Many people are unaware that we remain in the midst of an opioid epidemic. Millions of people in the U.S. alone struggle with opioid addiction. Many people also die from opioid-related overdoses. This is why knowing the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be so critical. It can help get a loved one the help they need, rather than seeing them use again or experience a relapse.
Understanding Opioid Withdrawal
So what exactly is opioid withdrawal? According to The American Journal on Addictions, “Chronic use of opioids, whether as a part of OUD or for legitimate medical use as analgesia leads to tolerance to their effects and distressing OWS [opioid withdrawal symptoms] when opioids are discontinued or dosage is reduced. These OWS begin soon after opioid discontinuation, are often severe, and may motivate patients to restart opioids in the early days after opioid discontinuation or prevent them from attempting to stop opioids at all. Improvements in the treatment of OWS have the potential to increase entry into OUD treatment programs that require opioid abstinence, such as many criminal justice or residential programs and naltrexone with outpatients.”
Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. This includes physical, mental, and emotional sensations that can be hard to grapple with. This is why many people struggle to recover from opioid use disorder (OUD) and find themselves relapsing time and time again. The good news is that, unlike alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, opioid withdrawal in itself is rarely fatal. However, it should be noted that opioid withdrawal can lead to severe depression, which can then lead to self-harm and potential suicide.
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal
Now, it should be noted that the signs of opioid withdrawal are going to vary somewhat based on many factors. For example, the biology of the individual, the length of use, the type of opioid being used, if there are any other co-occurring addictions or mental health issues, and the list can go on. However, there are some universal signs of opioid withdrawal that can be looked out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal:
- Feeling lonely, irritable, and depressed
- Anxiety (feeling overly nervous)
- Gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhea
- Having watery eyes and dilated pupils
- Abdominal cramps
- Excessive yawning
- Getting “goosebumps”
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Tremors
- Using alcohol or other substances to temper a potential withdrawal
- Becoming restless
- Excessive sweating
- Wanting to hurt oneself
- Feeling suicidal
The signs of opioid withdrawal can lead to serious consequences. This is why recognizing them sooner rather than later is so crucial – it can ensure that the proper medical attention is administered. It can truly be the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. Yes, it can be life or death.
The Long-Term Effects of Opioid Withdrawal
It is also important to understand that there are long-term effects of opioid withdrawal. Often, these are psychological, which is why getting help even after the opioid withdrawal symptoms have diminished is so critical.
If one does not get the help that they need after they go through opioid withdrawals, they may very well relapse and the have to repeat the whole withdrawal process all over again. The psychological effects can also lead to co-occurring issues of mental health, which is very common with people who struggle with opioid addiction. This is why connecting with a reputable and reliable recovery center is so important.
Finding Help For Opioid Withdrawal at the Phoenix Recovery Center
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “More than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose. Nearly 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid.” This shows how critical it is to recognize the signs of opioid use and opioid withdrawal as soon as possible.
The good news is that there is a solution. There are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help someone you love recover from opioid addiction and fight opioid withdrawal. These include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that can help get to the underlying issues of opioid addiction. They also include experiential therapies like art therapy and nature-based therapies that can help one connect to the reasons why they are using opioids in the first place. Holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation can also help one to get on the right track to recovery.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. The future is recovery, and the future is now. It’s time to make a change. We can help.
It is important to understand the various symptoms that individuals experience during opioid withdrawal, including physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. It can also be helpful to understand the typical timeline for these signs and symptoms, from initial onset to peak intensity. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
