Rehab Depicts How Long Does Opiate Withdrawal Last

Morristown, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that recently released an article answering the question, “How long does opiate withdrawal last?” Their program offers flexible, outpatient therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone.

“Opiate withdrawal occurs when the person has become dependent on opiates and suddenly stops taking them. The brain and central nervous system have opioid receptors in certain areas that are naturally triggered by stress or pleasure. When opiates are introduced, they bind to these receptors and activate them. While this causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation, over time the receptors only become stimulated by taking opiates, no longer producing effects naturally. This is how dependence develops, and once opiates are taken away, the brain and body attempt to restore balance, causing withdrawal symptoms,” the article reads.

Although opiates and opioids are derived from the same poppy plant, they do have differences. Opiates are deemed as natural as they still contain traces of the plant. Opioids are processed in laboratories and become either semi-synthetic or fully-synthetic. Opioids do not have any traces of the poppy plant and are often much more potent than opiates. While the term opiate could be used to describe an opioid, it is not interchangeable the other way around. Common opiates include morphine and codeine, while common opioids include heroin and fentanyl.

Opiate withdrawal can vary from person to person and with factors including how long the person has been taking opiates, the dose of opiates taken, body fat percentage, and mixing other opioids or substances with opiates. On average, withdrawal lasts around 5-7 days. However, some experience lingering withdrawal symptoms for months after the last use. Opiate withdrawal is often experienced in stages, including a peak period followed by fading symptoms. However, there are some who experience the third stage for longer, increasing cravings and the risk of a return to use.

“The first stage of withdrawal is the early stage, and symptoms are typically mild and manageable during this time. Runny nose and eyes, increased sweating, excessive yawning, and muscle aches are common. Symptoms begin 6-8 hours after the last use of opiates, and the early stage transitions to stage two after around 24 hours.

Stage two of opiate withdrawal is the peak period and begins 24-48 hours after the last use. This is where symptoms are at their most intense, and comfort levels are tested. Joint pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and tremors begin during the peak period. These symptoms are accompanied by mental health distress and increased anxiety and depression. As physical discomfort rises, anxiety begins to spike and it is during this time a return to use is likely. It is important to have a strong support system during the withdrawal process or to seek treatment in a facility to ensure a return to use does not happen,” the article continues.

At stage three, physical symptoms begin to dissipate and the person will begin to feel better. However, they may still experience lingering mental and mood symptoms during this stage. Cravings, irritability, depression, and insomnia are all symptoms during the late acute stage of withdrawal. These typically get better within a week or two. However, some experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is a condition where the late acute symptoms of withdrawal continue for months after detoxing from opiates. PAWS symptoms are mainly psychological but can manifest as physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain.

ReVIDA® Recovery has dedicated itself to treating opioid use disorder. Their program addresses the specific challenges behind opioid use disorder and works to help heal each patient that comes through their doors. They accept commercial insurance as well as Medicaid to cover the costs of treatment.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.