The short-term prognosis for narcotic addicts is poor because of high relapse rates. The long-term prognosis is better because addicts in their thirties and forties tend to stop drug use.

    Overdose of oxycodones can precipitate a medical emergency. Laboratory analysis is performed to identify the drug ingested. A narcotic antagonist such as naloxone, nalorphine, or levallorphan is given before any irreversible brain anoxia develops. Prophylactic tetanus immunizations are often given. If a suicide attempt is suspected, the individual is evaluated by a psychiatric/ mental health professional before discharge.

    Treatment of withdrawal is symptom based and may not require the use of medication. One of the goals for treatment for an opiate addict is to maintain a relative comfort level and use motivational counseling so that the client is more likely to stay with the rehabilitation program.

    Methadone is a federally regulated regulated synthetic narcotic that may be used in detoxification and maintenance program for heroin addicts. Methadone maintenance is supportive therapy that is most effective when provided in addition to education, counseling and vocational training programs. Methadone has been beneficial for most individuals and is the most effective method of decreasing the risk of heroin use and the most promising available treatment for IV narcotic users seeking treatment.