Individuals grappling with opioid dependence may face challenging and distressing symptoms of opioid withdrawal upon discontinuing use. If you or someone close to you is dealing with opioid misuse or addiction, it might be beneficial to understand more about opioid withdrawal management, and to explore strategies for managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with withdrawal from this highly addictive class of drugs.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline can vary based on the extent of usage and other variables. This means that the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are unique to each person, although there is a common timeline for how symptoms typically unfold.
Initial symptoms of opioid withdrawal usually start within 24 hours of discontinuation. Early symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- Muscle soreness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Tearing of the eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Increased sweating
- Sleep disturbances
- Frequent yawning
More severe signs of opioid withdrawal emerge a day or so later and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Skin goosebumps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pupil dilation and potential vision blur
- Accelerated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
Although these opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and distressing, they generally begin to lessen after 72 hours, with acute withdrawal symptoms usually subsiding within a week.
The onset and duration of withdrawal can also be affected by the specific drug involved and how long it stays in your system.
The duration of symptoms is influenced by usage frequency, addiction severity, and personal health factors.
For instance, withdrawal from heroin may start within 12 hours of the last dose, while methadone withdrawal could take 36 hours to begin.
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
How long does opioid withdrawal last can vary significantly depending on the type of opioid used. Factors influencing this variability include the specific opioid, the intensity of symptoms, the timing and duration of symptoms, the length of opioid usage, the dosage, and the interval between doses.
- Heroin and short-acting opioids: Opioid withdrawal side effects for heroin and short-acting opioids typically begin within 8 to 12 hours after the last use. These symptoms reach their peak intensity after 1 to 3 days and may last 7 days. Short-acting opioids include drugs like morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and immediate-release formulations of fentanyl. Symptoms for these opioids can start within 8 to 24 hours after the last use and persist for 10 days.
- Long-acting opioids: For long-acting opioids like methadone and extended-release or controlled-release versions of oxycodone, morphine,, hydrocodone, or fentanyl, the onset of withdrawal symptoms can be delayed for 36 hours after the last dose. These symptoms may last for 14 days or more, indicating a prolonged withdrawal phase.
Opioid Withdrawal Treatment
Managing opioid withdrawal effectively requires a comprehensive approach that can include medical supervision, MAT (medication-assisted treatment), supportive care, and long-term strategies for recovery. The goal of treatment is to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and support the person’s journey toward long-term recovery.
- Medical detox: Supervised detoxification in a healthcare setting ensures safety and comfort. Medical professionals can monitor symptoms, prevent complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
- MAT: MAT combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications can help normalize body functions without the euphoric effects of opioids. Buprenorphine and methadone can be employed to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings. Buprenorphine is effective for gradually reducing opioid dependence. Both methadone and buprenorphine, along with Suboxone – a blend of buprenorphine and naloxone – might be utilized long term to regulate cravings, support continued abstinence from illicit or prescribed opioids, and lower overdose risks. Additionally, supplementary medications like Clonidine for anxiety and Loperamide for diarrhea may be prescribed to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms.
- Supportive care: Supportive care includes hydration, nutrition, and relief of withdrawal symptoms through non-opioid medications. This can include treatments for nausea, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances.
- Long-term recovery strategies: Beyond the initial withdrawal phase, long-term strategies include ongoing counseling, support groups, and ongoing MAT. These strategies can help in addressing the underlying causes of addiction, preventing relapse, and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
- Counseling and psychological support: Individual or group therapy can address psychological aspects of addiction, including triggers, coping mechanisms, and emotional support. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and other therapeutic approaches can be particularly effective.
- Relapse prevention: Education on relapse prevention strategies is an integral part of treatment, teaching people how to recognize and manage triggers and cravings.
Successful opioid withdrawal treatment should be highly personalized. Engaging in a comprehensive treatment program offers the best chance for long-term recovery and a return to a fulfilling life without opioids.
Get Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Ohio Recovery
If you or someone that you love needs opioid addiction treatment, reach out to Ohio Recovery Centers. We treat all types of opioid use disorders in an outpatient setting, enabling anyone who wants to tackle drug addiction to achieve this without neglecting their everyday obligations.
Some people need a more structured and supportive approach to recovery, so we also offer more intensive outpatient programs.
All opioid addiction treatment programs at our Cincinnati rehab blend holistic and evidence-based treatments to promote long-term recovery.
Call 877-679-2132 today and begin your recovery from opioid addiction tomorrow.
