.png)
Opiate withdrawals are the severe physical and psychological symptoms that a person goes through when they stop taking opiates that they have become physically dependent on. When you use opiates long enough it changes your brain chemistry and your body must readjust when you are no longer giving it the substance it now craves. This experience can be very painful physically and distressing emotionally. Withdrawals can best be described as a severe flu like symptoms combined with intense anxiety and depression. Detoxing and going through withdrawals is a pivotal step in recovery. When done with proper support and treatment the severity of withdrawals can be mitigated while setting you up for a greater chance at long term success.
While each person's experience with detoxing and withdrawals varies widely, you will more than likely experience symptoms that affect both the body and mind. Common physical symptoms are often referred to as “severe flu” like, and can include muscle cramps, chills, vomiting, sweating, and severe fatigue. Psychological symptoms can include severe anxiety, depression, irritability, dramatic mood swings, and intense cravings for the opiate that was used by the person. These symptoms will occur for different periods of time and at differing intensities for each person depending on factors such as type of drug used, how long you were dependent on the drug, and how the person ingested the substance.
The length of your withdrawals depends on a few factors such as type of opiate used, length of uninterrupted use, and individual health factors like age, weight, and preexisting conditions. Generally for short acting opiates such as heroin and some prescription painkillers symptoms of withdrawal will begin 6-24 hours after the last time you take the drug. Then usually withdrawals will last around 2-3 days if the person doesn’t take any more of the opiate. For extended release opiates such as methadone, suboxone, and other prescription painkillers symptoms of withdrawals usually present themselves 24-48 hours after the last dose. Unfortunately these symptoms can sometimes last up to 2 weeks or more, though most physical symptoms will fade after a few days. In cases for extended long term use psychological symptoms such as mood swings and cravings can last for several weeks or even months. This extended time for psychological symptoms is a big reason that supervision through inpatient or outpatient rehab programs is highly recommended.
Simply put opiate withdrawals are dangerous because of the serious risks psychologically and physically. These risks are multiplied when an individual goes through withdrawals unsupervised. Symptoms such as severe diarrhea, sweating and vomiting can lead to severe dehydration. Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalances, which in turn directly affect how your heart, lungs and other major organs function. When you add the impact of insomnia, anxiety, and general exhaustion it's very easy for a person's body to become overwhelmed and begin to shut down. This can present itself in many ways, the most common being heart attack and stroke. On top of all that it's very common for people going through this to have thoughts of self harm that can turn into suicidal thoughts.
Detoxing should always be done in a supervised environment with access to medical care due to the extremely real threat it poses to the wellbeing of the individual. People can and do die as a result of withdrawals if they aren't able to receive medical care in the event of a medical emergency. Rehab centers and programs offer different options when it comes to detox care. Not only does this supervised care offer medical intervention if needed during the high risk periods of detox, they offer support and treatment options that help deal with the psychological issues like craving, suicidal thought, depression and anxiety. This added layer of care is a crucial factor in short term safety and long term recovery.
Yes. While Gabapentin is not a direct treatment for opiate withdrawals it does show to have some benefit in relieving some discomforts associated with detoxing when used under medical supervision. Gabapentin can help reduce the severity of some psychological issues like insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.
No. Due to the fact that tramadol is an opiate it is not recommended for the treatment or care of an individual in recovery. However, in some very rare cases medical professionals may use tramadol as part of a tapering process. It is extremely important to only use tramadol in recovery if you are under the supervision and care of medical professionals who prescribed it.
No. Though some people claim that Kratom can help with opiate withdrawals, and there is some anecdotal evidence from Eastern cultures, Kratom is still not recommended as a way to help with withdrawals. This is because its safety and efficacy are not well-established, as well as, it is known to be addictive itself and directly can affect a person’s ability to produce serotonin naturally, which can negatively impact your recovery.
No. There is limited evidence to support that cannabis can help with withdrawals and recovery and is not recognized by medical professionals. While some anecdotal evidence claims it may help with symptoms like anxiety or nausea, you must also keep in mind cannabis is still a drug and comes with risks. It is best to consult with medical professionals before using cannabis or other recreational substances to deal withdrawals.
Yes but limited. Xanax is a Benzodiazepine that may be prescribed by medical professionals overseeing your recovery to help deal with anxiety BUT is never a primary treatment. Xanax can be highly addictive and should only ever be used for a short time under the care of a medical professional.
Yes but limited. Valium is another Benzodiazepine and can be used similarly to Xanax with the addition of possibly treating muscle spasms. Valium should be treated like any other Benzo and only be used under the supervision of a prescribing medical professional.
Yes. Trazodone is a sleep aid that is often prescribed to help treat insomnia during opiate withdrawals. While it doesn’t help directly treat the withdrawals it helps the individual get sleep and stay well rested during the detox process.
Yes. Methadone is commonly used to help manage withdrawal symptoms in medically supervised detox programs. Methadone helps reduce symptoms and cravings by reacting with the same brain receptors that opiates interact with. It is very important to only use methadone short term and under the direct supervision of medical professionals.
Some medical professionals may prescribe muscle relaxers to help with cramping or muscle spasms that sometimes are a part of detoxing. Muscle relaxers however do not deal with the core reasons for withdrawals; they just help deal with some of the more uncomfortable symptoms. They do pose a risk for further complications as they are also addictive, and should only be used if prescribed and under the prescribers supervision.
Naproxen is an NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug that can help deal with some of the physical discomfort experienced during withdrawals. Naproxen can help with headaches, muscle aches, and general inflammation. While it doesn’t treat withdrawal caused it is often used in the management of symptoms in Detox Programs.
Adderall is an addictive stimulant. Using Adderall or other stimulants during detox can make anxiety and other psychological symptoms much worse. Adderall also poses a risk because of its high chance to be abused due to its addictive properties.
Clonidine is in a class of medications called centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents. Clonidine is often used to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms, usually agitation, muscle pain, anxiety or sweating. Clonidine is not an opiate, as such it does not pose a risk of addiction, under medical supervision it offers a safer option for managing withdrawal symptoms.
No! Alcohol can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, increase risk of complications, and impair your judgment.Alcohol is highly addictive and can cause withdrawals if its own very fast, a hangover is just rapid onset withdrawals, even after just one use. Alcohol also reduces our bodies ability to heal and is never recommended for anyone in recovery.
Kava is a natural herbal supplement used by some people for anxiety. However it is not recognized as a proven treatment for opiate withdrawals and can often have side effects as well as negative interactions with medications. For those reasons Kava is not recommended for dealing with symptoms of withdrawals.
Yes. Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that a medical professional may prescribe to manage muscle spasms or pain during opiate withdrawals. As with other medications Baclofen does not treat or deal with the Withdrawals themselves but the symptoms that arise because of the withdrawals.
Depending on type of opiate used and length of use withdrawals can onset as early as 6 hours up to 48 hours. Physical symptoms can present from 2-4 days up to 1-2 weeks with psychological symptoms remaining for weeks or even months after getting clean.
Yes. Due to the stress your body goes through, including severe dehydration it is possible for someone to die during withdrawals. Usually we see deaths during detoxing when a person is unconscious and vomits leading to aspiration, or drowning in your own vomit. Heart attack and stroke is also unfortunately common to see in individuals detoxing.
Yes, there are some vitamins that can help alleviate some symptoms of withdrawals. B Vitamins (B6 and B12) can help reduce fatigue and boost mental clarity. Vitamin C can reduce oxidative stress, allowing the body to recover faster. Magnesium can help reduce muscle spasms and pain thus improving sleep and rest. Omega-3,6,9 fatty acids, while not a vitamin, play an important role in brain health and can help stabilize mood.
Yes, the ER will help you during opiate withdrawals if there is an immediate risk such as severe dehydration, high blood pressure, severe mental distress or pain. The ER will administer proper medication to help manage symptoms such as Ibuprofen, tramadol, baclofen etc. While the ER can help stabilize you, they are not a long term treatment facility and will likely refer you to a recovery center to further aid your recovery.
While medications like methadone, baclofen and clonidine can ease withdrawal symptoms by reducing cravings, relieving pain/discomfort, and mood stabilizing, it's important to remember medical supervision is crucial during recovery, ESPECIALLY during detox. Detox is the most dangerous part of anyone's recovery and must be taken seriously. Finding the right treatment facility is very important, luckily there are many options for recovery.
North Palm Beach Recovery Centers provide Medically supervised detox programs that prioritize your safety and comfort during the withdrawal period of your recovery. North Palm Beach Recovery’s experienced medical and support staff will help make a personalized recovery plan with you. These plans include appropriate medications, therapies and support to help manage your recovery, starting at detox and ending at long term after care. Click the link to get in contact with one of our staff at North Palm Beach Recovery Centers to get HELP TODAY.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing eli mattis sit phasellus mollis sit aliquam sit nullam neque ultrices.
