People who use opioid pain medication or illegal opioids may develop a substance use disorder and struggle with poor mental health. Fortunately, help is available to anyone who wants it. Managing opioid withdrawal symptoms is possible through a drug and alcohol detox program, which can also promote safety and comfort during the early stages of recovery.
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center for people struggling with opioid use disorder. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a whole-person treatment experience where you will participate in group and private therapy sessions. Therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and teach you healthy coping skills.
To learn more about our drug and alcohol detox, call one of our dedicated team members at 1.844.876.7680 today.
Understanding Opioid Abuse
Opioids are used to treat chronic pain, pain after surgery, or pain caused by various cancers and other medical conditions. It bonds with the mu-opioid receptors in the body to block pain receptors from activating, creating a slight euphoric feeling.
Opioids are safe when taken according to a doctor’s instructions. However, opioid use disorder may develop when a person is unable to stop taking high amounts of opioids. If they try to quit, they will experience severe withdrawals and cravings for more opioids, which will not go away until they use the same amount as before.
How do you recognize when a person is abusing their medication? When a person is abusing opioids, they will try to refill the prescription before the refill date or try to get additional prescriptions from other doctors. Or, they may buy opioids from friends who have extra. When this option is no longer available, they may try illegal opioids, like heroin or street fentanyl.
If a friend or loved one is abusing opioids, there are several addiction treatment programs available that can support recovery. The Ranch in Tennessee welcomes people who are struggling with an addiction to opioids and want help. Our team will develop a tailored treatment program that includes behavioral therapy along with medication-assisted treatment to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and teach healthy ways to stay sober.
Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are addicted to opioids and have tried quitting on your own, you know how easy it can be to relapse within the first few days. Opioid withdrawals can last anywhere from 8-10 days or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction and the amounts taken.
Here is a timeline for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms:
6-12 Hours from the Last Dose
When you try to quit taking opioids, it can produce a number of withdrawal symptoms. During the first 24 hours, you can experience any number of withdrawal symptoms that include:
- Agitation or irritability
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
These symptoms will come on gradually and become more severe the longer you go without taking more opioids.
48-72 Hours from the Last Dose
Over the next few days, your symptoms will increase in severity, along with increasingly strong cravings for more opioids. During this stage, you can experience the following opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Stomach cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Goosebumps
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
These symptoms generally peak after 72 hours, and it can take several days to weeks for all symptoms to dissipate.
Protracted Symptoms
In more severe cases, patients may experience protracted symptoms or post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These symptoms can last for weeks to several months and even years after stopping. Protracted symptoms include anxiety and panic attacks, depression, mood swings, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and a lack of motivation.
Patients can experience fatigue, increased sensitivity to pain, severe constipation, and muscle aches and pains.
An opioid treatment program uses medication to ease withdrawals and cravings for more opioids and allows patients to complete therapy.
Join The Ranch Today for Our Drug and Alcohol Detox Program
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports people from all walks of life who struggle with opioid use disorder. When you first arrive for treatment, we will run a full health assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and withdrawal symptoms. We use this information to create a comprehensive treatment program that will teach you some healthy coping skills.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opioids, take that first step toward a better life by calling 1.844.876.7680 or reaching out through our online form today to schedule a consultation.