Opioids are a highly addictive drug that includes synthetic substances like fentanyl, prescription pain medication like oxycodone, morphine, and codeine, as well as heroin. The substance can come in many different forms, but all forms require opioid detox to rid the body of them. Opioids are the main cause of overdose deaths in the United States. To make the process less intimidating, we’ve pinpointed some of the main information to know about the opioid detox process.
Understanding the Opioid Detox Timeline & Symptoms
There are five main sections of the opioid detox process including the first 24 hours, the first 48 hours, 72 hours after last consumption, 72 to 144 hours since last use, and 144 hours or seven days from last opioid use. Opioid detox timelines ultimately depend on the volume consumed, how often, and for how long.
The first 24 hours is when withdrawal symptoms typically begin. These initial symptoms could include cravings, aches and pains, anxiety headaches, and trouble sleeping. You may also begin to feel nausea coming on.
24 to 48 hours after your last use is when more acute symptoms begin in the opioid detox process. This can include panic attacks, excessive sweating, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and any of the symptoms you were feeling before.
If you were taking short-acting opioids, 72 hours is when you will see your symptoms peak. This may be accompanied by any of the withdrawal symptoms you were feeling before.
If you were taking any long acting opioids, your symptoms will peak anywhere between day three and say seven. Once again, you will likely experience any of the symptoms from earlier days and they could be intensified before they get better.
One week after your last opioid usage, most opioid detox clients see the withdrawal symptoms subside and begin to feel relief.
The detox process could result in the development of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). The symptoms of PAWS include cravings, fatigue, depression, mood swings, and trouble sleeping – all for a prolonged period of time. Participating in medically supervised opioid detox is the best way to avoid developing PAWS or other serious side effects from the process.
Different Medications Used in Opioid Detox
Medically supervised opioid detox is the safest and most effective form of detox available. It is proven to be successful at long-term, sustainable detoxification that sets up participants for a lifetime of sobriety. The two main medications used in opioid detox are:
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
Naltrexone is a non-addictive opioid antagonist that can block the effects of narcotics, making the patient more comfortable during detox. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist that is used in place of opioids to reduce withdrawal symptoms and treat the substance use disorder.
Don’t Detox at Home
The opioid detox process can be dangerous, and should not be done on your own at home. Medically supervised detox is always the safest route to go and should always be followed by inpatient rehab programs. Most insurance programs cover at least a portion of opioid detox treatment. Solution Based Treatment will work with you and your insurance provider to find the right treatment program for your needs and coverage. If you or someone you know is experiencing opioid addiction, give our admissions team a call. We’re available 24/7 to assist you in your recovery journey.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.