Opioids are a class of medications commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, often following injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. These include naturally occurring opiates like morphine and codeine, as well as synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, and fentanyl.
While these medications can be effective, long-term use may lead to physical dependence, a condition where the body adapts to the presence of the substance and relies on it to function normally.
When opioid usage is stopped or decreased, the person taking them may experience physical symptoms of withdrawal. The intensity of the withdrawals is impacted by how long the person has been taking opioids for and at what dosage. Higher doses and longer lengths will result in more intense withdrawals and worse symptoms. They occur as a result of the body adjusting to no longer having opioids in its system.
What Causes Opioid Withdrawal?
With ongoing use, the body becomes less responsive to opioids. This is known as tolerance, and it often results in needing higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. Over time, the body adjusts its internal systems around the presence of opioids, and when the medication is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur as the body attempts to regain balance.
It’s important to understand that physical dependence is not a moral failing—it’s a biological response to medication. Many people may not even realize they’re dependent until they experience symptoms.
Recognizing Withdrawal Symptoms
As noted above, Withdrawal symptoms can vary based on factors like dosage, duration of use, and overall health. While everyone’s experience is different. With that said, there’s still a general timeline for the progress of symptoms that most people experience.
Early Symptoms
These usually begin within the first 24 hours after stopping usage:
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Inability to sleep
- Yawning
Later Symptoms
These usually begin after the first day:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Some people also experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, lasting weeks or even months after stopping opioids. This stage is often referred to as protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and can be managed with professional support.
IHAT is Here For You
While some people may attempt to discontinue opioids on their own, withdrawal can be physically and emotionally taxing. Medically supervised care can significantly improve comfort, reduce risks, and help lay the foundation for lasting recovery. Tools like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using Suboxone can ease symptoms and reduce cravings. Read more about how Suboxone supports recovery
As a preferred OBOT (office-based opiate treatment center), IHAT can help you get the help you need to overcome opiate dependency. With our comprehensive approach that includes medically-assisted treatment (Suboxone), you can be sure that your needs will be accommodated while we work together to produce the best recovery outcome.
Opioid withdrawal can feel overwhelming—but it’s also a signal that your body is starting to heal. With professional guidance, a supportive care team, and the right tools in place, recovery is possible.
If you or someone you care about is navigating physical dependence on opioids and wants to explore treatment options, we encourage you to reach out. Healing is not a straight line, but every step forward counts.
Contact us today for more info.
