Opioid Detox: Symptoms, Treatment, and Support

The opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in the U.S. in 2017 and has only worsened since, with no signs of slowing down.

Over 560,000 Americans have lost their lives to opioid overdoses since the epidemic began, with current rates standing more than eight times higher than in 1999. Opioid misuse often starts inoffensively—with legitimate pain management prescriptions—but can quickly spiral into dependence and addiction.

Opioid detox is a crucial step toward breaking free from addiction, but it can be overwhelming without the proper guidance. Keep reading to learn more about what opioid detox involves, common withdrawal symptoms, and medical treatment options.

Table Of Contents:

• What Is Opioid Detoxification?
• What Is Opioid Withdrawal?
• What Is Opioid Withdrawal Like?
• Is Opioid Withdrawal Life Threatening?
• How To Detox From Opioids?
• What Medications Are Used for Opioid Detox?
• How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?
• Find Opioid Detox Near Me
• Don’t Get Caught Up in Addiction
• People Also Ask

What Is Opioid Detoxification?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illicit drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

When taken, opioids interact with the brain’s receptors to reduce the perception of pain, but they also produce feelings of euphoria, which can lead to misuse. Over time, regular use of opioids—whether prescribed or illicit—can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Opioid detoxification, or detox, is the critical first step in breaking this cycle of dependence. It involves the medical process of safely clearing opioids from the body while managing the challenging withdrawal symptoms that follow. Detox is not a cure for opioid addiction, but it’s an essential foundation for long-term recovery.

What Is Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid withdrawal is a challenging and often uncomfortable part of the detox process that includes a series of physical and psychological symptoms.

When someone dependent on opioids reduces their dose or stops using the drug entirely, the body reacts to the sudden absence. This is because the body has adapted to the presence of opioids, and without them, it must recalibrate.

Withdrawal symptoms may start as early as 6–24 hours after the last dose (i.e., heroin), but it can change depending on the type of opioid used and the individual’s level of dependence. Medical supervision during detox can make the withdrawal process safer and more manageable by offering medications to reduce symptoms, ease discomfort, and lower the risk of relapse.

What Is Opioid Withdrawal Like?

Opioid withdrawal is often described as one of the most challenging aspects of overcoming opioid dependence. Withdrawal is both a physical and psychological experience, and its intensity can vary depending on factors like the type of opioid used, how long the person has been using it, and their overall health.

Early withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6-12 hours for short-acting opioids (like heroin or oxycodone) and within 24-30 hours for longer-acting opioids (like methadone). These withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Restlessness
• Anxiety or agitation
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Excessive sweating
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Yawning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Rapid heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Dilated pupils
• Chills and goosebumps

Psychologically, individuals may experience mood swings, depression, irritability, and strong urges to use opioids again to relieve the discomfort. Opioid withdrawal is an unavoidable part of the detox process. Still, with medical supervision and appropriate medications, the severity of symptoms can be managed to make detox safer and more tolerable.

Is Opioid Withdrawal Life Threatening?

Opioid withdrawal is generally considered to be highly uncomfortable but not life-threatening. However, there are circumstances under which it can lead to severe complications, and even death can occur.

The risks primarily arise from the severe symptoms of withdrawal, particularly persistent vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. If left untreated, dehydration may result in hypernatremia (elevated blood sodium levels) and potentially cause heart failure.

These dangerous outcomes are especially prevalent for:

• Incarcerated individuals often face significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly for addiction.
• Individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction also often have limited access to healthcare services.
• Communities with limited socioeconomic resources often struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

On the other hand, the intense discomfort of withdrawal can lead individuals to relapse to alleviate their symptoms. This is particularly concerning because a person who has recently detoxed from opioids may have a significantly lower tolerance.

If they use the same amount they did before detox, they are at a much higher risk of an opioid overdose, which can be fatal.

How To Detox From Opioids?

Detoxing from opioids is the process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms while the body eliminates opioids from its system. Detox is often the first critical step in recovering from opioid addiction, but it should ideally be done under medical supervision, especially for individuals with severe dependence.

Here are the general steps involved in opioid detox:

Medical Evaluation

Before starting detox, a thorough medical assessment is performed to determine the individual’s level of opioid dependence, overall health, and the best approach to detoxification. Factors like the type of opioid used, duration of use, and any co-occurring conditions are considered.

Tapering or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, instead of quitting opioids abruptly, doctors may recommend gradually reducing the dosage (tapering) to minimize withdrawal symptoms. More commonly, MAT is used, where medications are administered to ease symptoms and reduce cravings.

Therapy and Counseling

Addressing the psychological aspects of addiction is crucial for long-term recovery. Engaging in therapy or counseling can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns related to drug use. Group therapy or support groups can also foster a sense of community and shared experience, which can be incredibly beneficial during detox and beyond.

Transition to Aftercare

Detoxing is just the beginning of the recovery journey. Aftercare planning involves creating a strategy for ongoing support once detox is complete.

This may include outpatient therapy, regular check-ins with a counselor, and participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Aftercare helps individuals maintain their sobriety and provides resources to address any challenges that may arise in the future.

What Medications Are Used for Opioid Detox?

Several medications are commonly used during opioid detox to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications are part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a proven approach to helping individuals safely detox and begin their recovery journey.

Here’s a chart outlining the medications commonly used for opioid detox:

How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?

Opioid withdrawal can happen when a person who is physically dependent on opioids suddenly stops or significantly reduces their dosage. The onset, peak intensity, and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary based on the specific opioids involved.

Since opioid withdrawal can lead to the creation of negative memories linked to unpleasant stimuli, environments, and emotions, it is essential to understand the timeline and symptoms progression. These negative associations play a crucial role in sustaining drug-seeking behaviors.

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

Detox and withdrawal experience vary depending on factors like the duration and intensity of use, but it typically follows a timeline with distinct stages.

From the early symptoms of anxiety and restlessness to the lingering effects of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), understanding this timeline is crucial for anyone seeking recovery.

Find below a standard timeframe for opioid detox:

Find Opioid Detox Near Me

Searching for a fentanyl detox center near you is an important step toward recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Finding a suitable facility can significantly impact your treatment experience, whether you seek inpatient, outpatient, or at-home detox options.

With various programs available, choosing a center that meets your unique medical, emotional, and logistical needs is essential.

Here are a few tips to help guide your search:

• Start by searching for local detox centers that specialize in opioid addiction.
• Contact your primary care physician or a mental health professional for recommendations.
• Ensure the detox facility is licensed and accredited by relevant health authorities.
• Look for comprehensive detox programs, including medical supervision and therapy.
• Look for reviews and testimonials from former patients to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
• Ask about the aftercare services offered by the facility, such as outpatient therapy or support groups.
• Don’t hesitate to talk to friends, family, or support groups who have experienced detox.

Don’t Get Caught Up in Addiction

Opioid addiction is a complex condition that affects not only the body but also the mind, emotions, and relationships.

The process of opioid detox and withdrawal, though challenging, is a necessary step in breaking free from the cycle of dependence. It’s important to remember that opioid withdrawal is just the beginning of recovery. With the right medications, emotional support, and long-term treatment plans, individuals can safely detox and begin the journey to healing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact a local rehab center to discuss personalized treatment options based on your medical needs.

People Also Ask

How long does opioid detox last?

Opioid detox typically lasts 5-10 days, depending on the severity of addiction, type of opioid used, and individual health. However, lingering symptoms may persist for weeks or months in some cases.

What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?

One of the first signs of opioid withdrawal is anxiety or restlessness, often accompanied by physical symptoms like sweating, muscle aches, or a runny nose within 6-12 hours of the last opioid use.

How do you avoid withdrawal symptoms?

To avoid withdrawal symptoms, tapering off opioids under medical supervision is recommended. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine can help reduce withdrawal discomfort and minimize cravings during the detox process.

Page Sources

1. Focus on Opioids - Connect2Health FCC. https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps/connect2health/focus-on-opioids.html
2. Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment. Science & Practice Perspectives, 1(1), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1151/spp021113
3. Lerner, A., & Klein, M. (2019). Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs: An update and regulatory considerations for new drugs development. Brain Communications, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcz025
4. Darke, S., Larney, S., & Farrell, M. (2017). Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. Addiction, 112(2), 199-200. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13512
5. Strang, J., et al. (2003). Loss of tolerance and overdose mortality after inpatient opiate detoxification: Follow p study. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 326(7396), 959-960. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7396.959

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