Opioids are a class of pain-blocking drugs that are often prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. Usually, after a surgery or other intense medical operation, a patient will rely on opioids for a short time while in recovery.
But the danger lies in the addictive nature of opioids, or withdrawal symptoms coupled with residual pain from the operation or injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?
When someone is going through opioid withdrawals, early side effects can include:
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
These physical symptoms can progress into nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Paired with these are psychological effects like irritability and depression.
How Long Does Opioid Detox Last?
The typical timeline depends on the type of opioid. Acute withdrawal peaks in 24-72 hours for short-acting opioids, while a person can experience withdrawal symptoms for 5-10 days with extended-release types of opioids.
The exact duration also depends on the dosage, period of use, and the individual’s health. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome can persist for weeks or months with lingering fatigue or mood swings.
Can Opioid Withdrawal Be Fatal?
While opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal on its own, complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and co-occurring medical conditions can increase the risk.
Abrupt cessation or mixing opioids with other substances can create high-risk scenarios. Ongoing medical supervision during the withdrawal time is important for preventing emergencies.
What Medications Are Used in Opioid Detox Protocols?
Other medications prescribed for withdrawal management are:
- Methadone or buprenorphine for tapering
- Clonidine for blood pressure and anxiety
- Loperamide for diarrhea
- Various anti-nausea drugs
These medication-assisted treatment options can help reduce the severity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Non-opioid options include ibuprofen for pain management and over-the-counter sleep aids.
Is It Safe to Detox from Opioids at Home?
While home detox may work for mild cases with a strong support system, the potential for symptom progression and relapse is still a present risk. In cases of heavy opioid dependence or medical issues, professional help is advised.
If you choose at-home management, stay hydrated and try over-the-counter remedies. Even then, consulting a doctor first will avoid the risk of relapse or extreme symptoms.
What Is Rapid Opioid Detox and Is It Effective?
Another opioid addiction treatment option is rapid detox. This is a procedure under anesthesia that uses naltrexone to block opioid receptors and accelerate withdrawal.
While this treatment offers a shorter detox duration, medical complications like respiratory issues or incomplete recovery make this option risky. It isn’t suitable for everyone, so consult a doctor about finding the right treatment programs for you.
How Can I Manage Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
While experiencing withdrawal symptoms in a detox program, there are a few ways to manage the severity of the symptoms.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat nutritious meals.
- Participate in light exercise.
- Practice relaxing techniques like deep breathing.
- Go to therapy and support group meetings during detox.
What Happens After Opioid Detox?
Detox is only the start of recovery for someone dependent on opioids. After detox, it is recommended to transition to rehab, therapy, or maintenance programs to prevent relapse.
Any recovery plan you choose should include necessary lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring. Many recovery centers create personalized recovery plans. At Into Action Recovery, we offer on-site opioid detox treatment so you or your loved one can get the care you need.
If you or a loved one is experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, don’t wait until they become dangerous. Our team is here to help.
