Recognizing the Signs of Opiate Withdrawal is Important to Stop Addiction in its Tracks

We are in the midst of an opioid epidemic in the United States today. In 2015, 591,000 people suffered from a heroin use disorder and 2,000,000 had a prescription opioid use disorder. The scope of this issue is staggering, but not hopeless. Have you noticed the signs of opiate withdrawal in someone you love? If you are in need of services for opioid withdrawal treatment, contact the friendly professionals at White Sands Treatment Center today. Call (877) 855-3470 to get the help you need.

8 Classic Signs of Opiate Withdrawal

While opiates are normally used to treat pain, they are highly abused due to the euphoric effects they may produce.  After heavy use for a few weeks, you begin to develop a tolerance. Once you cease use of the drug, you will notice that you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Many people take narcotics that are not prescribed to them. Pain relievers include:

  • Methadone
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin or Percocet)
  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Heroin
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Methadone

Classic signs of opiate withdrawal include:

  1. Excessive yawning
  2. Insomnia
  3. Runny nose
  4. Agitation
  5. Muscle aches
  6. Teary eyes
  7. Muscle aches
  8. Anxiety

Late symptoms of withdrawal normally include:

  • Cramping, muscle pain, body and bone aches
  • Depression and anger
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Goose bumps
  • Nausea
  • Dilated pupils

Symptoms are known to be very uncomfortable but are not normally dangerous. The symptoms should begin twelve hours of the last heroin use and within thirty hours of last meth use. Signs of opiate withdrawal should be treated seriously. If you are suffering through these symptoms alone, you do not have to. Call White Sands Treatment for help with opioid withdrawal treatment. There is no need to suffer alone.

Exams

Your health care provider may voice concerns about your drug abuse. They may also want to run the following exams on you. Blood tests or urinalysis can confirm whether or not you are on opiates. The tests they may run include blood chemistries and liver function tests, CBC (complete blood count), testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis (TB), EKG, and chest x-rays.

Opiate Withdrawal Remedies

Dehydration is a common problem among those who are coming off of opiates. Pedialyte is very helpful in these situations, especially if you are trying to detox at home. There are over-the-counter opiate withdrawal remedies that you can try as well. Bonine or Dramamine will help with nausea. Antihistamines like Benadryl may also help you.

Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil may help with body aches and pains. Prepare yourself to change the sheets often as you will be sweating profusely. Buy some chocolate and make sure to exercise so you can release as many endorphins as possible.

Detox

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for yourself is to check into a detox facility and on to rehab afterwards. At a detox facility, you are monitored around-the-clock to ensure your safety and comfort. Medications may also be utilized at these facilities. To ensure your recovery you should check-in to a rehab facility after detox.

Rehab

Once at the rehab facility, you will be assessed and given a treatment plan. This treatment plan will be revisited and amended as you move through the program. You will also be assessed for any co-occurring mental health conditions. If so, you will be given a dual-diagnosis which just means that you will need to be treated for the addiction and the mental health issue separately in order to truly heal.

Various types of therapy will be utilized in order to maximize your therapeutic experience. Group therapy is very useful for recovering addicts as it is a good environment for sharing and camaraderie.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.