Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

How long does opioid withdrawal last?

For short-acting opioids like heroin or oxycodone, withdrawal may last 3 to 5 days. Ways to treat mild opioid withdrawal include increased water and vitamin intake, while more severe withdrawal may require opioid use disorder medication and opioid detox treatment.  For many people, withdrawal is the most challenging barrier to recovery because all its unpleasant symptoms make sufferers believe the only way to stop the pain is to use it again. Therefore, understanding the fundamentals of opioid withdrawal is a crucial step in preparing for treatment and long-term recovery.

What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

The Early Phase – Six to 24 Hours After Last Use

Beginning with cravings for more opioids and symptoms of restlessness and anxiety, the early phase of the opioid withdrawal timeline increases in its adversity as the calming effects of the drugs wear off and nervous systems are re-stimulated. Other signs and symptoms of the early phase in the opioid withdrawal timeline may include:

The Acute Phase – 24-72 Hours After Last Use

Thoughts, emotions, pain, and stress become increasingly bothersome during the acute phase of the opioid withdrawal timeline which progresses in intensity, severity, and symptom logy, peaking at around 3-4 days. The withdrawal usually runs its course without intervention, and most physical symptoms disappear within days or weeks, depending on the particular drug.

Most individuals struggling with opioid addiction never complete the withdrawal process to this point or beyond because even as the physical symptoms continue after several days of abstinence, the acute psychological symptoms can linger for weeks.

During the acute phase of the opioid withdrawal timeline, the person experiences intensified early phase symptoms along with possible signs and symptoms of:

The Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) Phase

Repeat intoxications and withdrawals from opioids have a harsh effect on neurobiological functions that help maintain a sense of well-being. Long after the drugs are out of the body, the residual effects are often intermingled with mental health disorders, social impairments, and environmental stresses that can subconsciously trigger cravings in an instant. The post-acute phase of the opioid withdrawal timeline can go on for years and last indefinitely.

What is PAWS?

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a collection of symptoms that emerge after the typical withdrawal period. Withdrawal syndrome refers to the symptoms that occur when a substance-dependent person abruptly stops taking that substance.

PAWS in Opioid Withdrawal

Reports estimate that as many as 90% of recovering users will encounter opioid post-acute withdrawal. Heroin and prescription pain medications are widely abused substances known to trigger post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Reports estimate that as many as 90% of recovering users will encounter opioid post-acute withdrawal.

Though the symptoms will vary with each person, PAWS symptoms for opioids include:

Former heroin and other opioid users frequently report attention, focus, and concentration problems during post-acute opioid withdrawal. Effects such as these can lead to interpersonal relationship issues and affect school and/or job performance.

Beyond Opioid Detox Treatment: Residential Rehab and Dual Diagnosis

The body goes through specific symptom stages known as the opioid withdrawal timeline. The opioid withdrawal timeline varies from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of opioid used, how long it was used, and any other substances that may have been used in conjunction with opioids. Medically managed withdrawal or detoxification ensures the individual remains safe and stays as comfortable as possible.

Detox Treatment

The first step in treatment is detoxification. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to Tramadol abuse. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Psychotherapy

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of depression, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression. 
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Substance abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs treat both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.