Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal Timeline
Substance Use Disorder Resources and Treatment
Opioids are a class of drugs that are prescribed by healthcare providers to treat chronic pain but are often abused.[1] This includes opiates, which are drugs naturally derived from the opium poppy, like morphine and codeine, and semi-synthetic or synthetic opioids, like heroin.[2]
Narcotic drugs like opioids and opiates – both naturally derived and synthetic – are highly addictive and present serious risks of addiction, fatal overdose, and life-threatening withdrawal.
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]
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.
Find Opioids and Opiates Withdrawal Treatment Near Me
Facilities that specialize in opioids withdrawal treatment
Click on a pin to learn more information on a specific facility location
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.
Additional Resources
Also see these additional resources on withdrawal timelines and treatment:
Frequently Asked Questions About Withdrawal Treatment
Does Opioid Withdrawal Hurt?
Opioid withdrawal can be painful, uncomfortable, and even scary. In some cases, complications can be life-threatening.[13]
However, medical detox offers 24/7 care and supervision to manage symptoms and provide a safer and more comfortable recovery.
Can You Die from Opioid Withdrawal?
Though opioid withdrawal doesn’t have the same risks of life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens as alcohol or benzodiazepines, death from acute opiate withdrawal can and does happen.[14] Symptoms like nausea, fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypertension can bring serious complications that can be fatal if untreated – especially in patients with comorbidities like congestive heart failure, HIV, or liver failure.
Can I Detox from Opioids at Home?
It’s generally not recommended to detox from opioids at home. Aside from the extreme discomfort and possible complications of opioid withdrawal, there’s a high risk of relapse to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.[15] After a period of abstinence – even a short period – that relapse can result in a potentially fatal overdose.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, March 23). Opioids. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids on 2023, July 2.
Definition of opiate – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Cancer.gov. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/opiate on 2024, June 7.
Opioid withdrawal – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.-e). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/ on 2023, July 2.
World Health Organization. (2009). Withdrawal management. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings – NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/ on 2024, June 10.
World Health Organization. (2009). Withdrawal management. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings – NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/ on 2024, June 10.
Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 6.
Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 6.
Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal – wiley online library. (n.d.-g). Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.13512 on 2023, July 2
WebMD. (n.d.). Opioid addiction treatment. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew on 2023, July 2.
WebMD. (n.d.). Opioid addiction treatment. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew on 2023, July 2.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023a, March 3). Overview. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview on 2023, July 2.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023a, March 3). Overview. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview on 2023, July 2.
Opioid withdrawal – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.-e). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/ on 2023, July 2.
Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal – wiley online library. (n.d.-g). Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.13512 on 2023, July 2.
Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002, July). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: Implications for treatment. Science & practice perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/ on 2023, July 2.