How Long Does it Take to Detox From Opioids

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline and What to Expect

It is easy to feel hopeless when you are mired in opioid addiction. Whether your opioid use stems from the use of powerful prescription painkillers or experimentation with street drugs like heroin, the damage is just as profound, and now you are looking for a way out. One of the first things addicts want to know is how long does it take to detox from opioids and what can you expect?


Like every journey, the path out of opioid addiction begins with a single step, and you have already taken that step by caring enough to learn how the detox and rehab process will work.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Along with how long does it take to detox from opioids, one of the most significant impediments opioid addicts face when they try to get clean is the severity of their withdrawal symptoms. This particular class of drugs takes a strong physical hold on the body, and the withdrawal symptoms addicts feel are a consequence of the healing that is taking place.

The fact that withdrawal is a vital step on the road to healing does not make going through them any more pleasant. If you want to get clean and get on with your life, it is essential to understand the opioid withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Dilated pupils
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Excessive yawning
  • Tremors
  • Goosebumps
  • Insomnia
  • Abdominal pain

The good news is that all of these symptoms can be managed, especially if detox is conducted in a medical and professional setting like at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

The severity of withdrawal symptoms is enough to keep all but the most dedicated opioid addicts from getting clean, but it does not have to be that way. Medically guided detox programs can give your body the time it needs to heal more safely and comfortably, giving you a jump start on the rest of your life.

The good news here is that the duration of opioid withdrawal is relatively short. For the most part, you should expect the worst of your withdrawal symptoms to peak within a few days of your last dose, and over the next week or two, they should slowly subside.

Keep in mind that you may still experience psychological cravings, including severe ones, a few weeks, or even longer, after your detox. That is why it is vital to develop coping skills and a relapse prevention plan after medical detox.

What Happens During Opioid Detox

Not knowing what to expect is always frightening, and we want you to have all the data you need to make an intelligent decision. We want you to know what happens during opioid detox and what will take place as your body begins to heal.

When you trust your opioid detox to the medical team at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we will begin with a careful evaluation of your physical, mental and emotional health, and we will use our findings to guide you through the rest of the process. In many cases, our staff of board-certified doctors and nurses will administer pharmaceutical medications designed to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process safer and easier to manage.

Opioid Detox and Rehab at WhiteSands

We know you are struggling with your opioid addiction, and we know that life can look pretty dark when you are stuck in an endless cycle of recovery attempts and relapses. But we also know that breaking that chain is possible with the proper support, and it is that support we are proud to offer you. Our medical approach to treating opioid addiction allows us to manage your withdrawal carefully so that you can heal in a safe and professional environment.

Through a combination of sound medical science, caring counselors, proven methods, and more, we can give your body the time and space it needs to heal so that you can go back home wiser, healthier, and more stable than ever before. You have already taken the first step on your road to healing just by being here, so take the next step today and give us a call or visit any of our Florida locations.

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

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.