Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription pain relievers and illegal substances. Opioids of all types carry a significant addiction potential and must be monitored for safety in medical settings, including opioid withdrawal timeline and detox.
Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and body, blocking pain signals and releasing large amounts of the “pleasure hormone” dopamine. This mechanism not only helps relieve pain but can also lead to feelings of euphoria, which is why opioids can be highly addictive.
Read ahead to learn about what to expect with the opioid withdrawal timeline and associated risks. Opioid addiction detox and recovery are challenging, but with medical support and therapeutic guidance, you can be on your way to a better life.
Types of Opioids
Some opioids are medications that are prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or injury or for chronic pain conditions. Illicit opioid use is also common and can include obtaining prescribed opioid drugs illegally for recreational use.
Examples of prescription opioids include:
Examples of illegal opioids include:
- Heroin
- Illegally manufactured fentanyl
Opioid Side Effects and Withdrawal
Opioids have a high potential for misuse, leading to physical dependence and addiction. Taking too much of an opioid can slow or stop breathing, leading to death. Over time, individuals may need higher doses to achieve the same pain-relieving effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
Stopping opioids abruptly, particularly after prolonged use, can cause potentially intense withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Sweating
- Severe pain
- Excessive tearing of the eyes
- Excessive yawning
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Opioid withdrawal can be a daunting process, causing many individuals to keep using opioids to avoid or delay symptoms altogether. Withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and duration depending on the specific opioid used, the dosage, the duration of use, and individual factors like health status and body mass.
Here’s a general timeline of what to expect during opioid withdrawal:
Initial Withdrawal Symptoms (6-12 Hours)
Symptoms typically begin 6-12 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids like heroin or oxycodone and 24-30 hours after the last dose for longer-acting opioids like methadone.
Symptoms that occur in this stage include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation or irritability
- Muscle aches
- Nonstop watery eyes
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning frequently
Peak Withdrawal Symptoms (24-72 Hours)
Withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst 48-72 hours after the last opioid dose. Without support, many people relapse at this stage.
Symptoms that occur in this stage include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Intense cravings for opioids
Late Withdrawal Symptoms (3-7 Days)
Physical symptoms begin to subside within 3-7 days for most people, though some symptoms may persist longer, especially with long-acting opioids.
Symptoms that occur in this stage include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Depression or anxiety may persist
Prolonged Withdrawal Symptoms (Weeks to Months)
Beyond the initial, more acute phases of opioid withdrawal, many people experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms. Also known as Post-Acute-Withdrawal-Syndrome (PAWS), this stage in the opioid withdrawal timeline can last for weeks or even months after starting recovery from opioid addiction.
Symptoms that occur in this stage include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Low energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble concentrating
- Persistent cravings
Factors Affecting the Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Multiple factors are at play when determining what to expect for opioid withdrawal. The type of opioid plays a significant role. Short-acting opioids like heroin and oxycodone have a faster onset of withdrawal but a shorter duration. Long-acting opioids like methadone have a slower onset but can cause prolonged withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, how long the opioids were used and how much were used may further define the withdrawal trajectory. Factors such as age, overall health, and whether the person has been through withdrawal before can also influence the opioid withdrawal timeline.
Need Help For Opioid Withdrawal?
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How to Manage Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal can be physically and emotionally challenging, but it is not typically life-threatening. However, it’s crucial to undergo withdrawal under medical supervision, especially if the opioid use is heavy or prolonged.
Medical Detox
Before starting a treatment program, following a medical detox protocol is necessary. With 24/7 medical support staff on hand, detox can help you safely eliminate opioids from your system and feel as comfortable as possible while enduring withdrawal.
Detox is followed by ongoing treatment, such as a professional treatment program or support groups, to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Many people utilize Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to address ongoing recovery from opioids once detox is completed. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine can help ease residual withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Does Insurance Cover Opioid Withdrawal Management?
One of the most-asked questions when it comes to treating opioid addiction is whether or not insurance will cover the cost of treatment. If you’re wondering how to pay for rehab, the good news is that insurance can cover part or all of the cost of treatment. All insurance providers and policies are different, but a free insurance verification with the team at Vogue Recovery Center can offer more information about what treatment options for substance abuse and mental health issues you have available based on your policy.
While opioid withdrawal can be challenging on your own, the team at Vogue Recovery Center can provide the care you need to recover! Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team today and get started with your recovery journey!
Opioid Addiction Treatment at VRC
Opioid addiction treatment is the next step following medically supported detox. Vogue Recovery Centers offer levels of care ranging from inpatient treatment with 24/7 care to outpatient programs that meet for part of the day. A drug addiction treatment case manager will work with you to determine suitable therapies and programs to promote your continued sobriety.
Due to the high potential for addiction, many people end up struggling with opioid addiction. Long-term recovery is possible with Vogue’s evidence-based therapies that help you heal from the emotional and physical damage caused by addiction.
Need Help?
To learn more about our many levels of medically supervised substance abuse treatment and how we can assist you in achieving meaningful recovery from addiction, contact Vogue Recovery Centers today. We have a full continuum of care at our Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ facilities. Our friendly, professional admissions team will answer your questions and help you plan your first steps toward recovery.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
