Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal Timeline

What Is Opioid and Opiate Withdrawal Like?

Opioid and Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of opioid and opiate withdrawal vary based on several factors, including the dosage as well as length and frequency of use. Ranging from mild to severe, the symptoms may include:[3]

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Elevated body temperature
• Racing heart
• Muscle and bone pain
• Chills
• Sweating
• High blood pressure
• Yawning

Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal Timeline

Some types of opioids bring on the symptoms of withdrawal sooner than other types, and some cause longer-lasting symptoms. The withdrawal experience and timeline vary by the opioid taken, the severity of symptoms, the duration of symptoms, the typical dose, the time between doses, and the duration of opioid use.

Short-acting opioids like heroin often cause withdrawal symptoms about eight to 24 hours after the last dose and can last from four to 10 days.[4]

Long-acting opioids, such as methadone or controlled- and extended-release formulations of prescription opioid medications, can result in withdrawal symptoms setting in from 12 to 48 hours after the last dose and may continue for up to 20 days.[5]

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome for Opioids and Opiates

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a set of symptoms that appear after acute withdrawal symptoms and may persist for weeks or months.[6] These symptoms mimic mood disorders or anxiety disorders and often occur from opioid withdrawal.

The symptoms of PAWS may vary in their intensity and may come in ebbs and flows. Some of the most common symptoms of PAWS include:[7]

• Irritability
• Anxiety or panic
• Depressed mood
• Difficulty with cognitive tasks like learning or problem-solving
• Intense cravings
• Disturbances in sleep patterns
• Apathy
• Increased sensitivity to stress

Types of Drug Withdrawal Treatment

Opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable at best, but with certain complications, it can be life-threatening.[8]

Medical detox is highly recommended for opioid addiction and withdrawal to ensure that you stay as safe and comfortable as possible.

Medical detox can last a week or longer, depending on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. After detox, you can transition into an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility for continuing therapy.

Inpatient treatment is ideal for people who need structure and accountability with 24/7 care from on-site medical staff. This occurs in a hospital or residential setting to keep you safe and comfortable. Treatment will incorporate several modalities, including counseling and therapies tailored to your needs.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):focuses on the unhelpful thought patterns contributing to problematic behaviors and teaches more appropriate coping strategies.
• Motivational interviewing: which encourages self-motivation in addressing addiction and committing to abstinence.
• Contingency management: which uses incentives or rewards to meet goals like attending treatment.
• 12-step programs: which define goals for addiction recovery.
• Family therapy: which addresses the whole family as one unit to strengthen support and treatment.
• Support groups: which build strong peer-support systems.[9]

How Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal Treatment Works

Opioid withdrawal is intense and challenging, which is why medical detox is usually the first step in seeking help. While detox can help, it’s not enough on its own. The drivers of opioid addiction aren’t only physiological – you’re also vulnerable to psychological and social influences.[10]

After the drug clears the system, inpatient or outpatient treatment, ongoing management with medication, and individual or group therapies are key in addressing the underlying causes of opioid addiction to support long-term abstinence and recovery.

For some people, medication and therapy must continue indefinitely to avoid relapse, especially during times of change or stress.

Learn More About Detox

Medications Used for Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal

Intense cravings and other difficult symptoms can make opioid withdrawal challenging. Buprenorphine and methadone are FDA-approved medications often used to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and manage cravings as you taper off the opioid. Naltrexone is primarily used after detoxification to prevent relapse rather than for managing withdrawal symptoms.[11]

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, may be used as a short- or long-term solution to manage relapse and maintain abstinence.[12]

Other medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, such as Loperamide for diarrhea or Clonidine for anxiety.

What’s the Best Way to Find Opioid and Opiate Withdrawal Treatment?

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder (opioid addiction), the first step is to find a drug detoxification center. You can ask for a referral from your physician or therapist or locate yourself through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Drug addiction helplines also offer valuable resources.

If you want to start the process now, Alpas Wellness offers a 24/7 confidential helpline staffed with compassionate mental health professionals who can help you determine your next steps. Contact us today.

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Cost of Drug Withdrawal Treatment

The cost of opioid withdrawal treatment varies by your level of care, location, and other factors. Many health insurance providers cover substance use disorder treatment, however. Contact us today to see if your provider is in-network.