Man in bright sunlight going through opioid withdrawal.If you fear going through opioid withdrawal, you are not alone. Patients who suffer from opioid addiction often fear going through detox as the step before rehab. But for recovery to take place, and for you to have the better life you deserve, you have to get through this important first step. Understanding what to expect during withdrawal can make it easier for you to get through it.

What is Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid withdrawal syndrome is due to clearing your body of all opioid drugs and other harmful substances. This process is also known as detox. Your detox will begin in eight to 24 hours after your last short-acting opioid dose, or 12 to 48 hours after you take your last dose of a long-acting drug like methadone. When you come out of detox, you will be thinking much more clearly and will have greater hope for your new sober life.

Withdrawal is a set of symptoms that include feeling sick, changes in mood, sleep problems and other health issues. These range from mild feelings of not being well to symptoms that need to be closely watched by medical professionals.

There are many benefits of being in a quality detox center for your opioid addiction and withdrawal. In the facility, you will feel better through the worst symptoms. You can also benefit from being in a safe, secure place far away from access to drugs and alcohol.

Expected Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

During withdrawal from opioids, you should expect some symptoms that most patients experience. These include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Hot and cold flashes
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramping
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Diarrhea

If you used short-acting opioids, your symptoms will likely go away after four to ten days. Detox from long-acting opioids lasts about ten to 20 days.

Guidelines for Opioid Withdrawal

The guidelines for withdrawal from opioids give professionals a clear plan for taking care of patients in detox. These guidelines exist after years of treating people going through withdrawal. They also mean that you benefit from the past experience of others who have been in your shoes.

Guidelines include:

  • Monitoring three to four times each day, to see how you’re feeling and what you may need.
  • Drinking plenty of water during withdrawal, to help your body stay balanced.
  • Taking vitamins B and C during detox.
  • Given mild medications to help you feel better.
  • Sometimes given drugs that help relieve major symptoms of detox.

Drugs that are sometimes used during withdrawal to help you feel better include clonidine, methadone or buprenorphine. Each of these drugs helps patients get through specific symptoms that may be difficult or risky. Doctors will monitor your doses if you take these medications, to keep you safe and on the path to sobriety.

After the worst withdrawal symptoms are over, you may go through a process known as protracted opioid withdrawal. This is a collection of symptoms that may last for up to six months. Symptoms of extended withdrawal include moodiness, anxiety and drug cravings. By going through therapy in a licensed detox center and following that with rehab, you will receive the therapy you need to get through these feelings and avoid relapse.

Break Free of Opioids Today

If you or someone you love are ready to end addiction to opioids or other substances, you can get the help you need at an accredited and licensed rehab program. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida offers a variety of programs and treatment plans designed to fit your specific needs. Call Beaches Recovery now at 8666050532 to learn more and verify your insurance benefits. Don’t wait to call. The help you need is waiting for you.