Final answer:
A client experiencing opioid withdrawal may show symptoms opposite to the drug's effects, including insomnia, rhinorrhea, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. Methadone might be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Withdrawal should be medically supervised due to the rapid potential for opioid addiction and the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client who is experiencing opioid withdrawal, a healthcare provider should expect to see certain manifestations that are opposite to the effects of opioids. Typical symptoms include insomnia, where the client is unable to sleep, rather than sedation. Additionally, the client may experience rhinorrhea (runny nose) and other flu-like symptoms, such as yawning, sneezing, and abdominal pain. Further symptoms can include tachycardia (fast heart rate) rather than bradycardia and hyperthermia (raised body temperature) instead of hypothermia.
Opioids are known to produce analgesia (pain relief), euphoria, and sedation. Upon withdrawal, the body tends to react with symptoms that are the reverse effects of those produced by opioids. Thus, in withdrawal, pain, agitation, and discomfort are common. Moreover, substances like methadone or buprenorphine are used in medically assisted detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings due to their properties of being less euphorigenic and having a longer duration of action than drugs like heroin.
Opioid addiction can develop quickly, even when opioids are used as prescribed for pain relief, leading to an increased likelihood of misuse and the necessity of monitored withdrawal processes. Rehabilitation often involves psychotherapy and the support of organizations that help address both physical and psychological dependence.