Opioids are highly addictive prescriptions for pain, mental health conditions, and neurological conditions. After a person starts abusing them, it is only a matter of time before they enter the vicious cycle of addiction. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Do you know how to handle opioid withdrawal? In fact, there’s no reason to handle it on your own. Opioid addiction treatment is your best option, and the first phase begins with medically supervised detox.
At Northpoint Seattle, our opioid addiction treatment programs help people break their dependence on drugs like Valium, OxyContin, and fentanyl. With easy access to evidence-based and holistic treatment options, our patients can take control of their lives and make strides toward a happier, healthier future. If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, there is no better time to get help than now. Call 888.483.6031 to learn more about our Washington treatment center.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of opioid detoxification are sprawling and varied. While many of these effects are not life-threatening, many people consider detoxing from opioids unbearable. One of the leading reasons many people struggle to stop taking opioids is the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
The Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
Everyone will experience opioid withdrawals differently. Body size, age, immune health, and length of addiction all contribute to withdrawal symptoms.
Stage One
Within six to 30 hours after the last dose, opioid users usually feel their first acute withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms often last around three days.
Stage Two
After acute withdrawal, the person in recovery will begin long-term withdrawal. This is often described as the peak of withdrawal because it overlaps with the end of the acute withdrawal and brings new symptoms. This stage usually lasts between four and 20 days.
Stage Three
After the physical symptoms of withdrawal subside, many people recovering from opioids continue to feel the mental effects, including:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Desensitized emotions
- Sleep disturbances
These symptoms are usually made worse by exposure to stress and may last for months or even years. Recovery is a lifelong process, often evident through the long-term mental health symptoms many people experience.
The Importance of Getting Professional Help for Opioid Withdrawal
When battling opioid addiction, many individuals don’t know how to handle opioid withdrawal and will be pessimistic about achieving recovery. However, professional help can significantly ease the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A dedicated team creates a personalized recovery plan to address each client’s specific needs.
A crucial part of professional help for opioid withdrawal is medication-assisted treatment options like methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone). This treatment reduces cravings and allows patients to focus on recovery without being overwhelmed by physical symptoms. Professionals will monitor progress and adjust medications as needed.
Beyond medication, professional teams offer counseling and therapy to help individuals cope emotionally with withdrawal symptoms. This support is invaluable for those struggling with addiction and can help prevent future relapse. Counseling sessions may also address the root causes of opioid abuse to prevent recurrence.
Ultimately, getting professional help for opioid withdrawal is essential in breaking the cycle of addiction. With a personalized, comprehensive plan, individuals can find relief from withdrawal symptoms and start their journey toward recovery.
Starting the Opioid Recovery Process
Taking the critical first step to recovery is your choice. How you do it, where you do it, and why you do it is all up to you.
Some of your options for recovery include:
- At-home recovery – Although difficult and rarely recommended, it is possible to detox from opioids with limited professional help. Whether it takes or not is another matter.
- Professional treatment – Residential programs, detox centers, and outpatient care are all available to help you through the recovery process.
- Alternative therapies – Such as meditation, yoga, holistic therapies, and other activities, help many people through the recovery process.
Of these three methods, the first presents the greatest challenge with least likely change of success. Professional treatment, on the other hand, represents your best chance for a successful and long-term recovery. In fact, a comprehensive treatment plan by professionals will likely include many of the alternative therapies mentioned in the third option.
Recovery is a journey, but you don’t have to take it alone. Contact Northpoint Seattle today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment program and how we can help you reach your goals. Our outpatient treatment programs provide the support and flexibility you need to get sober while maintaining your daily life.
Learn More About Opioid Rehab Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
Beginning the road to recovery is scary, especially if you don’t know how to handle opioid withdrawal. The best means of successfully kicking your habit for good is checking into a professional rehab center. After completing a detox program, the next step to a sober future is developing the skills needed to meet your recovery goals.
Our dedicated staff and qualified medical professionals will help make the process more comfortable and ensure you have the strategies you need to help you cope with future cravings and avoid relapse. Call us at 888.483.6031 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
