Opioid Detox and Withdrawal

a woman looking out the window concerned for her loved in an opioid detox program Withdrawing from opioids can cause insomnia, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and muscle and bone pain. Withdrawal can take between several days to a week. Our medical team is present to administer medications to ease the symptoms and help with any anxiety, nausea, or insomnia. Having a medically monitored detox will make it better for the patient since the withdrawal symptoms can be so difficult.  After the detox is complete our therapists can help the user identify the underlying reason for taking the drug and help them learn how to stay clean.

Withdrawal typically last about three days but patients usually need another couple days. The first stage will begin within 12 hours of the last dose, leaving the user craving the drug. The second stage happens after about 14-18 hours and the user starts to experience depression, runny nose, crying, yawning, and/or sweating. The third stage happens within 24 hours and the start to get cramps, muscle twitches, loss of appetite, hot and cold flashes, and muscle and bone aches. The fourth stage starts the second day with cramps, muscle pain, insomnia, uncontrollable bowel movements, and/or vomiting. The fifth stage can last up to three days and patients continue to feel pain, depression, and uncontrollable sweat, diarrhea, and vomiting. A medically supervised detox is the best option because we could help with some of the withdrawal symptoms and most importantly make sure the patient doesn’t start using the drug again to alleviate the symptoms.

Are you in need of opioid or prescription painkillers detox?

If you’re ready to get help for a prescription painkiller addiction and seek opioid detox, or admissions coordinators can help. Contact us immediately and we can verify your benefits.

Physical Symptoms

Opioids are one of the most difficult drugs to detox from because of their severe withdrawal symptoms. Most addicts cannot make it through detox alone and since some of the withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening it is always best to go through a medical detox where the patient can be looked after to make sure they remain safe and healthy.

  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
  • Cramps, muscle twitches
  • Major drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headaches
  • Slowed heartbeat and breathing
  • Clammy skin, hot and cold flashes
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

Psychological Symptoms

Since opioids are so addictive and affect the nervous system there are psychological symptoms when withdrawing. Many addicts cannot make it through the detoxing stage alone because of the intense cravings for the drug and hopes of lessening the physical pain they feel.

  • Cravings
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dysphoric
  • Depression

Abuse/Addiction Potential

Opioids are derived from the same plant as heroin and can be just as addictive. In fact, some heroin users started out addicted to opioid painkillers but then moved onto heroin for a cheaper, faster, more intense high. They are highly addictive and any signs of abuse should not be overlooked.

Long-Term Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the major withdrawal symptoms for opioid addicts is the cravings to continue using the drug to feel “normal,” “happy,” or just “high.” Recovery Ways will help patients learn new healthy ways to feel normal, happy, and even enjoying life to the point where the cravings for the drug are easier to dismiss. We will look at any co-occurring disorders that may have aided in the drug abuse and treat it in a different way that allows the patient to maintain control over their life.

Managing Withdrawal at an Opioid Detox Center

Medical detoxing management is important when individuals wish to become sober. Recovery Ways knows the importance of a medical drug detox program that addresses each person’s specific metabolic needs and health to reduce the risk of dangerous complications. Medications help reduce the cravings and prevent future use. Since opioid withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening it is best to have a medical detox so that the patient can make it through the detox safe and healthy.

Are you in need of opioid detox?

Recovery Ways offers a highly-effective, medically managed detox services for those suffering from opioid addiction and abuse issues. We offer multiple levels of care for treating substance abuse issues to make your rehab experience personal and unique. If you’re ready to make a change our admissions coordinators are standing by to take your call.

Start the admission process by calling 888.986.7848 or contact us here.