Opiate Addiction Withdrawal

Withdrawal is one of the most difficult steps of any addiction and can be very uncomfortable, especially opiate addiction withdrawal. Fortunately, the symptoms of opiate addiction withdrawal are rarely life threatening and do not usually persist for more than a week or so which means that, although it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope. Opiate addiction withdrawal generally consists of an early phase and a late phase which can be characterized by different feelings and symptoms that plague the individual.

Early Opiate Withdrawal

The symptoms of withdrawal will generally begin to start within about half a day or so from the last dose of heroin being used. For those who are addicted to other opiates such as methadone, Oxycontin or a similar prescription painkiller these symptoms will generally begin to set in within about 30 hours after the last dose. Early opiate withdrawal symptoms consist of mild to moderate agitation and anxiety, mild muscle aches and pains, and insomnia. It’s not uncommon to show signs of allergies such as having a runny nose and watery eyes during these first few days of opiate withdrawal, but these symptoms will usually subside within the first 72 hours or so of the last dose of opiates being administered.

During the early phase of opiate withdrawal, the addict may yawn uncontrollably. This is more of an involuntary movement than an actual reaction to being tired. Sweating is another common complaint when opiate withdrawal first begins. The sweating is often paired with fever or periods of cold during which the recovering addict shivers uncontrollably. Again, this is more a symptom of involuntary movement than it is a valid symptom related to actual bodily conditions of being cold.

Late Opiate Withdrawal

As the days go on, opiate withdrawal symptoms will become more difficult to deal with and also more uncomfortable until they reach their peak and then begin to subside. Some of the later symptoms of opiate withdrawal include abdominal cramping and stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. All of these symptoms can make it difficult for the recovering addict to cope but they will usually subside within about 5 days at most. Rest and time are the best medications for these later symptoms of opiate withdrawal, but in some cases various types of medication will be offered to alleviate the symptoms. This is especially true for symptoms of nausea and vomiting that come with late opiate withdrawal.