Deciding to stop taking a substance that you know is harming you, such as opioids, is a huge step toward a healthier future that you should be proud of. However, moving along your recovery journey will include a withdrawal period, which can be challenging for many people.
A health care provider can help you reduce or completely stop taking opioids. Withdrawing from a substance like opioids must be done in a safe manner to minimize the risk of dangerous effects. However, the opioid withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person. By learning about opioid withdrawal timelines, you can understand what to expect and look forward to the positive effects that will come from it in the long run.
We’ll talk about what you need to know about opioid withdrawal timelines and the factors that impact their duration. We’ll also go over options that can help shorten the duration of symptoms before discussing our own approach at Groups to helping people through opioid withdrawal.
What is the opioid withdrawal timeline?
The opioid withdrawal timeline can approximately last between four days and three weeks, though it can take up to 48 hours after the last opioid dose for withdrawal symptoms to start. We’ll dive deeper into what can affect the timeline in the next section.
Many people describe the withdrawal period as feeling extremely sick or like a “bad flu,” which can cause a lot of discomfort. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be both mental and physical. They may include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Sweating
- Goosebumps
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
The symptoms may change or become more severe as time goes on, which is why it’s essential that a person is closely monitored by health care professionals throughout the process.
What affects the length of the opioid withdrawal timeline?
As is always the case with recovery, the duration of the opioid withdrawal timeline can vary. Not only are there factors that can make the symptoms last longer, but there are ways to try to shorten the length.
The main factor in the length of opioid withdrawal is the type of opioid that the body is used to taking. Short-acting opioids have a shorter withdrawal period than long-acting opioids.
- Short-acting opioids — Opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl can cause withdrawal in as little as a few hours within 24 hours after the last use, with symptoms that last between four and 10 days.
- Long-acting opioids — Opioids including methadone have a bit longer timeline than short-acting opioids. It may take 24 hours or more after the last dose for symptoms to occur, lasting between 10 and 20 days.
The withdrawal symptoms may be exacerbated or more severe based on factors such as:
- State of physical and mental health
- Duration of addiction
- Frequency of use
- Amount of use
- Age
- Withdrawal process
What can impact the opioid withdrawal timeline?
When it comes to the opioid withdrawal timeline, you can’t technically shorten it. However, the right medication can make a big difference in alleviating the symptoms and moving you through to the finish line. That’s why many health care providers will often use specific medication to help manage opioid withdrawal. The type of medication will depend on the severity of symptoms, the opioid you’re withdrawing from and your medical history.
Here are two types of opioid withdrawal management medications:
- Clonidine — This medication reduces the severity of moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. It works by blocking signals that stimulate the noradrenergic system, which is responsible for attention, arousal, and stress response.
- Buprenorphine — This type of medication is often one of the first courses of action for managing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s often prescribed over methadone because its properties reduce the risk of misuse and cause fewer side effects.
Starting and stopping medication with medical supervision is important for reducing the length and severity of withdrawal. Drinking enough water and taking the right vitamin supplements can also help reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Without these treatments, the symptoms may worsen.
Groups Recover Together can help you through the opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline
Withdrawal can be a challenge. However, with the right resources and treatment, you can overcome the symptoms and continue working toward achieving your recovery goals. At Groups Recover Together, we understand that every opioid withdrawal experience is different, and we’re here to help guide you through your own symptoms.
We’ll start opioid addiction treatment by prescribing Suboxone, a medicine that includes buprenorphine and naloxone, to help curb your cravings and alleviate your symptoms. You’ll also be able to lean on people in your group therapy sessions as you navigate the timeline. Once withdrawal is over, you’ll have access to social services that help you set steps for achieving recovery goals.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery.
