Opioid addiction is not easy to fight. For most people, the most challenging part will be getting through detox due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms opioids can cause.
Detox is the process of allowing your body to rid itself of harmful toxins. During this time, the system struggles to function without the drug and reacts with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, these symptoms will go away in time.
Withdrawal is not pleasant to deal with, but knowing what to expect can be helpful. This article will discuss the opioid detox timeline so you can be prepared for what’s ahead.
How Do Opioids Impact the Brain?
When opioids enter the body, they bind to receptors in the brain. They work to block feelings of pain running from the brain to the central nervous system. They also affect the rewards system in the brain producing feelings of euphoria.
When the effects of the drug wear off, people want to continue feeling euphoric and getting that sense of being rewarded. This is what makes the drug so addictive. Studies show that addiction can occur in as little as three days.
When taken over an extended course of time, opioids can also harm the brain, causing symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, and hallucinations.
Do Opioids Cause Withdrawal?
Yes, opioids cause withdrawal. People who use opioids at excessive doses will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present in their bodies. Detox from opioids symptoms include the following:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Fever
- Muscle aches
What is the Opioid Detox Timeline?
The opioid detox timeline will be different for each individual depending on the kind of opioid you were using, how long you were using, and the intensity of the doses. Here is a general guideline of what you can expect.
- Symptoms will typically begin 8 to 24 hours after you last used.
- Symptoms will usually peak 2-3 days after you last used.
- Symptoms will stop 4 to 10 days after you last used.
How to Detox from Opioids Safely
Quitting cold turkey from opioids is not recommended. It may not be life-threatening, but it can result in symptoms such as:
- Dehydration which causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea
- Cardiovascular issues like increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased pain sensitivity occurs as your body gets used to being without pain-killing opioids
- Severe anxiety due to chemical changes in the brain
- Relapse- many people relapse to get relief from withdrawal symptoms short term
To avoid these symptoms, it is best to wean yourself off opioids gradually. Your doctor may prescribe a taper schedule. While undergoing the process, they may monitor your pulse, temperature, and blood pressure and check your vitals regularly.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications like methadone and buprenorphine. These are opioids that are long-lasting and don’t produce the same euphoric effects as stronger variations. They are meant to reduce withdrawal symptoms and wean you off the drugs.
For best results, you may choose to check into a facility for a detox procedure. Medical staff will oversee the process to keep you as comfortable as possible. They will provide medications to minimize unpleasant symptoms. They will make sure that relapse does not occur.
Finding the Right Opioid Detox Program
There are many facilities that offer opioid detox, but it’s not easy to find the one that’s right for you. You must consider the atmosphere, cost, staff experience and more. After doing a bit of research, you will find that Refine Recovery checks off all the boxes.
Refine Recovery is a luxury drug rehab in Beverly Hills, an upscale community in Southern California. We offer customized world-class treatment, a qualified, compassionate staff, and multiple paths to recovery. We see you through from detox to therapy to aftercare planning in Southern California.
At Refine Recovery, we offer dual diagnosis in Beverly Hills that simultaneously treats the addiction and its underlying cause. We feel this is the best strategy for achieving long-term recovery. We follow up with therapy sessions ensuring you maintain sobriety.
Opioid addiction is not easy to overcome, but with the right treatment, you will reach your recovery goals. Contact Refine Recovery for the care you need to achieve the health and happiness you deserve. We will help you move on to a higher quality of life.
