Over 70% of drug-related deaths in 2019 involved an opioid. Opioids are pain-relieving drugs which are commonly prescribed over the counter. They include prescription drugs like codeine, morphine, OxyContin and Vicodin, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Many of our clients at The Recovery Home, Asheville are recovering from opioid addiction. Here’s what you can expect if you or a loved one is experiencing opioid withdrawal.
What Is Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioids relieve pain by interacting with the body’s opioid receptors. They prevent pain messages from entering the brain, by intercepting these transmissions when they travel up the spinal cord. As opioids are often used to treat chronic pain like back, neck or head pain, long term use and subsequent addiction to these substances is possible.
So, what is withdrawal? Over time, your body tricks itself into thinking you need the opioid to function, even after the pain has passed. Opioids can also produce feelings of euphoria, which individuals become addicted to over time. As individuals detox from opioids, they will encounter withdrawal, which has some side effects that will decrease as the individual recovers from the addiction.
Withdrawal is the body’s response to the missing substance, and the physical and mental side effects that happen while the body gets used to life post-addiction.
What Are The Side Effects Of Opioid Withdrawal?
When an individual detoxes from opioid addiction, there are several side effects and risks that may require them to be closely monitored at an inpatient unit like The Recovery Home.
Anxiety and Mood Changes
Individuals recovering from opioid addiction may feel restless, anxious, and jittery. This can extend to difficulty sleeping with partial insomnia being entirely natural in the first few days of recovery. Feelings of depression and suicide may occur, which is why monitoring in an inpatient unit is highly recommended. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure may occur temporarily. Feelings of irritability are natural, alongside unpredictable mood swings.
Pain or Tremors
If you’ve been taking opioids for long term pain, withdrawal from the substance may temporarily increase feelings of pain. Muscle tremors, cramps, twitches or aches are common and will decrease as withdrawal passes. Feelings of nausea may also be associated with opioid withdrawal. These symptoms commonly take place in the latter days of withdrawal, after the first week or so.
Fatigue And Cold Symptoms
You may encounter symptoms much like a cold, with a runny nose and eyes. Someone with opioid withdrawal may find themselves yawning frequently, or feeling lethargic. These feelings will pass as you recover from the initial addiction.
Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Opioid withdrawal syndrome refers to a severe combination of these symptoms and how they manifest when an individual is coming off a hard opioid, like heroin. Many individuals also have combination addictions with other substances. This will require close monitoring in a unit, with medical advisors who may use a treatment plan involving methadone to help with the detoxification process.
Symptoms Of Those With Opioid Addiction
As the body adjusts to life without the opioid, the withdrawal symptoms will gradually lose their impact, allowing the individual to lead a fulfilling and addiction-free life. Those that continue with long term opioid abuse can expect:
- Breathing difficulties, particularly while asleep (like sleep apnea)
- Heart trouble (77% increase of heart attacks or heart failure)
- Stomach trouble and constipation
- Increase in fractures and long term bone damage
- Damage to the nervous system
- Decreased ability for the body to process future pain-relieving drugs (more pain)
These symptoms will increase in severity as the addiction continues, while withdrawal symptoms will be temporary.
Helping Relieve Withdrawal Symptoms
Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, there are some simple steps which can help individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal.
- Invest in professional care in an inpatient or outpatient program
- Use your emotional support network
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet
- Get as much sleep as possible
- Be aware of the potential side effects of withdrawal
How An Inpatient Program Can Help
An inpatient program at The Recovery Home can help your loved ones get the support they need to process an opioid withdrawal. Medical professionals can help monitor the detoxification process with treatments like methadone, or equivalent treatments depending on the best plan for you. An inpatient unit will tailor each recovery plan to individual needs, and let them recover in a safe environment.
If you need to find out what is withdrawal and what to expect for you or your loved ones, give our friendly team a call today. We’re here to help you through your recovery journey.
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