Opiate Addiction- Key Symptoms of Withdrawal

Opiate Addiction- Key Symptoms of Withdrawal

Opioid prescriptions drugs like Percocet, vicodin and codeine or opiates are medications that are typically used to treat pain that ranges from moderate to severe. Since they are very strong, regular use over a few weeks can build up a person’s physical tolerance to them. Psychological dependence can develop within a few days.

Aspects of Opiate Addiction

  • Opiate addiction becomes an issue when both physical and psychological dependence occur. If you suddenly attempt to stop using opiates, the withdrawal symptoms that result from opiate addiction can be overwhelming.
  • Several people depend on these types of drugs to avoid pain and the withdrawal symptoms. Some people may not realize they are dependent and mistake withdrawal symptoms for another condition like the flu.
  • Actively continuing with opiate addiction should never be an option. It is important to find the most effective and safest detox facility when you have an opiate addiction. This is the best way to successfully overcome the withdrawal symptoms of opiate addiction.

Causes of Opiate Withdrawal

Opiate addiction withdrawal is a term that describes what goes on in the body when you abruptly stop taking opioid-based drugs after becoming tolerant and addicted to the drug. When you depend on a particular and regular amount of painkillers within the blood, the body harshly reacts when the drugs is taken away suddenly.

An opiate detox causes a number of withdrawal symptoms while your body protests against the absence of painkillers within your system. Opiate withdrawal symptoms are varied in terms of severity and length, depending on how long you have used the drug, the duration of addiction and how many painkillers you take when quitting.

See also  The far-reaching impact of drug addiction – harmful consequences

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Within a few hours after the last opiate painkiller dose, there will be an onset of withdrawal symptoms. This may start with a headache, nausea and runny nose on the first day and intensity is likely to increase over the next two days.

You may experience severe depression, fever, lack of energy, general weakness and find it difficult to sleep even with excessive yawning. Vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea are also common along with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, twitching, muscle pain and excessive sweating.

Treatment Options

  • There are various medical detox options available to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of opiate addiction. Medicine can be prescribed to ease some physical withdrawal symptoms that a person experiences during detox.
  • Powerful detox methods are aimed at not only reducing withdrawal symptoms but shortening the period of time of an opiate detox as well.
  • The treatment option that is most suitable for your case depends on different factors that you can discuss with your physician and therapists at a certified addiction treatment center before the program begins.

Long-Term Expectations

If you stop using opioid medication and experience withdrawal symptoms, you need to consult a doctor immediately. Doctors can help their patients manage the symptoms and adjust medication regimes. It is advisable to see a doctor before you stop taking prescribed medication.

Seeking timely help for opioid addiction is essential for improving your general health and minimizing the risk of complications associated with opioid addiction, accidental overdose and relapse. Talk to your healthcare provider or doctor about treatment options and support groups.