By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescribed pain relievers, such as oxycodone and morphine, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. However, opioids can be highly addictive. When people use opioids for a long time, they become physically dependent on the drug. 

Unfortunately, the opioid crisis has had a devastating impact in the US. For those trying to break free from opioid dependency, withdrawal is often the first challenge, and without proper care, it can cause relapse.

Opioid withdrawal happens when someone stops using opioids. Their body goes through a period of adjustment that may cause uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. They may experience restlessness, heavy sweating, trouble sleeping, and digestive problems. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Luckily, there are several treatment options available to manage withdrawal symptoms.   

In this article, we’ll cover the withdrawal symptoms, timeline, and treatment options available for opioid withdrawal.

Key Takeaways

• Opioid withdrawal occurs when you stop or significantly reduce opioid use after developing physical dependence. 
• Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12-24 hours after the last dose, peak in intensity during the first few days, and subside within 7-10 days. Psychological symptoms may persist for weeks or months.
• Treatment options for opioid withdrawal include medical detox, medications like methadone and buprenorphine, behavioral therapies, and support groups.
• After completing detox, ongoing treatment and support are essential for maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.

What is Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescribed medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illicit substances like heroin. These drugs interact with the opioid receptors in your brain to block pain signals. They can also cause your brain to release dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good. If you use them as directed by a doctor, prescription opioids are usually safe for a short period.

However, the prolonged use of opioids can make your body adapt to the presence of the drug. It may lead to physical or psychological dependence, or what we can call opioid addiction. 

Physical dependence on opioids can develop quickly. Certain factors can influence your likelihood of developing opioid dependence and also opioid use disorder, such as genetics, environment, mental health, how long you’ve been taking the drugs, and how much. 

And when you suddenly reduce or quit using opioid drugs on your own, the physical dependence and addiction can affect you in many ways. While not typically life threatening, your body may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms that can be very uncomfortable. The discomfort of withdrawal symptoms may drive you to continue using opioids to avoid or alleviate these symptoms. 

One thing that can help you during this withdrawal process is proper care and discussion with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms you’re experiencing and create an appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

However, for long-acting opioids like methadone, withdrawal symptoms can show up within 72 hours after you take the last dose. They may include: 

In some cases, physical symptoms go away, but psychological symptoms, like depression and cravings, may last for weeks or even months. This condition is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Even though withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable and distressing.

The Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for opioid withdrawal varies from person to person. It also depends on the type of opioid used. Short-acting opioids like heroin may produce withdrawal symptoms sooner than long-acting opioids like methadone.

However, opioid withdrawal generally follows the following three stages:

What Does Opiate Withdrawal Feel Like?

Opiate withdrawal yawning is common for people who are detoxing opiates. During opiate use, opioids can suppress the regular respiratory drive in the brain, which can result in reduced breathing rate and oxygen levels in the body. When a person stops using opioids, their body tries to restore the average breathing rate, which can increase respiratory rate and volume, including yawning.

Opiate withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches and pains, runny nose, chills, sweating, and goosebumps.

These symptoms are often accompanied by intense cravings for the drug, which can be difficult to resist and may lead to relapse.

Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics

According to the CDC, opioid-related fatalities have skyrocketed in the recent decade, accounting for nearly 70% of drug-related overdoses in 2018. These numbers include illicit and prescription opioid drugs. But it has primarily been the latter that has driven the ongoing epidemic crisis in the United States. Unfortunately, the hundreds of thousands of individuals who are already physically dependent on these substances must face the reality of opioid and opiate detox, withdrawal, and rehab if they can get their recovery on track and build a better life. Fortunately, we do recover.

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Addiction To Prescription Opiates

The opioid epidemic exploded in the 90s and has gained more momentum in recent years. Thanks to modern technology, more accurate information is publicly available. Subsequently, people are somewhat more attentive to what doctors prescribe. Unfortunately, it does not take long to develop a dependence on them. Therefore, if you notice any of the following regarding your or a loved one’s use of a prescription opioid, you should contact an addiction specialist for help.

Opiate addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite the negative consequences that it may have on a person’s health, relationships, and other areas of their life. Opiates are a class of medications that include painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illicit drugs like heroin. When taken in high dosing or for a prolonged period, opiates can cause physical dependence, which implies that the body adapts to the medication’s presence or drug and needs it to function normally.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

It’s crucial to seek professional addiction help if you or somebody you care about has an opiate addiction, as it is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.

Treatment Options For Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid addiction is a medical condition that changes how the brain and the body work. It is not something people can stop on their own. Overcoming opioid addiction is possible and often requires professional help and support. 

Successful, lifelong treatment to stay opioid-free includes long-term medication, counseling, or behavioral therapies. With the right treatment, you can manage opioid withdrawal symptoms safely and begin long-lasting recovery.  

Medical Detox for Opioid Withdrawal

Medically managed detoxification is often the first step in treating opioid addiction. It involves the removal of opioids from your body safely under medical supervision. Doctors and healthcare professionals help make the withdrawal process safe and as comfortable as possible, especially for those with severe dependencies or long-term use. Medical detox is often done in hospitals or treatment centers, but some can do it as outpatients.  

Which medications are used for opioid withdrawal? For mild withdrawal symptoms, over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain or discomfort. 

More severe withdrawal symptoms may require hospitalization and other medications. In these cases, your doctors may prescribe several medications to help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Options include:

• Methadone: This long-acting opioid reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by activating opioid receptors without producing high. It is often used for people with severe opioid addiction and can be tapered gradually to help the body adjust. 
• Buprenorphine: It is a partial opioid agonist that minimizes withdrawal effects. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and is often used in combination with naloxone (e.g., Suboxone).
• Naltrexone: It blocks opioid effects and helps prevent the high associated with relapse. It is usually started after detox is complete and can be part of ongoing treatment to prevent relapse.

These drugs bind to opioid receptors and reduce withdrawal symptoms without eliciting euphoria in people with opioid dependency. 

Other supportive medications may include:

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 medical and psychological care. These programs are ideal for people with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders. They provide structured schedules, group therapy, and access to medical care.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs allow you to receive treatment along with your daily tasks. These programs are for those with milder opioid dependence. They may include counseling sessions, medication management, and support groups.

Counseling and Therapy

Behavioral therapies and counseling address the psychological aspects of opioid addiction. They help people address the underlying causes of opioid use disorder (OUD) and develop coping skills to control triggers and manage cravings. These approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Contingency Management (i.e., provides incentives for maintaining sobriety, such as vouchers or prizes for negative drug tests)

Support Groups

Several groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, offer a community-based approach. These groups introduce you to people who have firsthand experience with what you’re going through. They can share recovery tips and support you in overcoming challenges.

Opioid Detox at Home

It’s best to only attempt opioid detoxification under medical care. Many people can still stay at home while going through detoxification, but your healthcare team can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and work with you to create a long-term plan for you to break free from opioid addiction.

If you are going through opioid detox at home, make sure to gather supplies like over-the-counter painkillers (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medicine (e.g., Loperamide (Imodium)), and electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated. 

In addition to medications, some home remedies, such as staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a balanced diet, can ease the withdrawal process. Light activities like stretching or walking can also help you relax and reduce stress. If you experience severe symptoms like rapid heartbeat, high fever, or hallucinations, seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, home detox carries risks such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and relapse. Therefore, it is also important to have family or friends around for support and to know when to get medical help if things get difficult to manage.    

Once detox is over, keep up the recovery with therapy, support groups, and taking care of your mental health. Detoxing at home can be challenging, but with the right help, you can make it possible. If the withdrawal process gets too hard, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Your health and safety are the top priority. Recovery is possible, and you have the strength to overcome it.

Opiate Detox Centers Near Me

How to help opiate withdrawal? Treatment programs for opioid addiction usually start with the “opiates detox,” followed by inpatient treatment or some specified treatment procedure (partial hospitalization or concentrated treatment programs). Only a finely managed treatment facility provides a controlled and comfortable setting to detox opiates. Drug detox can occur while providing support and opiate withdrawal supplements or medications to help decrease the possibility of complications and difficulties associated with opiate withdrawal.

If you’re looking for an “opiate detox Florida,” “opiate detox Orange County,” or “Los Angeles opiate detox,” contact We Level Up nationwide helpline for resources and options near you. Opiate detox at a medically supervised facility can minimize the severity of the symptoms and make the withdrawal process significantly more manageable and more comfortable to endure. Our facilities also offer multiple levels of treatment for an easy transition following the completion of an opiate detox program.

Amenities at We Level Up include semi-private rooms, luxurious bathrooms, spacious common areas for socializing, a communal dining area always stocked with nutritious snacks, and much more!

Opiate Detox Process

The opiate detox process is not the same as detoxing from other addictive substances, such as alcohol or cocaine. The withdrawal symptoms are different, and medications are often used to help minimize the physical withdrawal symptoms and prevent the intense cravings accompanying opioid detox. Detox from heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids is a closely managed process, and often the same or similar medications are continued to be used following detox.

Medications such as Subutex and Suboxone have been officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid dependence. These new medications have opened up various opioid detox treatment methods. The opioid detox process will differ for individuals detoxing via medically assisted treatment versus abstinence.

Opiate Detox Medications

Medical opioid detox helps smooth withdrawal, reduce side effects, prevent serious complications, and lessen opioid cravings. Some of the most common opiate withdrawal shots and medications are the following:

• Buprenorphine: Prescribed to reduce the period it takes for opiate detoxification and assists an individual in upholding prolonged abstinence from opioids. The commonly used brand name of this substance is Subutex. Suboxone is a drug that includes both buprenorphine and Naloxone.
• Methadone: Relieves and reduces the unpleasant impact of withdrawal symptoms.
• Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids and may be used to induce withdrawal. It does not let the opioid intake affect the individual. Therefore, It may also use to avert future dependence and misuse.
• Clonidine: Can help diminish the flu-like symptoms that come with opioid withdrawal, along with other withdrawal symptoms such as the anxiety and agitation most people experience.

These prescriptions and supplements for opiate withdrawal offer a decent start toward recovery and help maintain long-term sobriety. However, detox must be followed with counseling, education, and awareness. Family, individual therapy, and support groups can aid an individual in stopping using drugs and continuing sobriety.

What Can I Expect From an Opioid Detox Center?

Overcoming opioid addiction isn’t easy, but a professional detox center can make the process smoother and faster. At a detox facility, trained doctors, nurses, therapists, and addiction specialists work together to support you every step of the way. 

The detox process generally begins with an in-depth assessment. You’ll be asked about your drug use history, how long you’ve been using it, how often, and in what amounts. This information helps your doctor to create a treatment plan according to your needs. 

In a detox program, you’ll have 24/7 medical care to help manage withdrawal symptoms, which can last up to two weeks. Medical staff may use medications to ease discomfort, reduce cravings, and prevent complications. They may prescribe methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to manage cravings and reduce relapse risk. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are often integrated into the detox process.

Detox centers also provide a supportive space where your daily needs, such as meals and medication schedules, are handled for you. 

While detox focuses on the physical aspects of withdrawal, many detox centers also provide emotional support through counseling or therapy sessions. To make detox more manageable, you can bring activities to keep your mind occupied, like crafts, books, or journals. These small comforts can help you stay distracted from withdrawal symptoms and feel more at ease.

Detox is the first step in recovery. Before you leave, the staff will help you plan for the next phase of treatment, such as inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, or support groups, to ensure ongoing progress. A smooth transition from detox to further treatment is essential for long-term recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about medically supervised detoxification treatment.

What Happens After Opiate Detox?

We Level Up offers several different levels of care for clients to enter after completing their opiate detox programs. Each of these programs provides evidence-based treatment methods with decades of research proving their effectiveness in helping people overcome opiate addiction.

Residential Treatment

Most clients will enter residential treatment after completing an opiate detox program. Residential treatment is the most intensive drug and alcohol therapy model available, with clients living on-site at a treatment facility with other people working toward recovery.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Dual-diagnosis treatment is designed to help people dealing with addiction and mental illness. Mental health conditions such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are pervasive among people with opiate addictions. They can be a serious roadblock on the path to recovery if left untreated.

These mental health disorders can exist before substance use begins or may develop due to months or years of active addiction. Whatever the case, a dual-diagnosis treatment facility can help. In a dual-diagnosis program, effective mental health treatment is integrated with evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. This could include treatments such as:

• Psychiatric evaluations.
• Medication management.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
• Dialectical behavior therapy.

A dual-diagnosis program offers these therapies alongside all the treatments for substance use disorders. Untreated mental health challenges can drastically increase the risk of relapse after leaving an intensive program. Dual-diagnosis treatment offers an additional defense against relapse by treating mental illness and addiction symptoms simultaneously.

Many people can achieve remission from their mental health concerns with targeted treatment. Those who don’t achieve total remission may still experience a significant reduction in symptoms, which might be just what it takes to achieve lasting sobriety.

Opiate Detox Treatment

Opioid addiction is a deadly, life-threatening disease that can have irreversible effects on one’s health and relationships. Without help, this addiction will more than likely turn deadly. Immediate professional help and opiate detox are the only way to avoid overdose risk and harm to yourself or a loved one. Contact our treatment support at We Level Up to find the best treatment option.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

Types of Opioids / Opiates

There is a wide array of opioids in the U.S. Some are prescription drugs used in a medical setting to manage severe pain, whereas others are illicitly made and abused. Learn more about some of the most common and dangerous opiate and opioid addictions:

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? How Long Do Opiates Stay in Urine, Blood, & Body?

Get FREE addiction treatment insurance check – https://welevelup.com/rehab-insurance/ If you or a loved one is struggling with opiates addiction or other substance use disorder(s), call for a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917