Opiates are a class of drugs that includes heroin and prescription pain pills such as codeine, fentanyl, and hydrocodone. The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality reports that more than 2 million Americans age 12 and older had an opiate use disorder in 2015. Opiate withdrawal symptoms are very likely to arise when those who become addicted try to stop using. Learn more about withdrawal, its symptoms, and how long they last so that you know what to expect during detox. Your best chance for a full recovery may very well be with an opiate addiction treatment center.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand the challenges that you’ll face during opiate withdrawal. With the help of our treatment programs, you can put an end to your addiction and move into the future in freedom. We offer a range of therapeutic options that will help you understand your addiction to opiates, as well as some medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. To learn more about our opiate detox center, please reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston by calling 866.516.8356. You can also use our convenient online form, and one of our caring associates will get in touch with you shortly.
What Is Opiate Withdrawal?
Doctors generally use prescription opiates to treat pain. However, the effects that these pain pills have on the brain can cause addiction, which could lead to heroin use and addiction as well. This is because opiates affect the reward center of the brain. The longer that people take opiates, the more they need to achieve the same effects and the harder it is to stop using.
Over time, the brain adjusts to the chemical changes that opiates cause. When users stop taking them, the brain has to adjust again. Then the body responds with opiate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be mild to severe depending on the dosage and how long individuals were taking opiates. This is why it’s so important for people who want to quit opiates to seek accredited opiate detox programs.
What Are Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms?
As mentioned, the symptoms of opiate withdrawal are the result of the body responding to detox. The symptoms occur whether or not users stop taking drugs alone or under medical supervision. The following symptoms usually start within six to 30 hours after the last dose of opiates:
- Anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches and pains
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Tearing of the eyes
The peak of withdrawal starts within 24 to 72 hours of the last dose. The symptoms that occur are more intense and include:
- Blurry vision
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Some of these symptoms can be very painful and debilitating. Withdrawal may also cause psychological symptoms and other complications for people with health problems. This is why the majority of those who want to stop taking opiates prefer medical detox. Using medicines and special techniques, rehab staff can ease the symptoms and make patients more comfortable.
How Long Do Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There’s no standard length of time that withdrawal from opiates lasts. Some people’s symptoms start to improve within 72 hours. However, others experience the symptoms for longer if they were taking higher doses and using for longer.
Most people are back to normal in about one week. However, psychological symptoms and cravings could continue for months. This is why specialists recommend that people who want to fully recover get at least six months of therapy after detox.
Get Help for Opiate Withdrawal at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you or a loved one need help to get through opiate withdrawal, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston has addiction detox services that can help. Located in Houston, Texas, we offer a safe and secure place to detox for those in the surrounding area and beyond. Our programs are designed for men and women. Before we start your treatment, we’ll create a plan based on the substances that you’ve been taking and your emotional well-being, personal addiction history, and state of health. Our treatment plans include therapeutic options such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
Medical detox programs and rehab are the best way to learn how to overcome addiction and develop strategies to remain sober. Take your first step toward a better future with the experts at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston.
Please don’t try to go through opiate withdrawal alone. Doing so can be dangerous to your health. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston in Houston, TX, at 866.516.8356 to start opiate detox.
