal symptoms is influenced by a person’s distinct physiology. For instance, individuals who have been on Kadian for an extended period or possess a high opioid tolerance might endure more intense withdrawal symptoms for a longer duration.

Generally, Kadian withdrawal consists of 3 phases:

Phase 1

The first stage typically includes distressing symptoms linked to opioid addiction. Many people suffer from severe pain in their bones, muscles, joints, and abdomen. Stage one is also linked to symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and chills — similar to the flu.

Phase 2

In stage two, the majority of patients suffer from vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. This phase is quite distressing, particularly when symptoms from the first stage persist.

Phase 3

Stage three can seem as though withdrawal has concluded, but the patient remains highly prone to relapse. Symptoms may still manifest and fluctuate in intensity.

The initial phase typically endures for one or two days, whereas the second stage can extend from three to five days. The third phase can occasionally last from one day to a week, based on the intensity of the withdrawal and the duration needed for the patient to recuperate.

Why Kadian Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Morphine functions by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors, effectively preventing pain signals from the nervous system. With just one month of daily use, morphine can have considerable impacts on the brain.

Additionally, morphine significantly affects the brain’s reward system, triggering the brain to release a surge of dopamine — the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. This activates the reward system, leading to continued drug use by triggering cravings. Gradually, the brain conditions the individual to pursue enjoyment via morphine rather than typical pleasure sources.

Misusing morphine involves an uncontrollable consumption of the drug that results in physical, mental, and behavioral adverse effects. When a person becomes dependent on it, they will face severe withdrawal symptoms as the effects of morphine diminish. Withdrawal symptoms occur due to the alterations that morphine has induced in the brain. Since the brain has adapted to the drug, when it is not present, adverse symptoms will occur.

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What Is Detox for Kadian Like?

Kadian detox is essential when someone becomes reliant on this medication and requires assistance with withdrawal.

In numerous instances, physicians will gradually reduce opioid use for patients who have developed a dependency during treatment, but individuals who have misused the substance will definitely require care in a specialized Kadian detox facility. Subsequently, rehabilitation as a method of addiction treatment is frequently essential too.

Medically-Assisted Detoxification Program

Medically supervised detox programs generally include the use of medications to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. These drugs can assist in controlling symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. They can additionally aid in preventing seizures, which can significantly impede recovery.

Alongside medication, detox programs offer counseling and support, assisting individuals in acquiring coping skills to manage cravings and the numerous challenges that frequently arise on the path to recovery. The personnel at these programs can additionally assist you in linking with other resources in your community, including support groups and aftercare services.

The medications most frequently utilized in treating opioid withdrawal are:

• Clonidine: a blood pressure medication that can alleviate many withdrawal symptoms linked to Kadian dependence.
• Methadone: an opioid agonist capable of alleviating withdrawal symptoms or serving as a maintenance medication.
• Buprenorphine: an opioid agonist with partial effect that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms or function as a maintenance medication.

Inpatient Kadian rehabilitation is a therapeutic choice that can significantly aid individuals struggling with serious Kadian dependence. Inpatient rehabilitation offers a secure and organized setting where individuals can concentrate on healing away from everyday distractions.

Outpatient Kadian rehabilitation is a less intensive alternative to inpatient treatment, yet it can still be quite effective for individuals dedicated to recovery and residing in a supportive environment.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies frequently play a role in detox as they assist in facilitating a smoother transition to rehabilitation. Certain patients require these treatment alternatives as they are facing significant co-occurring disorders and/or psychological symptoms linked to withdrawal.

Several of the most frequently utilized behavioral therapies in Kadian detox programs include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency control, and group counseling.

What Happens After Kadian Detox?

Following Kadian rehab, you may also wish to maintain your recovery through a sober living or aftercare program.

Aftercare is designed for individuals in long-term recovery from Kadian dependence and other substance use issues. They provide weekly group meetings with sober individuals led by a licensed treatment professional. Aftercare meeting discussion subjects include topics like relapse prevention, conversations about triggers, high-risk scenarios, and more.

Kadian Withdrawal FAQs

How long does Kadian stay in your system?

Kadian is a long-lasting medication that can remain in your body for several days. It has a half-life of 11–13 hours (the duration required for your body to eliminate half of a single dose). Since it requires five half-lives for your body to remove a drug, remnants of Kadian can remain in your system for over two and a half days.

Kadian may also appear in drug tests. Following a dose, Kadian may appear in your urine for up to three days, in your blood for around 6.7 hours, and in your saliva for up to 36 hours. Kadian may also show up in hair tests for as long as three months after you have ceased using the medication.

How long does it take to detox from Kadian?

A typical Kadian detox program generally lasts around a month to finish. During medical detox, patients might receive medications to alleviate their symptoms, typically lasting around one to two weeks, while the remaining period is utilized to ready the person for the transition into rehabilitation treatment. Nevertheless, alternative detox programs offering medication maintenance might require an entire month to stabilize the patient on another kind of medication.

Can you stop taking Kadian abruptly?

No. If you have been abusing prescription opioids or Kadian for a long time, whether weeks, months, or years, it’s not safe to quit ‘cold turkey’. If your body is used to long-term opioid misuse, quitting abruptly may lead to intense and enduring withdrawal effects. Therefore, it’s advisable to undergo detox at a medical detox facility where trained and certified personnel can guarantee your safety, comfort, and well-being during Kadian withdrawal.

Get Help with Kadian Withdrawal and Detox at Gratitude Lodge

Acknowledging that you need assistance for Kadian addiction and/or dependence can be quite challenging, but keep in mind that your recovery will be significantly smoother if you pursue the support you need instead of attempting to manage it on your own. Attempting to undergo Kadian withdrawal without appropriate care can be extremely risky.

At Gratitude Lodge, we can assist in successfully overcoming Kadian dependence by offering various treatment choices that can be customized to meet the individual needs of each patient. We begin with medical detox to help you gradually stop using Kadian and support you throughout rehab to maintain your Kadian-free status for the long haul, staying by your side at every phase.

Our team is here 24/7 to assist you in evaluating your options, reviewing your budget, and identifying the most suitable path for your recovery from Kadian dependence.

Reach out to us today at 844-576-0144 to discover more about our services for Kadian treatment and recovery support.

Sources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020616s057lbl.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526115/
3. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ClinicalOpiateWithdrawalScale.pdf
4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery