People suffering from opioid withdrawal symptoms can expect to feel excruciating pain as a result of their dependence on opioid-based drugs. Whether it’s street heroin, fentanyl, or pharmaceutical painkillers such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Tramadol, and many others, they all share a common bond. 
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Once you become hooked and physically dependent on these drugs, it is difficult to get off them without professional help. This kind of assistance includes medical detoxification followed by inpatient opioid addiction treatment. The good news is that the most painful opioid withdrawal symptoms generally do not last longer than a few days. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those addicted to opioids. Although different opioids have various timetables for the length of opioid withdrawal, after three to five days the symptoms begin to lessen and eventually you begin to feel comfortable again. This priceless feat of feeling “normal” makes this difficult withdrawal period worth the effort. Opioid withdrawal does not feel the same for everyone, but the most common symptoms follow the same pattern. During an opioid detox, addicted men and women can expect to deal with the following universal opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- Hot and cold sweats
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Heightened anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
Minimizing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
There are ways to combat opioid detox which will lessen the effects, but they should generally be only undertaken under the care and guidance of medical professionals. In detoxification and opioid rehab facilities, comfort drugs like clonidine are used to minimize some of those painful symptoms. Also, a method of detox includes the use of Suboxone or Methadone, which are also applied in longer-term Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs. In the end, it’s up to the addicted person to decide that enough is enough and find the courage to seek professional clinical help. At Evoke Coconut Creek, we offer services specifically for those struggling with opioid dependence that want to effectively deal with their opioid withdrawal symptoms once and for all.
