What is heroin use doing to your body? What will happen in five more years? Can your body really handle the physical effects and mental changes that come with heroin use?
Maybe you don’t want to think about it now…We tend to minimize the reality of our problems. But the truth is, we need to be aware. [Read more…] about How Does Long-Term Heroin Use Affect Your Body?
Blog
Can I Use Heroin Without Becoming Addicted?
Although it may be difficult to grasp the logic behind this question, it is one of the most researched topics on online drug forums. With the availability of the Internet as an endless supply of ready information, there is an entire world of questions and inner dialogues we are now turning to online resources to find the answers for. [Read more…] about Can I Use Heroin Without Becoming Addicted?
Nutrition Based Relapse Prevention
Relapse. For many, living a sober life is a daily struggle. Even those with years of sobriety often talk about the overwhelming cravings they still battle with.
Could there be a missing piece that many of us don’t consider? [Read more…] about Nutrition Based Relapse Prevention
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline and Detox Guidelines
Can I withdraw from alcohol at home?
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
If you’re asking yourself any of these questions, it’s important to know that alcohol withdrawal at home can be risky —even fatal. We don’t recommend withdrawing at home alone, but we’ve put together an alcohol withdrawal timeline to help you understand what symptoms a heavy drinker can expect when they suddenly stop (or significantly reduce) their alcohol intake. [Read more…] about Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline and Detox Guidelines
Drug and Alcohol Intervention: Does it Work?
Is it Time to Call an Interventionist?
With shows like A&E’s Intervention, many people have a somewhat skewed idea of what an intervention is. The popular reality show depicts the most dramatic model —an unwitting addict lured to a location where he or she is surprised by family, friends and a therapist/interventionist who are ready to confront the addict and offer an ultimatum. Although this method might make the best fodder for television entertainment, it is only effective in some cases, and, of course, is not the best tactic for every situation. [Read more…] about Drug and Alcohol Intervention: Does it Work?
What Should I Pack for Drug Rehab?
You’re going to rehab. This is the best decision of your life, but you’re a mess. Now you have to do something as simple as pack a suitcase and suddenly your anxiety is off the charts.
It’s okay. I understand. You’ve probably been on the couch or locked in your bedroom for the past few weeks. When I made the decision to go to rehab, I was in a pretty dark place. My mind was in freak-out mode while my body (which had been detoxing for two days) was completely exhausted. I would stare at my suitcase and feel as if packing was this impossible obstacle. [Read more…] about What Should I Pack for Drug Rehab?
Narcan – Lifesaver or Enabler for Opiate Overdose?
Naloxone is also known by the brand name, Narcan.
What is it? How does it work? Why the controversy?
Drug overdose is a major cause of preventable deaths in the United States, with numbers that have tripled since 1990—primarily due to increasing rates of abuse, and misuse, of prescription painkillers. Drug overdose has surpassed even motor vehicle accidents, with over 38,000 overdose deaths in 2010 alone.
We’ve reached a national crisis.
Naloxone, the only drug of its class, has been safely used to reverse opiate overdose since 1971, but in many areas of the country it is impossible to access it outside of an ambulance or emergency room. [Read more…] about Narcan – Lifesaver or Enabler for Opiate Overdose?
Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
Putting an end to your cocaine use —It’s a big decision, and a necessary one. But what is the cocaine withdrawal timeline?
Once the decision is made, there are a lot of thoughts that will bombard your mind. Everything from fear to minimizing your addiction will try to crowd their way in. Addiction doesn’t leave without kicking and screaming, so it’s best to be as prepared and educated as possible.
Here are some thoughts:
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
How long will meth withdrawal last?
What will I experience?
If you’re looking for information on meth withdrawal for yourself or for a loved one, these are the questions you may be asking yourself. We’ve put together some information about the drug itself, meth withdrawal onset, the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms associated with this substance, and a typical timeline of what can be expected during meth withdrawal.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
If you’re currently researching information about opiate withdrawal, you may be asking questions like:
- What exactly is withdrawal?
- How long does heroin withdrawal last?
- Is OxyContin withdrawal the same as heroin withdrawal?
- What is the timeline for opiate withdrawal?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, ensuring that you’re informed about the process of withdrawing from opiates.
What Is Withdrawal?
Over the course of prolonged exposure to a substance, the body and brain undergo changes and develop a dependency on the substance. This means that notusing the substance feels abnormal.
After abruptly reducing or stopping long-term use, individuals typically experience withdrawal symptoms as toxins exit the body and the body readjusts to life without the substance.
Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the substance in question, but they are often uncomfortable and painful. The duration of withdrawal also varies and depends on several factors.
In this case, we are focusing on opiates. Below is a concise description of the most common drugs which fall under the classification of opiates/opioids, as well as a typical opiate withdrawal timeline.
Which Drugs Are Opiates or Opioids?
The term opiatesis often used to describe close relatives of opium, such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. The term opioidsis refers to the entire class of drugs, including synthetic opiates such as Oxycodone and OxyContin.
Common opiates include heroin, oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, methadone, codeine, buprenorphine, suboxone, clonidine, and dilaudid.
Fear of withdrawal can keep opiate users locked in active addiction. If you’ve made the decision to stop, you’re already aware that you’ll be going through an uncomfortable period. Opiate withdrawal severity and timeline depends on factors such as age, amount of use, length of use, specific opiate involved, and current health.
For this reason, there isn’t an exact timeline, but the following information will help clarify the withdrawal process.
How long until I experience the first signs of opiate withdrawal?
Opiate withdrawal onset is generally connected to the half-life of the drug involved, so those with a longer half-life, such as methadone, will take more time for first signs of withdrawal to present than heroin, which has a much shorter half-life.
For example, methadone’s half-life ranges from 15-60 hours, so withdrawal symptoms can be expected to present themselves within 24-48 hours of last use. Heroin withdrawal symptoms, on the other hand, can be felt anywhere from 8-16 hours after last exposure.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline – Click to Enlarge
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), as detailed in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugsincludes both psychological and physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
Psychological opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Drug cravings
- Insomnia
- Agitation/irritability
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise (a feeling of uneasiness)
- Depression/dysphoria
Physical opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Goose bumps
- Runny nose and increased eye tearing
- Bone and joint pain
- Muscle cramps and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps
- Sneezing
- Restless leg syndrome
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Tremors
- Yawning
- Alternating cold and hot flashes
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dilated pupils
Individuals may not experience all of these symptoms. Which symptoms the individual experiences and the intensity of these symptoms varies.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
The following is an approximate withdrawal timeline along with common symptoms:
Day 1-2: Irritability and agitation generally present themselves as the first symptoms. Muscle aches and body pains appear, along with loss of appetite, sleeplessness, sweating and diarrhea. Anxiety and panic attacks may be experienced as well. A runny nose or general flu-like symptoms can also be anticipated.
Day 3-5: Diarrhea generally stops during this period, but be aware that this may be due to an inability to eat or lack of desire for food. Try to eat, even if you’re not hungry. Shivers, goosebumps, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping are all common during this phase, as is a feeling of general restlessness.
Day 6+: While most of the other symptoms should have greatly subsided, nausea and anxiety may still be experienced beyond day six.
In general, you’re likely to experience psychological symptoms and mild physical symptoms initially. Within the first few days, more physical symptoms will present themselves, and these symptoms will probably be more intense.
Although this period of withdrawal is particularly difficult, these symptoms will subside in a few days as your body readjusts to life without opiates. Once a week has passed, you should feel mostly normal again.
In some cases, the general feeling of depression that accompanies heroin withdrawal may persist for weeks. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you mentally prepare and plan positive activities with positive and supportive people to occupy your mind.
How to Get Through Opiate Withdrawal
Anything that gets you up and moving will help make the process more tolerable. Exercise increases blood flow, and in turn, helps expel toxins from the body. Try something light, like yoga or a stroll through the neighborhood. Alternating hot and cold showers has been said to help, along with getting outside in the sun.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during the withdrawal process as well, such as water, Gatorade, or Pedialyte. Caffeine is not recommended because it will dehydrate you.
Meditation, prayer, and stretching or breathing exercises can also help calm your mind and relieve your body. It’s important to get plenty of rest during this period as well.
Imodium can help with diarrhea symptoms, and amino acid supplements can assist with mental clarity, as well as overall anxiety and feelings of restlessness. Other over-the-counter medications can assist with muscle aches and poor sleep. Of course, only take these medications as directed, and consult your doctor with any questions.
The best advice is to avoid going through the process alone. Whether you decide to check into a detox facility or have a family member or friend stay with you, withdrawal will be much easier with solid support. The temptation to turn back to opiates in an effort to avoid the symptoms can be overwhelming. Without support, you may find yourself stuck in a repetitive cycle that doesn’t get past “wanting to quit.”
Even if you can’t find anyone to keep you company, be sure to stay busy with positive activities. Watch favorite movies or shows, read books, complete crossword puzzles, or throw yourself into a creative pursuit like music, writing, or art. It’s important to distract your mind from cravings and negative thoughts.
The Benefits of Medical Detox for Opiate Withdrawal
Detoxification is the first step to breaking free from opiate addiction. A detox facility can greatly reduce unpleasant side effects with medication that will be gradually tapered off over the course of a week or more.
Choosing medical detox can also provide professional support to help you make it through a difficult part of the recovery process, ensuring that you are both safe and comfortable. Once you are past the detox period, you’ll be ready to transition to the next phase of your recovery.
Summary
After stopping opiate use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms within hours or days. These symptoms are both psychological and physical, and the process of detoxing will be difficult and uncomfortable.
Of course, going through this process is the only way to begin your recovery journey. Prepare in advance and lean on your support system. Engage in positive activities, relax, hydrate, and get plenty of rest. Consider treating symptoms with over-the-counter medication, but do so responsibility and with advice from a doctor.
Once you’ve successfully detoxed, you can seek treatment and begin rebuilding a healthy, positive life for yourself and your loved ones.
For more information on medical detox and addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, call The Shores Treatment and Recovery today. You are valuable, and worth being free from opiate addiction.