What Are Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal from Opioid is a serious matter. The effects on the body from Opioid use is extreme, and because of these effects Opioid withdrawal can very quickly become an acute medical emergency. Withdrawal from Opioid can cause a hypertensive crisis or myocardial infraction. In other words, a stroke or heart attack caused by sudden stoppage in taking Opioid or respiratory distress syndrome whereby your body shuts down from the lungs and respiratory system outwards. Opioid withdrawal can also lead to serious anxiety and mental health related issues.
Never in any circumstances underestimate the seriousness of Opioid withdrawal1. If you are withdrawing from Opioid it is advisable to seek medical attention and in the case of medical emergency from Opioid withdrawal do not hesitate to head to the nearest Emergency Room.
Opioid withdrawal will vary for everyone and will be affected by several factors. The length and severity of Opioid use with be one of the main predictors of withdrawal symptoms and intensity. With Opioid withdrawal, it’s impossible to accurately predict how an individual will react to withdrawal.
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Full Opioid withdrawal often takes seven to fourteen days but sometimes longer, and the Opioid withdrawal symptoms are categorized according to their severity.
There are no minor symptoms of Opioid withdrawal. The first symptoms to exhibit themselves, usually 3-12 hours after Opioid withdrawal starts proper are headaches, tremors, sweating, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and total confusion with anxiety or depression.
These are followed relatively quickly by the next stage in Opioid withdrawal timeline by:
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Digestive discomfort
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Panic attacks
- Muscle pain
- Psychosis
- Delirium tremens
- Relapse
Worryingly, every time an individual attempts Opioid withdrawal the severity of symptoms tends to increase.
Opioid withdrawal has a mortality rate of between three and 19 per cent, depending on seriousness of Opioid usage.
Withdrawal from Opioid is a physically demanding process, in which the body will utilize every means possible to remove toxins, while creating psychological challenges because of the changes to the individuals brain chemistry.
Opioid Detox Process
The severity of Opioid detox makes it a process that should be approached carefully. Opioid Detox, especially for those with a heavy or long-lasting Opioid dependency, produces a range of symptoms and in extreme cases withdrawal can be fatal. However much they may want to end their addiction to Opioid, it’s vital to seek medical advice and enlist the support of their loved ones.
Opioid Withdrawal at a Rehab
Detoxing from Opioid within a treatment facility ensures medical help if it’s needed during the treatment process. Because Opioid rebound is a significant danger during withdrawal, having medical personnel present 24-hours a day can mean an instant response to any hypertensive or life-threatening crisis that may occur as a professional tapering process lowers the chances of patients experiencing fatal episodes.
Opioid withdrawal and detox begins with an initial medical exam to determine the patient’s physical condition upon entry into the rehab. This pre-detox Opioid withdrawal period can last up to 24 hours, as medical personnel determines both the patient’s general medical condition and drug history.
Detoxification of the patient’s body from Opioid begins after the pre-detox period ends. Medically assisted or tapered withdrawal from Opioid can take up to a few weeks to complete.