The opioid epidemic has grown into one of the most devastating public health crises in recent decades. While opioid use disorder (OUD) was initially driven by overprescription of painkillers, it has expanded to include heroin and illicit fentanyl, both of which have compounded the risk of addiction and overdose. Every year, opioid use disorder takes lives and destroys communities, underscoring the urgent need for effective detox and treatment options. For those grappling with opioid addiction, understanding what happens during withdrawal and knowing how to manage it is essential for embarking on the journey to recovery.
Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder, also known as opioid addiction, is characterized by a set of 11 criteria as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The CDC reports that an estimated 62.5% of people who misuse opioids report doing so to relieve physical pain. Knowing the symptoms of opioid use disorder can help you determine whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and may need help from an opiate drug rehab center. Signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder include:
- Using opioids in larger amounts or for a longer period than initially intended
- Having a persistent desire to reduce or control opioid use without success
- Spending a great deal of time on activities to obtain opioids, use opioids, and recover from the effects of opioids
- Feeling strong cravings or urges to use opioids
- Experiencing problems at work, school, or home due to recurring opioid use
- Continuing to use opioids despite persistent or recurring interpersonal and social problems caused or worsened by the effects of opioids
- Giving up important social, occupational, and/or recreational activities to use opioids instead
- Continuing to use opioids where or when it is physically hazardous to do so
- Continuing opioid use despite knowing of persistent or recurring physical or psychological health problems that may have been caused or worsened by opioids
- Developing a high tolerance for opioids, characterized by needing higher amounts to achieve the desired effect, or, diminished effectiveness when using the same amount of opioids
- Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, insomnia) when abruptly discontinuing or reducing the use of opioids
Why Detox Is Necessary and Which Treatment Services Are Best for Opioid Use Disorder?
Detoxing from opiates is a critical first step in breaking free from addiction, but it’s important to approach it safely. While some may attempt to quit ‘cold turkey’ on their own, this method can be extremely dangerous. Without medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms can escalate quickly and unexpectedly, leading to severe complications like cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Medically supported detox, on the other hand, allows your body to rid itself of opiates while minimizing these risks. America’s Rehab Campuses offer a much safer, monitored process, providing the support necessary to guide you through detox and the initial stages of recovery.
Medical drug detox for opioid use disorder usually involves the supervised administration of medications that act on the same brain receptors as opioids do, but without producing euphoria. This allows patients to stop using opiates or heroin without suffering as severe withdrawal symptoms as they would without medical detox. Buprenorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, and methadone are medications commonly used in drug detox to treat opioid use disorder.
Following drug detox, patients can receive counseling and behavioral therapies to help build healthier life skills, attitudes, and behaviors related to drug use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and family counseling are some of the evidence-based therapies commonly used in opioid use disorder recovery, reports MedlinePlus.
Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal
Withdrawal from opioids is a challenging process, with symptoms that can vary depending on the type of opioid used and how long the individual has been dependent on it. Here’s a typical timeline for what to expect during opioid withdrawal:
- 6-12 hours (Short-Acting Opioids): Early symptoms may include muscle aches, sweating, a runny nose, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
- 24-72 hours (Peak Withdrawal): Symptoms intensify and may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, stomach pain, and heightened anxiety.
- 5-7 days (Gradual Improvement): Physical symptoms start to subside, but psychological effects like depression, irritability, and cravings may persist.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal (Weeks to Months): Some individuals experience psychological symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and cravings that can last for weeks or even months.
The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can differ significantly based on a variety of factors. These include:
- The Type of Opioid: Short-acting opioids (like heroin) tend to cause quicker, more intense symptoms, while long-acting opioids (such as methadone) may have a delayed onset of withdrawal symptoms.
- History of Use: The longer and more frequently opioids have been used, the more intense the withdrawal may be.
- Overall Health: Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or compromised health may experience more severe symptoms or longer withdrawal periods.
- Support System: The environment and support system available during withdrawal can greatly influence recovery. Those with access to healthcare, addiction specialists, or a stable support network are likely to have a smoother detox process.
While physical withdrawal symptoms can often be managed with medication, psychological symptoms are a different challenge. Many individuals report that even after the acute withdrawal phase ends, psychological symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, and depression can persist for weeks or even months.
These lingering effects, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery. Cravings for opiates can arise unexpectedly, and emotional symptoms like mood swings or irritability may continue long after detox. It’s essential to address these through ongoing therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment to maintain long-term recovery.
Understanding these factors can help you prepare for withdrawal and better manage the process with professional guidance.
Why Choose America’s Rehab Campuses for Medical Detox from Opiates?
Each patient’s medical history and severity of use disorder is evaluated to determine the risk for life-threatening complications. The level of care for drug detox at America’s Rehab Campuses often involves the use of alternative medications that alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and provide patients with 24-hour access to medical care to reduce the risk of relapse and potential overdose.
America’s Rehab Campuses offer opiate drug rehab programs that can be tailored for you or a loved one who needs help recovering from opioid use disorder. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait. Seeking professional help is the first step toward reclaiming control of your life. Contact us today at 833-272-7342 to learn more about our available recovery programs and rehab locations.
