Ayurvedic Management of Opioid Use Complications in an Adolescent

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent opioid use disorder is a growing health crisis with limited success using conventional treatment methods. Main Clinical Findings: A 16-year-old male with a 2-year history of opioid and heroin abuse presented with withdrawal symptoms, severe anxiety, and diabetes. Diagnosis: The case was diagnosed as opioid withdrawal (ICD-11: 6C43.4), confirmed using the clinical opiate withdrawal scale and associated psychological and biochemical parameters. Interventions: A customized ayurvedic regimen was administered, including Panchakarma therapies (Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Swedana), Herbal medications (Mamsyadi Kwatha, Brahmi Ghrita, and Chandraprabha Vati), Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (~Ayurvedic psychotherapy), and Lifestyle modifications (yoga, Pranayama, dietary changes). Outcome: By day 30, withdrawal symptoms significantly improved, with complete resolution by day 75. At 1 year, the patient showed sustained recovery, improved diabetes control, psychological stability, and social reintegration. Conclusions: This case highlights Ayurveda’s potential as a mainstream medication for managing opioid withdrawal and associated metabolic dysfunction, including resistant adolescent cases.

Keywords

• deaddiction
• madatyaya
• opioid use disorder
• opioid withdrawal
• sattvavajaya
• substance use disorder