There are several outside factors besides the opiates themselves that will determine the timeline for opiate withdrawal. Age, sex, body composition, and genetic predispositions for addiction are relevant when discussing how long it will take to complete the withdrawal stage. The timeline will fluctuate between one week and several months, depending on the individual. The longer you continue using, the longer the withdrawal stage will be. Detoxing on your own may cause you to relapse when you reach your lowest point. Choosing an opiate addiction treatment program would be a better choice.
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What Are Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms?
The withdrawal symptoms for all types of opioids and opiates are the same. However, they will affect everyone differently. Some symptoms may reach extreme levels, while others don’t materialize at all. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Sweating
- Chills
- Sinus troubles
- Cold and hot flashes
- Bone and muscular pain
- Disruption of sleeping habits
- Flu-like symptoms
- High blood pressure
These symptoms can be overwhelming if you try to withdraw from this medication alone, without the help of an opiate detox center.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
Opiate withdrawal typically lasts between four and ten days. It will be slightly shorter in duration for some people, and for others, it can last for a month or more. Withdrawal begins between eight and 30 hours after you stop using and peaks by day three or four.
On the first day, 8-24 hours after the last dose, withdrawal for short-acting opioids begins. This group includes heroin, fentanyl, and codeine. The symptoms include drug cravings, loss of appetite, anxiety, irritability, headaches, and muscular pain.
On the second day, 24-48 hours after the last dose, withdrawal for long-acting opioids begins. This group includes oxycodone, methadone, and morphine. Besides the continuing symptoms from day one, the symptoms include stomach issues and panic attacks.
On the third day, short-acting opioid withdrawal peaks. Symptoms from days one and two continue with increased nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
On the fourth day, long-acting opioid withdrawal peaks. Symptoms from days 1-3 are joined by cramping, shivering, fatigue, enlarged pupils, and more gastrointestinal issues.
On the fifth and sixth days, the withdrawal from long-acting opioids continues to peak, with symptoms from days 1-4 remaining. It is on the seventh day that the symptoms begin to abate. Depression, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia are expected at this point. Unfortunately, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can linger for months.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Recovery Today
The opiate withdrawal timeline will depend on the type of opiates used, short or long-acting, the length and severity of the addiction, and on a number of genetic factors. Detoxing on your own is an even more challenging road than a medical detox, which is no walk in the park. There will be some tough days ahead where what light is gathered at the end of the tunnel may appear quite dim. But once the withdrawal peaks, you will be on your way to lasting recovery.
At Ethan Crossing Recovery in Springfield, Ohio, we combine a number of different methods to suit each individual patient. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to the traditional 12-step program, we offer a wide array of therapies to ensure that you have all the support that you need. You will be able to revisit past traumas and learn to understand how they have contributed to your substance abuse. And we have other therapies such as music and yoga to quiet your mind and help you unleash your potential.
Please don’t battle your addiction to opiates alone. With the help of the team at Ethan Crossing Recovery, you can begin the journey toward lifelong recovery. Anyone can get help at any point. Ethan Crossing Recovery serves the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Ohio area. Contact us today.