The Road to Recovery: A Complete Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

complete-guide-to-opioid-withdrawl-timeline

Since 1999, more than 750,000 people have died from a drug overdose. In 2018 alone, two out of three overdose deaths were related to opioids. 

Understanding the opioid epidemic begins with examining the three waves of overdose deaths involving opioids.

Since 2013, the opioid-related overdose death rate has significantly increased and transitioned into the third wave. These deaths are related to illicitly produced opioids such as fentanyl.

If you are seeking to recover from your addiction, continue reading for an opioid withdrawal timeline that will set the expectations for the beginning phases of your road to recovery.

 

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Sometimes, people who are addicted to drugs struggle in coming to terms with acknowledging that they have an addiction. Symptoms of opioid addiction include:

  • Inability to control opioid usage
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Abandonment of responsibilities
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Stealing from friends or family members
  • Decreased motivation
  • Needing larger amounts to get high
  • Constant itching or scratching

These symptoms can be seen or experienced when an individual has been using opioids for a short amount of time and can drastically increase in severity as a result of long-term use.

 

Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

If an addicted individual no longer has access to opioids, they will experience something called withdrawal symptoms. Signs of opioid withdrawal include:

  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea 
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bone and muscle pains or aches
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • High blood pressure
  • Chills
  • Agitation
  • Lack of energy
  • Fatigue and yawning
  • Shaking and tremors
  • Stomach pains

Regardless of what kind of opioid an individual is addicted to, these symptoms will be similar across the board.

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

If you are addicted to opioids and seeking rehabilitation, it’s important to know that detox is a part of the recovery process. 

In simple terms, a detox is a form of supported withdrawal. At ReAlign Detox, we offer a variety of services, including opioid detox. 

Here’s what to expect in the days after you stop taking opioids.

 

Day One

For short-acting opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, withdrawal symptoms begin within 8-24 hours. Symptoms can include:

  • Aggression
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Muscular aches or pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Cravings for drugs

 

Day Two

Withdrawal begins within 24-48 hours for long-action opioids such as oxycodone. Symptoms can include:

  • Day one symptoms
  • Runny nose
  • Panic attacks
  • Stomach issues
  • Inability to sleep soundly
  • Excessive sweating

 

Day Three

For short-acting opioids, withdrawal reaches its highest point on the third day. Symptoms can include:

  • Day 1-2 symptoms
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

 

Day Four

Withdrawal begins to reach its highest point for long-acting opioids on the fourth day. Symptoms can include:

  • Day 1-3 symptoms
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Discomfort in the stomach and intestinal areas
  • Shivering and chills
  • Fatigue

On days five and six, withdrawal peaks for long-acting opioids, and symptoms from days 1-4 can continue. 

On the seventh day after stopping opioid usage, withdrawal symptoms begin to decrease. Seventh-day symptoms can include:

  • Inability to sleep soundly
  • Fatigue
  • Irritated or depressed mood

 

Opioid Withdrawal Medication

Withdrawing from opioids can be very difficult without medication. If detoxing in a professional rehabilitative environment, you will likely have medication administered to you. 

Opioid withdrawal medication includes:

  • Methadone, which is used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and aid the detox process
  • Buprenorphine, which is also used to relieve withdrawal symptoms and can be combined with other medications to prevent misuse
  • Clonidine, which is used to lessen anxiety, muscle aches or pains, cramping, agitation, runny nose, and sweating, but does not lessen cravings
  • Naltrexone, which is used to prevent relapse, but sudden withdrawal can arise if taken when opioids are still in your system

 

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Oftentimes, withdrawal symptoms usually subside after two weeks in the detox process, especially under the guidance of a medical professional. 

However, some drugs can cause prolonged withdrawal, with symptoms lasting between one month and up to one year. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, otherwise referred to as PAWS.

Individuals who consume large amounts of drugs over a long period of time are more likely to develop PAWS.

PAWS involves psychological and mood-related symptoms rather than physical symptoms such as aches, nausea, and cramping among others. Regardless of this fact, the symptoms of PAWS can be just as debilitating.

Symptoms of PAWS can include:

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Decreased or lack of libido
  • Incomprehensible chronic pain
  • Disrupted sleep or insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble focusing or thinking clearly
  • Depression

The severity of PAWS is dependent upon the individual. Symptoms tend to worsen based on these factors:

  • The drug or drugs of choice
  • How long and how frequently an individual uses said drug or drugs
  • Emotional issues that come up during the first year of recovery
  • Accompanying physical and/or mental health problems

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Addiction requires extensive care involving a range of healing treatments. Medication-assisted treatment also referred to as MAT, is a combination of using medications and counseling sessions to combat your addiction.

By opting to receive MAT, you will engage in counseling sessions where you will gradually build-essential coping mechanisms to guide you in the ongoing process of recovery.

Detox is only the first step in your journey to recovery – but it is not the same as MAT, which allows for individuals to examine the causes of their addictions and may require long-term care to help prevent relapse.

Receiving MAT comes with a range of benefits, including:

  • A decline in illegal opioid use
  • Improved survival rates
  • Fewer issues among newborns coming from mothers with a history of opioid use
  • Greater probability of maintaining a job
  • Development of coping skills personalized to suit your needs

 

Receive Opioid Withdrawal Treatment Today

The first step is always the hardest one to take, but at ReAlign Detox, we are here to take the first step in the opioid withdrawal timeline by your side. 

Our medical directors are here to promote your wellbeing and encourage a healthy lifestyle that’s right for you. Take the first step with us today. If you are interested in opioid detox services, click here to read more.

Anyone going through opioid withdrawal deserves proper care and support. If this happens to be you, or if you are seeking an end to your addiction, contact us today.