Opiates are used to classify several drugs such as morphine, codeine, thebaine (used to make painkillers like oxycodone), and heroin. Every substance classified as an opiate and opioid is either a natural or synthetic chemical compound that will interact with key receptors in the body and brain to deliver much-needed relief from pain and cough relief, in addition to constipation, dulled senses, slower respiration, and heart rate, and bring about a sense of euphoria that users can find themselves chasing during an addiction. In large doses and for long periods of time, people who use these drugs often are at risk of becoming dependent on them to feel and function normally.
Because quitting cold turkey can be dangerous, a medically supervised opiate detox should be the first step in safely overcoming an addiction. If you or someone you love has questions about the opiate detox timeline, reach out to Midwest Recovery online or call us at 833.627.0039 today to learn how our team of professionals can help with an opiate addiction treatment in Ohio.
What Is an Opiate Detox?
A medical and professionally managed opiate detox program like the one at Midwest Recovery happens in a structured and safe non-hospital environment. The full length of an opiate detox timeline will be designed to compassionately guide patients through the withdrawal process that occurs when a person suddenly stops using a drug. And a detox will do just that, remove every trace of the opiate from the body and mind. The severity of the opiate detox and the symptoms experienced during the withdrawal will be specific to each patient and depend on several factors, including the type of opiate that was abused, the tolerance developed during the addiction, whether or not other drugs were being used, and abused, and a patient’s medical history and mental state.
The doctors and skilled staff at Midwest Recovery are on hand 24/7 to help you overcome any and all withdrawal symptoms during the opiate detox, as the drugs leave your body and you break the dependency on them. Your individual opiate detox timeline will vary, but there are some standard expectations you should be aware of before getting started.
How Long Does An Opiate Detox Take?
Depending on the type of opiate used and abused, including heroin and prescription opiates, the opiate detox timeline typically starts with the beginning of withdrawal. This will start somewhere between the 8 and 30-hour mark after your last dose of the opiate and last anywhere from 4 and 10 days in total. The opiate detox withdrawal timeline for some patients may be shorter than if the addiction was new and dependency not severe. Sadly the opposite extreme scenario may also be a reality for some addicted to opiates, with the withdrawal symptoms lasting a month or even more.
The Opiate Detox Timeline
Generally speaking, an opiate detox follows a typical timeline with a unique set of withdrawal symptoms occurring on each of the first 7 days. Let’s take a look at what you can expect as you start an opiate detox in Ohio.
Day 1 of an Opiate Detox
Day one begins approximately 8-24 hours after the last dose of the opiate drug enters your body. This is when the withdrawal will typically begin for drugs like codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. The symptoms you may experience on the day of the opiate detox timeline include:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Trouble sleeping
- A sudden loss of appetite
- Cravings
Day 2 of an Opiate Detox
For those addicted to oxycodone, day 2 is when the detox truly begins. Within 1-2 days from the last dose entering your body, your withdrawal symptoms could include the following in addition to those from Day 1:
- A runny nose
- Sweating
- Panic attacks
- Stomach pain
- Insomnia
Day 3 of an Opiate Detox
For those using short-acting opioids, day 3 of the opiate detox timeline is when withdrawal symptoms peak. This is why undergoing medically supervised detox at Midwest Recovery in Toledo is important, because you are at the most challenging point of the process today with additional symptoms added to those already experienced from the first two days, including:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Days 4-6 of an Opiate Detox
For long-acting drugs, days 4-6 is the peak of the withdrawal, with the following symptoms being added to those from days 1 through 3:
- Enlarged pupils
- Cramps
- Severe stomach pain
- Shivering
- Extreme tiredness
Days 7 of an Opiate Detox
You have made it through to the end of the first week of the opiate detox timeline. You are now well on the road to recovery, but as the worst of the withdrawal symptoms fade, you may still experience:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
The Next Steps
As you can see, withdrawal symptoms peak at different intervals, but the key takeaway is that there is hope and that while the opiate detox timeline is difficult, Midwest Recovery will be by your side to help at every step. Your road to a lifelong recovery is only 7 days away, one short week to start living a healthier and happier life free of opiate dependency.
Once you have completed detox, you are ready to begin rehabilitation. Our opiate addiction treatment program combines evidence-based treatment and holistic therapy to give you a more well-rounded form of care. Our staff may also advise you to seek further treatment and/or therapy. Long-term sobriety and avoiding relapse is a lifetime process. Because successful recovery takes a village, Midwest Recovery will connect you with partner organizations to find community and support, including our own alumni network.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery
If you or someone you love is addicted to opiates like heroin or oxycodone, learn how an opiate detox at Midwest Recovery can help. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
