Opioid withdrawal can present a range of challenging physical and psychological symptoms, making it a difficult process to manage without proper support. Addressing these symptoms in a safe and supportive environment is crucial for successful recovery. A trusted drug detox center like Woodland Recovery Center provides comprehensive detox and opioid addiction treatment programs designed to help people manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and begin their path to lasting recovery. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one take the first step to healing, call 662.222.2989 today.
Why Does Opioid Withdrawal Happen?
Opioids encompass a range of substances, including heroin, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone. These drugs can be naturally occurring, synthetic, or semi-synthetic, but they all share a common trait: they interact with the brain in a similar way. By binding to the brain’s natural opioid receptors, they profoundly influence brain chemistry and critical physiological functions such as heart rate and breathing.
The body quickly develops a physical dependence on opioids, making it difficult to stop using them without consequences. When opioid use ceases, the brain gradually restores its chemical balance. However, this adjustment is often accompanied by intense opioid withdrawal symptoms, making the process both challenging and uncomfortable.
Common Signs of Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are similar for most people, but the intensity and duration of symptoms can vary based on the level of dependence and type of opioid used.
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within hours of the last dose and may last from a few days to a week or longer.
Some of the most common signs of opioid withdrawal include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills and sweating
- Shaking or muscle tremors
- Muscle aches and pains
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
The most dangerous symptom of opioid withdrawal is dehydration. In severe cases, dehydration can even lead to death when opioid detox is attempted without medical supervision.
Depending on a person’s overall physical health, opioid withdrawal can lead to additional health complications, such as heart failure due to elevated blood sodium levels.
How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?
The duration of opioid withdrawal can vary depending on factors like the type of opioid used, the length of use, and a person’s overall health. Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin within six to 12 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids and within 24 to 48 hours for longer-acting opioids. Most symptoms peak within a few days and gradually improve over a week, but some effects can last longer.
Below is a general timeline of opioid withdrawal:
- Six to 12 hours – Initial symptoms start with anxiety, restlessness, and muscle aches
- 24 to 72 hours – Symptoms peak, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe cravings
- Four to 10 days – Symptoms gradually lessen, but fatigue and irritability may remain
- Weeks or longer – Some may experience lingering symptoms like depression or cravings, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Proper medical support can help manage these symptoms and improve safety during withdrawal.
Finding Support for Opioid Withdrawal at Our Opioid Detox Center
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are a sign it’s time to ask for professional help. Undergoing opioid detox under medical supervision is far safer than attempting a detox alone, and there’s a much greater chance of completing detox when it happens with professional support.
Detoxing at a treatment center like Woodland Recovery Center connects patients with vital resources and programs to support long-term recovery from opioid use. Experienced professionals work closely with patients to uncover the underlying causes of their addiction and develop personalized treatment plans aimed at fostering lasting, meaningful change.
Detoxification helps remove opioids from the body, but it’s only the initial step in addressing substance use. Comprehensive treatment programs go beyond detox, combining various therapies and support services. These often include care for co-occurring mental health conditions and assistance in processing unresolved trauma, providing a well-rounded approach to recovery.
Successfully overcoming opioid use is possible, but it usually requires a comprehensive treatment program that can help a patient identify the mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors that must change to support a lasting recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Healing—Contact Woodland Recovery Center Today
Woodland Recovery Center strives to help every patient overcome opioid use. Our treatment center offers detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment services, as well as aftercare support, so that patients receive the assistance they need at every step in their recovery process.
Overcoming opioid addiction is challenging enough without attempting to manage the withdrawal symptoms alone. Our treatment team can provide you with the medical support you need to make opioid detox successful and lasting. Call 662.222.2989 or contact us online today to learn more about getting support for opioid addiction at Woodland Recovery Center.