Key Takeaways
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms happen when someone who is dependent on opioids suddenly stops using them.
- Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings.
- The severity of withdrawal depends on factors like the type of opioid used, how long it was used, and the person’s overall health.
- Medical detox with medications like methadone and buprenorphine can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Professional treatment for opioid use disorder reduces the risk of relapse and supports long-term recovery.
Introduction
Opioids are potent drugs that can help with pain, but they also have a high potential for addiction. When someone uses opioids for a long time, their body becomes dependent on the drug. If they stop taking opioids suddenly, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Without proper medical support, these symptoms can be uncomfortable, scary, and even dangerous.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a medical condition where a person struggles to stop using opioids even though it’s harming their health, relationships, and life. Understanding opioid withdrawal symptoms is important because it helps people recognize when they need help and seek the right treatment.
In this article, we’ll explain what opioid withdrawal feels like, why it happens, and the safest ways to manage it. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, professional treatment can help you recover.
What is Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)?
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a condition where a person cannot stop using opioids even though it’s causing serious problems. This can happen with prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, or with illegal drugs like heroin.
When someone uses opioids regularly, their brain adjusts to the drug. Over time, the brain needs more of the drug to feel the same effect. This is called tolerance. Eventually, the person becomes dependent, meaning their body relies on opioids to function normally. If they stop using the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms.
OUD is not just about poor choices—it’s a chronic disease that affects the brain. Like other chronic diseases, it can be treated with the right support.
Why Do Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?
Opioids work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain and creating feelings of relaxation and euphoria. When someone uses opioids regularly, their brain becomes used to having the drug.
If they suddenly stop taking opioids, the brain struggles to adjust. This causes a range of physical and emotional symptoms known as withdrawal. It’s like the body going into shock because it’s missing something it has come to rely on.
Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s way of reacting to the absence of the drug. The longer someone has used opioids, the more intense these symptoms can be.
Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often feel like having a severe case of the flu combined with emotional distress. Symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Physical Symptoms:
- Muscle aches and joint pain: The body feels sore and stiff.
- Sweating and chills: People may feel hot and cold simultaneously.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: Digestive problems are common.
- Runny nose and watery eyes: Similar to allergy symptoms.
- Yawning and fatigue: Feeling extremely tired but unable to sleep.
- Goosebumps and shivering: Skin may feel cold and look bumpy.
Psychological Symptoms:
- Anxiety and irritability: Feeling restless, worried, or easily frustrated.
- Depression: Sadness, hopelessness, or feeling emotionally numb.
- Intense cravings: A strong urge to use opioids again.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing, which often leads people to relapse to stop the symptoms.
Stages of Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal usually happens in stages, with symptoms changing over time. The timeline depends on the type of opioid used (short-acting vs. long-acting) and the person’s body.
1. Early Withdrawal (6-12 hours after last dose)
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose, sweating, and yawning
- Trouble sleeping
2. Peak Withdrawal (1-3 days after last dose)
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Fever and chills
- Strong drug cravings
3. Protracted Withdrawal (weeks to months after last dose)
- Ongoing anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Lingering drug cravings
Protracted withdrawal can make recovery challenging because the emotional symptoms last longer. This is why ongoing support and therapy are important after detox.
Factors That Affect the Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms
Not everyone experiences opioid withdrawal the same way. Several factors can make symptoms milder or more severe:
- Type of opioid used: Short-acting opioids (like heroin) cause faster, more intense withdrawal. Long-acting opioids (like methadone) cause longer-lasting symptoms.
- How long opioids were used: The longer someone has used opioids, the harder withdrawal can be.
- Dosage: Higher doses usually lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Individual health: People with other medical or mental health conditions may experience stronger symptoms.
- Polydrug use: Using other drugs, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can complicate withdrawal.
Risks of Opioid Withdrawal Without Medical Supervision
While opioid withdrawal is not usually fatal, it can be dangerous without medical help. Some risks include:
- Dehydration: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe fluid loss, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Relapse and overdose: After withdrawal, a person’s tolerance is lower. If they relapse and take the same dose they used before quitting, they’re at a high risk of overdose and death.
- Mental health crises: Severe depression and anxiety during withdrawal can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Because of these risks, it’s safest to go through withdrawal under medical supervision in a detox center.
Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
The best way to manage opioid withdrawal is with professional medical support. This process is called medical detox, where doctors and nurses monitor symptoms and provide medications to help with the discomfort.
Medications Used for Withdrawal:
- Methadone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It works slowly to help the body adjust without causing a high.
- Buprenorphine: Eases withdrawal symptoms and helps prevent relapse. It’s often combined with naloxone (Suboxone) to reduce misuse.
- Clonidine: Helps with anxiety, sweating, cramps, and other physical symptoms.
- Over-the-counter meds: Doctors may recommend medications for diarrhea, nausea, or headaches.
In addition to medications, hydration, nutrition, and rest are important during withdrawal.
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Options
Managing withdrawal is just the first step. Long-term recovery from opioid use disorder requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
1. Inpatient Treatment Programs
For people with severe addiction, inpatient rehab provides 24/7 support in a structured environment.
2. Outpatient Programs
These programs offer therapy and support while allowing people to live at home. It’s a good option for those with mild symptoms and strong support systems.
3. Behavioral Therapy
Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help people understand the triggers behind their drug use and develop healthy coping skills.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines medications like buprenorphine or methadone with counseling to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
5. Support Groups and Aftercare
Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide peer support, while aftercare programs help maintain long-term recovery.
Conclusion
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be tough, but they are a sign that your body is starting to heal. While withdrawal can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to go through it alone. Medical detox and professional treatment can help you manage symptoms safely and start your recovery journey.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder, don’t wait to get help. Virtue Recovery Killeen offers comprehensive addiction treatment tailored to your needs.
Call 855-788-5582 today to speak with a caring professional and start your path to recovery.
FAQs
What are the first signs of opioid withdrawal?
Early signs include anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms often start within 6-12 hours after the last dose.
How long do opioid withdrawal symptoms last?
Acute symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days, but some emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings can last for weeks or even months.
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
While not usually life-threatening, opioid withdrawal can cause severe dehydration, mental health issues, and increase the risk of relapse and overdose.
Can medication help with opioid withdrawal symptoms?
Yes. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings during recovery.
What is the safest way to detox from opioids?
The safest way is through a medically supervised detox program where healthcare professionals can monitor symptoms and provide support.
What are the symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, and nausea. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the level of opioid dependence and the type of opioid used.
How long do withdrawal symptoms last after stopping opioid medicine?
Withdrawal symptoms may begin within a few hours after the last use of the opioid and can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of opioid and the duration of use.
What management and treatment options are available for opioid withdrawal?
Management and treatment options for opioid withdrawal include medications such as methadone or buprenorphine, which can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. A comprehensive treatment plan may also involve counseling and support groups.
Can I prevent opioid withdrawal when I stop taking an opioid?
Yes, you can prevent opioid withdrawal by gradually tapering your dosage under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly. This process, known as withdrawal management, helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
What is the difference between opiate and opioid?
Opiates are a subset of opioids that are naturally derived from the opium poppy, such as morphine and codeine. Opioids, on the other hand, include both natural and synthetic drugs that act on the same receptors in the brain, including heroin and prescription pain medications.
What should I do if I experience severe withdrawal symptoms?
If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately. A healthcare provider can assess your condition and may recommend a withdrawal treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Are there risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal in patients with opioid dependence?
Yes, individuals with opioid dependence who also have benzodiazepine dependence may face increased risks during withdrawal, including severe withdrawal symptoms and potential overdose. It is crucial to manage both types of withdrawal under medical supervision.
How can I manage opioid withdrawal symptoms effectively?
To manage opioid withdrawal symptoms effectively, consider a combination of medication-assisted treatment, counseling, hydration, and support from healthcare professionals and support groups. Developing a personalized treatment plan is key.
What is the withdrawal scale, and how is it used in opioid withdrawal management?
The withdrawal scale is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid dependence. It helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate management and treatment strategies based on the level of withdrawal experienced.
What are the potential complications of untreated opioid withdrawal?
Without treatment, opioid withdrawal can lead to severe complications, including relapse to opioid use, increased risk of opioid overdose, and long-term health issues. Seeking professional help is essential to avoid these risks.
Resources
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871620300971
- About the Author
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Nicki Lugo is currently employed as Clinical Director at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas. Nicki is a licensed clinical professional counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada and a licensed associate counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Nevada. Additionally, Nicki has specialized training in treating trauma and is a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS).
Nicki has earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders.
Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower.
