Using drugs, like opiates, causes brain functioning to change. In an addict, the change causes a flood of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which is what creates a feeling of pleasure, or a high. Over time, an addict seeks to recreate that high which can lead to dependence or addiction. Once a person has reached that point, if the opiate use is stopped, symptoms of withdrawal will begin.
The symptoms of withdrawal depend on the type of opiate being used and the length of the withdrawal period depends on how the substance interacts with the brain – these can vary widely person to person. The severity of withdrawal symptoms also depends on other factors that include:
- What type of substance was being used
- How that substance was administered (smoked, ingested, injected, snorted)
- How much of the drug was used each time
- Length of time the drug was used
- Family history of addiction and genetics
- Medical and mental health conditions
Withdrawal symptoms from opiates can include both emotional and physical pain. The fear of withdrawal is one reason that addicts will continue to use; it seems too painful to stop. However, making it through the withdrawal period is something that can be, and often should be, managed medically, with supervision from medical professionals.
Withdrawal from Opiates
Opiates include prescription pain medication like Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Methadone, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, and Percocet, and illicit drugs, like heroin. This class of drugs gives users a feeling of euphoria while alleviating pain. They are also considered to be highly addictive. Of the drugs classified as opiates, heroin has the shortest half-life and acts the fastest, which mean users feel its effects the quickest, and it takes the body the shortest amount of time to get rid of. Withdrawal from opiates is typically flu-like in nature, but can be quite uncomfortable, even painful.
Common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings
- Stomach problems including nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Profuse sweating
- Agitation
- Dilated pupils
- Drowsiness or nodding off
- Respiratory depression
- Dizziness and seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Confusion or reduced mental function
- Clammy, or cold skin
- Vision problems
How Long Do Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Opiate withdrawal symptoms begin to happen within hours once the user stops using. As shown above, withdrawal symptoms can be serious, posing a risk to the person. Therefore, it’s often recommended that they seek the help of medical professionals in a detox facility in order to receive medical help should problems arise. In a detox treatment center, patients receive the monitoring, medication assistance, and support that they may need to make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable.
Withdrawals from opiates can last anywhere from a number of hours to weeks. Typically, the more severe symptoms usually affect users within two days of their last use. Of course, like the severity of symptoms, the timeframe that withdrawals take can vary greatly from person to person, depending on various factors like the type of opiate used, the length of time the person used, the amount of the drug used each time, the overall health of the person, and some biological and genetic factors.
Using Medically Supervised Detox
If you are ready to make the change to get clean and sober, it is important to consider going to a medically supervised detox. Detoxification is the process of removing the drug from your system and as you can see above, the withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable – some can even be frightening. It is possible to detox on your own, many have, but there are medical, physical, and emotional reasons that make going to a facility that offers medically supervised detox a much better option for you.
When you go to a medically supervised detox facility, you will most likely be treated with medication to relieve some of the physical discomfort. The medical staff will closely monitor your progress during your stay, and you will be made as comfortable as possible as you go through withdrawal symptoms.
When you are detoxing from drugs or alcohol, you will be going through psychological and emotional changes as well. Having support 24 hours a day until the drugs leave your system can be a great emotional help.
