Opioids are highly addictive prescriptions for pain, mental health conditions, and neurological conditions. After a person starts abusing them, it is only a matter of time before they enter the vicious cycle of addiction. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, so the first phase of opioid addiction treatment should be a medically-supervised detox.
At Northpoint Seattle, our opioid addiction treatment programs help people break their dependence on drugs like Valium, OxyContin, and fentanyl. With easy access to evidence-based and holistic treatment options, our patients can take control of their lives and make strides toward a happier, healthier future. If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, there is no better time to get help than now. Call 888.483.6031 or contact us online to learn more about our Washington treatment center.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of opioid detoxification are sprawling and varied. While many of these effects are not life-threatening, many people consider detoxing from opioids unbearable. One of the leading reasons many people struggle to stop taking opioids is the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
The Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
Everyone will experience opioid withdrawals differently. Body size, age, immune health, and length of addiction all contribute to withdrawal symptoms.
Stage One
Within six to 30 hours after the last dose, opioid users usually feel their first acute withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms often last around three days.
Stage Two
After acute withdrawal, the person in recovery will begin long-term withdrawal. This is often described as the peak of withdrawal because it overlaps with the end of the acute withdrawal and brings new symptoms. This stage usually lasts between four and 20 days.
Stage Three
After the physical symptoms of withdrawal subside, many people recovering from opioids continue to feel the mental effects, including:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Desensitized emotions
- Sleep disturbances
These symptoms are usually made worse by exposure to stress and may last for months or even years. Recovery is a lifelong process, often evident through the long-term mental health symptoms many people experience.
The Importance of Getting Professional Help for Opioid Withdrawal
When battling opioid withdrawal, many individuals feel like they are alone and that there is no hope. However, professional help can make a world of difference in managing the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. The team works together to develop a plan for recovery and manage opiate withdrawal symptoms that are specific to each client’s needs.
A major part of getting professional help for opioid withdrawal is having access to medication-assisted treatment options such as methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone). This type of treatment helps reduce cravings and gives patients the opportunity to focus on their recovery without feeling overwhelmed by physical symptoms. The professionals will monitor the client’s progress and adjust medications as needed.
In addition to medication-assisted treatment, a professional team can provide counseling and therapy to help individuals cope with their withdrawal symptoms on an emotional level. This type of support is invaluable for those struggling with opioid addiction and can be beneficial in preventing relapse in the future. Counseling sessions may also address underlying causes that led to opioid abuse to prevent a return to substance abuse down the road.
Ultimately, getting professional help for opioid withdrawal is an essential step in breaking the cycle of opioid addiction. By having access to a comprehensive plan tailored specifically for them, individuals can find relief from their withdrawal symptoms and begin on the path toward recovery.
Starting the Opioid Recovery Process
Taking the critical first step to recovery is your choice. How you do it, where you do it, and why you do it is all up to you.
Some of your options for recovery include:
- At-home recovery – Although difficult and rarely recommended, it is possible to detox from opioids with limited professional help.
- Professional treatment – Residential programs, detox centers, and outpatient care are all available to help you through the recovery process.
- Alternative therapies – Such as meditation, yoga, holistic therapies, and other activities, help many people through the recovery process.
Recovery is a journey, but you don’t have to take it alone. Contact Northpoint Seattle today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment program and how we can help you reach your goals. Our outpatient treatment programs provide the support and flexibility you need to get sober while maintaining your daily life.
Learn More About Opioid Rehab Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
Beginning the road to recovery is scary, especially knowing withdrawal symptoms will likely occur. The best means of successfully kicking your habit for good is checking into an actual rehabilitation center. After completing a detox program, the next step to a sober future is developing the skills needed to meet your recovery goals.
Our dedicated staff and qualified medical professionals will help make the process more comfortable and ensure you have the strategies you need to help you cope with future cravings and avoid relapse. Call us at 888.483.6031 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.