What’s the leading cause of death for adults under the age of 50 in the U.S.? If you guessed drug overdoses, then you’d be right.
Opioid misuse currently causes over half of drug overdose deaths.
Recovery from addiction is a difficult process filled with questions. How long do opiate withdrawals last? How long will it take my loved one to recover?
Read on to get more details about opiates and the withdrawal process.
What Are Opiates?
All opiates derive from the opium poppy plant. Common forms include codeine, heroin, and morphine. Opiates are forms of opioids.
These drugs are painkillers. Repeated use over time causes the brain to alter its perceptions of pain and pleasure. The compulsion to use produces dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Opiates are very addictive. Experts continue to seek out why some people are more prone to addictions than others. Questions remain, such as
What to Expect: Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Going through opiate withdrawal is excruciating. Many individuals struggle with opiate withdrawal at home. Here’s what to expect:
- Cravings
- Increased anxiety and agitation
- Sweats or shivering
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by these initial symptoms during the first few days.
How Long Do Opiate Withdrawals Last?
The initial cravings and agitation can begin within 12 hours of the user’s last dose. The flu-like symptoms increase in severity until the user has been clean for 72 hours.
Finally, the body begins recovering enough to ease the physical symptoms by the end of the third day. The worst is over, but the battle continues. Cramps, cravings, and chills can last for up to two weeks.
The worst physical aspects of withdrawal should only last for about a week. While the body will be in recovery mode, the psychological withdrawal is harder to shake.
Ongoing support is crucial to helping your loved one defeat opiate withdrawals.
Helpful Opiate Recovery Tips
Many loved ones wonder how to ease opiate withdrawal. Understand that a medical detox is an option.
The difficulty of withdrawal has led to the creation of withdrawal medicine. The purpose of opiate withdrawal supplements is to ease symptoms and cravings.
Suboxone is a type of prescription that allows users to detoxify from opioids. The drug can prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms. For more information on medications to help with opiate withdrawal, click here.
There are also other detox medicines like Naloxone and Naltrexone. These medicines will prevent opiates from having an effect if ingested. Users won’t get the effects of the drug, so they’re much less likely to continue using.
The Long Road to Recovery
So, how long do opiate withdrawals last? The worst of the physical symptoms go away within the first five days, but cravings can linger for months.
The road to recovery is long, but it’s one worth traveling no matter how long it takes.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with opiate withdrawal, then you’re not alone. Check out our post on for more information on this topic.
