Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPhysical SymptomsPsychological SymptomsComplicationsSymptoms In NewbornsSigns of OUDHospitalizationAt-Home ManagementCopingSupport
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Physical Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
Complications
Symptoms In Newborns
Signs of OUD
Hospitalization
At-Home Management
Coping
Support
Opiates (derived from plants) and opioids (synthetic versions of opiates) are narcotic drugs used to treat pain. This article will refer to these medications collectively asopioids, as their actions are the same. Opioids are also used recreationally—such as with heroin or the misuse ofpain medication.
These drugs can causephysical dependence. Whether used as prescribed or for nonmedical purposes, cutting back or stopping these drugs after prolonged use can causewithdrawal symptomssuch as vomiting and diarrhea, anxiety, and sleep problems. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be very uncomfortable but are rarely life-threatening.
This article will discuss opioid withdrawal symptoms, signs ofopioid use disorder (OUD), hospitalization for severe opioidwithdrawal symptoms, managing opioid withdrawal symptoms at home, coping through opioid withdrawal, and opioid detox support.
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Timing of Withdrawal SymptomsWithdrawal symptomsafter stopping shorter-acting opioids—such as heroin—begin within hours of the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms from longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, can begin after several days.Withdrawal symptoms typically peak at 24 to 48 hours after they start, but they can last days to weeks.
Timing of Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptomsafter stopping shorter-acting opioids—such as heroin—begin within hours of the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms from longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, can begin after several days.Withdrawal symptoms typically peak at 24 to 48 hours after they start, but they can last days to weeks.
Withdrawal symptomsafter stopping shorter-acting opioids—such as heroin—begin within hours of the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms from longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, can begin after several days.
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak at 24 to 48 hours after they start, but they can last days to weeks.
Physical Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Physical opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:
Psychological opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:
Opioid withdrawal is generally considered non-life-threatening, but complications can occur that may be fatal.
Complications include:
A significant complication that is a leading cause of opioid-related deaths is returning to drug use after detox. Withdrawal lowers a person’s tolerance to the drug, which means people who have just gone through withdrawal can overdose more easily on a much smaller dose than they used to take.
The withdrawal symptoms and sometimes uncontrolled pain that can occur with rapid discontinuation of opioids can cause some to seek illicit opioids or other substances to ease their discomfort.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also received reports ofsuicideassociated with the sudden discontinuation or rapid dose decrease of opioids in people who have a dependency on opioid pain medications.
Help Is AvailableIf you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Symptoms in Dependent Newborns
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) can occur shortly after birth in infants who were born to a pregnant parent using opioids during pregnancy.
Signs of withdrawal typically begin within 72 hours after birth. Symptoms and their severity depend on several factors, and may include:
Do Withdrawal Symptoms Differ Depending on Type of Opioid?Withdrawal symptoms tend to be similar among types of opioids. Still, the severity, time of onset, and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on whether the opioids are short-acting or long-acting, as follows:Short-acting opioids(such asheroin) can have withdrawal symptoms that come on faster (usually within 12 hours) and are more severe but have a shorter duration.Long-acting opioids(such as methadone) often have withdrawal symptoms that take longer to start (usually within 30 hours) but can last for a longer period of time. They may also be less severe.
Do Withdrawal Symptoms Differ Depending on Type of Opioid?
Withdrawal symptoms tend to be similar among types of opioids. Still, the severity, time of onset, and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on whether the opioids are short-acting or long-acting, as follows:Short-acting opioids(such asheroin) can have withdrawal symptoms that come on faster (usually within 12 hours) and are more severe but have a shorter duration.Long-acting opioids(such as methadone) often have withdrawal symptoms that take longer to start (usually within 30 hours) but can last for a longer period of time. They may also be less severe.
Withdrawal symptoms tend to be similar among types of opioids. Still, the severity, time of onset, and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on whether the opioids are short-acting or long-acting, as follows:
Signs of Opioid Use Disorder
If you know someone experiencing opioid withdrawal, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the symptoms mentioned earlier so you know what you and they can expect.
It’s also a good idea to know the signs ofOUDso you can recognize if someone close to you may be experiencing it.
A person with OUD may experience:
Note that physical dependence alone does not necessarily mean an addiction or unhealthy use. For example, a person takingopioids as prescribed for cancer painmay become physically dependent on the drug but not have OUD.
Other symptoms include:
Hospitalization for Severe Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, withdrawal can take place in several settings, including:
Hospitalization typically is needed for severe withdrawal symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will ask questions about medical history and drug use, perform a physical exam, and may run other tests, such as blood tests, anelectrocardiogram(ECG), or chest X-ray if they are concerned about other problems.
Treatment
Regardless of the setting, medications may be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms, to taper off opioid drugs, or both.
Medications that a healthcare provider may prescribe include:
Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications for opioid withdrawal.
What’s the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?Opioids and opiates have the same actions. The difference is that opiates are derived from plants, and opioids are synthetic.For example, morphine is a natural opiate,fentanylis a synthetic opioid, and heroin is a semisynthetic opioid. Both opiates and opioids interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain.
What’s the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?
Opioids and opiates have the same actions. The difference is that opiates are derived from plants, and opioids are synthetic.For example, morphine is a natural opiate,fentanylis a synthetic opioid, and heroin is a semisynthetic opioid. Both opiates and opioids interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain.
Opioids and opiates have the same actions. The difference is that opiates are derived from plants, and opioids are synthetic.
For example, morphine is a natural opiate,fentanylis a synthetic opioid, and heroin is a semisynthetic opioid. Both opiates and opioids interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain.
Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms at Home
Withdrawal may be done at home, but it should take place under theguidance of your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment goals, and work with them to make a plan for your discontinuation of opioids. Treatment typically involves medications, counseling, and support.
A slow taper off the drugs may help avoid or lessen the effects of withdrawal. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if this is right for you and how best to implement it.
Self-Management Steps
Steps for at-home management of opioid withdrawal include:
Coping Through Opioid Withdrawal
In addition to following the guidelines from your healthcare provider, some ways to help take care of yourself while going through opioid withdrawal are:
It is important to note that after stopping taking an opioid (even for a short period), your tolerance for the drug is lowered, and returning to taking the same amount of an opioid that you took before you stopped could put you at a higher risk for overdose.
It may also be a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about having a take-homenaloxone kiton hand.
Call your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical care if you have new or worse withdrawal symptoms that you can’t manage at home.
When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible to reverse the effects of an overdose.
Opioid Detox Support and Resources
In most cases, treatment doesn’t stop after detox. Most people with OUD need long-term treatment, which may include:
Support groups that may be helpful include:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information fora number of treatment programs and resources.
Other resources include:
A Word From VerywellWithdrawal symptoms can start in as little as 8 to 24 hours after discontinuing opioids. Opioid withdrawal can be mentally and physically uncomfortable. It can help to seek social support during withdrawal. Speak to your healthcare provider about helpful resources.—GERALYN DEXTER, PHD, LMHC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Withdrawal symptoms can start in as little as 8 to 24 hours after discontinuing opioids. Opioid withdrawal can be mentally and physically uncomfortable. It can help to seek social support during withdrawal. Speak to your healthcare provider about helpful resources.—GERALYN DEXTER, PHD, LMHC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Withdrawal symptoms can start in as little as 8 to 24 hours after discontinuing opioids. Opioid withdrawal can be mentally and physically uncomfortable. It can help to seek social support during withdrawal. Speak to your healthcare provider about helpful resources.
—GERALYN DEXTER, PHD, LMHC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Stopping or lowering the dose of opioids can cause physical withdrawal symptoms (such asvomiting, diarrhea, and sweating), and psychological symptoms (such as anxiety and agitation).
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable but are not typically considered life-threatening.
Withdrawal can take place at home, in a detox center, or a hospital. Regardless of the setting, opioid withdrawal should take place under the guidance and care of a healthcare provider who can provide monitoring and prescribe medications to manage symptoms or help you taper off the opioids.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Opioid overdose.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Schuckit MA.Treatment of opioid-use disorders. Longo DL, ed. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):357-368. doi:10.1056/nejmra1604339Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Opioid withdrawal management in the acute care setting: quick treatment tips.Srivastava AB, Mariani JJ, Levin FR.New directions in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. The Lancet. 2020;395(10241):1938-1948. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30852-7U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves the first non-opioid treatment for management of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.Healthdirect.Opioid withdrawal symptoms.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA identifies harm reported from sudden discontinuation of opioid pain medicines and requires label changes to guide prescribers on gradual, individualized tapering.Darke S, Larney S, Farrell M.Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. Addiction. 2017;112(2):199-200. doi:10.1111/add.13512Jansson LM, Patrick SW.Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2019;66(2):353-367. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2018.12.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About opioid use during pregnancy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Opioid use disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Opioid use disorder.MyHealth Alberta.Opioid withdrawal: care instructions.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Opioid overdose.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Schuckit MA.Treatment of opioid-use disorders. Longo DL, ed. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):357-368. doi:10.1056/nejmra1604339Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Opioid withdrawal management in the acute care setting: quick treatment tips.Srivastava AB, Mariani JJ, Levin FR.New directions in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. The Lancet. 2020;395(10241):1938-1948. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30852-7U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves the first non-opioid treatment for management of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.Healthdirect.Opioid withdrawal symptoms.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA identifies harm reported from sudden discontinuation of opioid pain medicines and requires label changes to guide prescribers on gradual, individualized tapering.Darke S, Larney S, Farrell M.Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. Addiction. 2017;112(2):199-200. doi:10.1111/add.13512Jansson LM, Patrick SW.Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2019;66(2):353-367. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2018.12.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About opioid use during pregnancy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Opioid use disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Opioid use disorder.MyHealth Alberta.Opioid withdrawal: care instructions.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Opioid overdose.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Schuckit MA.Treatment of opioid-use disorders. Longo DL, ed. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):357-368. doi:10.1056/nejmra1604339Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Opioid withdrawal management in the acute care setting: quick treatment tips.Srivastava AB, Mariani JJ, Levin FR.New directions in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. The Lancet. 2020;395(10241):1938-1948. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30852-7U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves the first non-opioid treatment for management of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.Healthdirect.Opioid withdrawal symptoms.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA identifies harm reported from sudden discontinuation of opioid pain medicines and requires label changes to guide prescribers on gradual, individualized tapering.Darke S, Larney S, Farrell M.Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. Addiction. 2017;112(2):199-200. doi:10.1111/add.13512Jansson LM, Patrick SW.Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2019;66(2):353-367. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2018.12.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About opioid use during pregnancy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Opioid use disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Opioid use disorder.MyHealth Alberta.Opioid withdrawal: care instructions.
World Health Organization.Opioid overdose.
MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.
Schuckit MA.Treatment of opioid-use disorders. Longo DL, ed. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):357-368. doi:10.1056/nejmra1604339
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Opioid withdrawal management in the acute care setting: quick treatment tips.
Srivastava AB, Mariani JJ, Levin FR.New directions in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. The Lancet. 2020;395(10241):1938-1948. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30852-7
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves the first non-opioid treatment for management of opioid withdrawal symptoms in adults.
Healthdirect.Opioid withdrawal symptoms.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA identifies harm reported from sudden discontinuation of opioid pain medicines and requires label changes to guide prescribers on gradual, individualized tapering.
Darke S, Larney S, Farrell M.Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal. Addiction. 2017;112(2):199-200. doi:10.1111/add.13512
Jansson LM, Patrick SW.Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2019;66(2):353-367. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2018.12.006
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About opioid use during pregnancy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Opioid use disorder.
American Psychiatric Association.Opioid use disorder.
MyHealth Alberta.Opioid withdrawal: care instructions.
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