When someone is experiencing an addiction to opioids, also known as opioid use disorder, it’s assumed that immediately stopping is the only way to reduce the negative impact opioids can have on the mind and body. While it’s important to stop taking opioids to start recovery, it’s not that simple. Withdrawal can be complex and difficult on the mind and body. It needs to be done in the right way to reduce the risk of serious issues.
Opioid withdrawal refers to a person no longer taking opioids that their body has become dependent on. If they suddenly stop taking them, their body will respond with a variety of uncomfortable or even painful symptoms. Opioid withdrawal isn’t fatal, but there can be serious health risks in certain situations.
Read on to learn about how opioid withdrawal can sometimes cause serious health risks as well as the symptoms of opioid withdrawal to be aware of. We’ll also discuss the treatment that can help people work through the process and the role that Groups can have along the way.
Opioid withdrawal isn’t fatal but can increase the risk of death
Opioid withdrawal can cause significant physical symptoms that can temporarily affect a person’s everyday life, but it won’t directly lead to death.
However, it’s also possible that a lack of monitoring and treatment of opioid withdrawal can lead to worsening symptoms that increase the risk of life-threatening issues. For example, diarrhea and vomiting are both potential opioid withdrawal symptoms. If they are persistent or severe, they can lead to dehydration and even heart failure.
If a person has co-occurring medical conditions alongside opioid use disorder, such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, they are also at risk for serious health issues. Their body may not be able to function properly throughout the withdrawal process. In this case, professional monitoring and support are all the more important.
Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal to be aware of
Opioid withdrawal can look different for everyone. Factors that can impact its severity and duration include the length and type of opioid use. An individual can start to experience withdrawal symptoms between eight and 48 hours after the last use, depending on the type of opioids that were being used. Short-acting opioids, such as codeine, will cause withdrawal quicker than long-acting opioids, such as fentanyl.
Here’s a list of opioid withdrawal symptoms that you should know about:
- Trouble sleeping
- Heightened irritation or anger
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Wide pupils
- Goosebumps
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
How treatment can help opioid withdrawal
The right treatment for opioid withdrawal can not only help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications, but it can also help individuals minimize the severity and duration of the symptoms. Suboxone is a medication that can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms while also decreasing opioid cravings. Your provider can prescribe medications if you need help with withdrawal symptoms while preparing to take Suboxone.
When starting Suboxone, it’s important to be in moderate to severe withdrawal. This allows for you to transition to the medication without causing precipitated withdrawal. Precipitated withdrawal occurs when Suboxone is taken too soon after using opioids without waiting for the withdrawal symptoms to begin.
Precipitated withdrawal isn’t more dangerous than regular withdrawal, but your provider will discuss how to prevent it.
At Groups, we recommend that the opioid withdrawal process is overseen by health care professionals from the very start. Once a person has decided to start their recovery journey, they can book an appointment with a treatment provider to set the right plan into action that’s both safe and effective. This also ensures that changes can be made throughout the process if needed.
Groups will be by your side throughout opioid withdrawal and recovery
Opioid withdrawal is a serious process that can sometimes lead to severe health risks. Even though it’s not fatal, someone who’s going through opioid withdrawal deserves as much care, support, and resources as possible. That’s what Groups is here for.
At Groups, we provide quick access to Suboxone to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms while reducing your cravings for opioids. While medication is one of the key elements to working through the process, it’s also important to address the other aspects of an individual’s well-being that are affected by withdrawal, such as mental and overall health.
Opioid use disorder can cause mental and emotional distress that impacts a person’s overall quality of life. They may experience mood changes and impulsive behaviors that affect their productivity and relationships with others. People with substance use disorder are also more likely to have mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. That’s why we provide weekly group therapy sessions. Members can share their challenges in a judgment-free space with other individuals who can relate to how they’re feeling.
It’s also important to look toward a future beyond drugs. Our custom life-goal assistance helps you to take steps toward reaching your personal goals, such as stable housing or new employment.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery journey.
