Opiates addiction is a disease that affects the brain and causes high dependence on the substance that is ordinarily found within certain prescription pain medications, morphine, and other illegal drugs, most often of which is heroin. It is estimated that a shocking 13.5 million people are addicted to opiates.
The good news is that for every addict there is a chance of recovery from the addiction. It will, however, be a long, exhausting road with possible relapses if not treated correctly. Opiate addicts have the best chance to overcome their addiction if they are enrolled in a treatment program lasting more than a month, with an additional comprehensive continuous care plan to prevent relapse.
It is best to find a drug rehabilitation (rehab) center to help the addicted person have the best chance at recovery and to help them avoid relapsing on their own. Rehab centers are institutions applying the use of medical and psychotherapeutic treatment to combat the dependency on addictive substances. The Recovery Village is one of the many institutions that offers rehabilitation treatments for substance abuse disorders.
Opiate Withdrawal Comes in Three Phases:
When an opiate addict (or any addict) makes the decision to stop or reduce their intake of the drug, there will be physical and mental withdrawal symptoms that would most likely show up.
1. The First 1 – 3 Days
The first few days of opiate withdrawals are the hardest. Within the first day, one would experience symptoms of:
- Muscle pain and aches
- Sweating
- Stomach problems (including diarrhea)
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Severe anxiety • Agitation and irritation
- Restlessness
- Aggression
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fevers
- Panic attacks
It is best to remember that these symptoms are only temporary, and that the symptoms ordinarily peak at 72 hours. A rehab center will guide you through the withdrawal process. However, if you’re trying to do it at home you might want to try to get some things to distract you from the symptoms. Remember that you’re doing what is best for you and that this is not permanent. Try to remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to stop.
2.Day 4 – 14
For the next two weeks, the recoveree might experience symptoms of depression, cravings, chills, and cramps. If a medical professional is assisting you during the process of withdrawal, they might prescribe certain medicines that will help you through the detox and withdrawal safely. This will also help to lower the discomfort. However, be sure that you speak to that person to ensure that the medication is non-addictive. It is best if you can book into a rehab center as they are best equipped to help.
3.Day 15 Onwards
Depending on the severity and length of the addiction, the withdrawal symptoms might vary. After the fifteenth day of no opiate, one might still experience mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings. These symptoms can last two months and sometimes more. As mentioned before, rehab lasts a minimum of a month and the reason for that is to aid with these last few symptoms and to support you so that you won’t relapse when you’re so close to overcoming it.
It is important to note that the battle with addiction won’t be miraculously cured within a month’s time. Most rehabs offer after-treatment care where they continue to check up on you and support you in your journey to sobriety. In the beginning, it will be a conscious everyday choice to choose soberness, but with time the temptation and habit will subside, and you won’t feel the need for opiate anymore.
A valuable hint learnt from experts: once you are clean, change the previous habits you had during your addiction. Avoid areas of memories of using the opiate as this will only cause temptation. Sometimes a clean, fresh slate is best to ensure your newfound sober habits.
The process of ending your addiction will be tough, but in the end, it will be worthwhile.
Have you or a loved one gone through opiates addiction withdrawal?
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