Withdrawal
{What to expect when you stop taking certain drugs}
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Opioid withdrawal
As the use of opioids causes comfort and relaxation, withdrawal from opioids is very unpleasant although usually not life threatening. The symptoms usually begin around 6-30 hours after last use, and symptoms are worse in the later stages i.e. 72 hours onwards and last for around a week. Psychological symptoms tend to last longer than the physical symptoms. For some users it might be helpful to have support through this as it can be difficult to maintain resilience throughout withdrawal, however this isn't always an issue for everyone.
Withdrawal effects can be managed with pharmacological interventions, such as opioid substitution treatment or medically assisted detoxification, but it's also beneficial to have psychosocial support alongside these. People who use opiates or opioids to manage trauma may find withdrawal even more difficult because of having to deal with these feelings without the comfort provided by the drug.
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal
Physical symptoms
- rapid pulse
- insomnia
- muscle cramps/tremor
- diarrhoea
- fever/chills
Psychological symptoms
- anxiety
- irritability
- anhedonia (decrease in pleasure from life)
References: Kosten T et al. 2002; Elsevier
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