Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

One of the most important aspects to consider when you’re ready to overcome an opioid addiction involves whether or not you should first work through an opioid detox program. A common question we receive from clients interested in coming to The Source revolves around withdrawal symptoms and a timeline for detox. To help alleviate concerns, we will highlight some important information you should consider if you’re ready to attend an opioid detox and recovery program.

What Is Opioid Detox?

Opioid detox provides a safe and protected environment where you can withdraw from opioid drugs under the watchful eye of trained medical professionals. We will always encourage you to first go through a detox program because detoxing in a medical environment is the safest, most comfortable, and most effective way to detox from opioids.

During opioid detox, you will experience withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to the absence of opioids in your system. These withdrawal symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe and even life-threatening.

In medical detox, we will monitor you around the clock to ensure you’re not experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Doctors and nurses can also administer medications as needed to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and keep you more comfortable.

People who attempt to detox on their own often relapse because the discomfort of detoxing without support is too painful. This is why the most effective way to begin your journey to lasting recovery is by going through a professional medical detox program.

What Is Opioid Withdrawal?

When your mind and body are no longer under the influence of your drug of choice, you will have a physical and emotional reaction. That reaction is known as withdrawal. Withdrawing from opioids can be painful and may make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to care for yourself during this period. Detoxing with professional help means you’ll be able to focus solely on your recovery while all your needs are taken care of.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

It’s important to remember that it’s nearly impossible to predict the specific symptoms you’ll experience during your detox process. Symptoms experienced depend on several factors that are unique to each individual. Some common symptoms associated with withdrawal can include:

• Stomach pains
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fever
• Elevated heart rate
• Increased anxiety

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Opioids?

The length of time you’ll need to spend in a detox program depends on several different factors. Several factors need to be taken into consideration, including which opioid you were abusing, the severity of your addiction, as well as how long you’ve been struggling with addiction. In most cases, the timeline for your detox program will look something like this:

• Symptoms will start to appear anywhere between six to 30 hours from the last time you consumed your opioid of choice. Although initial symptoms may seem mild, they will continue to grow in intensity.
• The 72-hour mark is the most critical. This is the time when you will begin to feel more severe symptoms, including cravings and the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

For most clients, the entire withdrawal and detox process will last anywhere between five to seven days, although certain symptoms may linger for days or weeks after your time in a detox program. However, they will not be so severe that you would not be able to move forward with a treatment program.

What Happens After Opioid Detox?

Once you are done with opioid detox, you can then begin the work of exploring the deeper underlying causes of your addiction and developing your long-term recovery plan. At The Source, we provide the option of enrolling in a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, or a general outpatient program. We will help you determine a treatment program that’s custom-tailored to best suit your needs but does not impede on your personal or professional responsibilities.

Opioid Addiction Treatment at The Source

When you come to The Source, you can count on the personalized attention you need and deserve to recover from your addiction to opioids. Whether you need to work through an opioid detox program or you are ready to begin your treatment program, we are here to assist you. We maintain contact with trusted detox facilities throughout the country that can cater to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today by calling (800) 204-0418.