Some of the most common questions asked of individuals going through withdrawal at an opioid detox program are, how long with this take? How long will I feel this poorly? When will I feel better? When will I feel like myself again??
While the answer is different for everyone, opioid detox typically follows a pretty prescribed timeline that can help individuals plan for their future.
At Findlay Recovery, our highly-trained medical staff is ready to support you in whatever stage of recovery you are in, from the first day you don’t use to the last of an extensive inpatient treatment program. We provide a space for safe healing from addiction’s physical and psychological traumas.
Contact us today to see how we can support you on your recovery journey.
What are Opioids?
Opioids and opiates fall into the medication family known as depressants. They block and slow functions in the body to make it more difficult for pain transmitters to move through the body. While this might be ideal for individuals with severe pain, it can be dangerous because of its addictive nature.
Opioids are addictive and work because the body reacts positively to the lack of pain, the excess release of dopamine, and the stimulation of the reward center. Therefore, individuals who use prescription opioids are closely monitored and are put on limited supply because of this possibility.
Which Drugs are Opioids?
Opioids and opiates fall under two categories, legally prescribed prescription pain medication and illegally obtained downers. While the significant differences include who is monitoring intake, how likely you are to become addicted, and how powerful the opioid is, it can also include whether or not it is synthetically made.
Prescription pain medications like morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone all fall under the family of opioids and are extensively monitored. These prescription-grade medications are tested and prescribed based on weight, patient history, and need.
Illegal opioids and opiates include opium, heroin, and fentanyl. Often individuals take these medications based on a recommendation from a dealer, not a medical professional, and there is no one to monitor the possibility of addiction.
What are the Symptoms of Opioid Use?
When an individual uses and becomes addicted to opioids, many symptoms impact the user physically and psychologically.
Physically, when an individual becomes addicted to opioids, you may notice that they are often in a sleep state or relaxed. This is because opioids are a downer, and they impact the individual’s ability to function at an average pace. It can delay processing, make a person’s movements appear sluggish, and dramatically reduce reaction time. You may also notice that the person has significant weight gain or a persistent cough. These can both be related to opioid use.
A person may also have psychological symptoms related to addiction and use. In addition to delayed processing speed, individuals may make decisions that are not typical for them or spend most of their time thinking about, talking about, actively using, or recovering from use. This can be a dramatic or gradual change.
What is the Timeline for Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Opioid withdrawal occurs after an individual stops taking the drug and begins the opioid detox process.
Typically within the first 24 hours, individuals start to feel the effects of withdrawal. This can include physical symptoms like feeling poorly, like the start of the cold or flu, with chills and nausea. There are also mental symptoms that start this early. Cravings, anxiety, and depression are common in the first hours and can increase severity as the drug wears off entirely.
With opioid detox in Ohio, an individual’s symptoms usually peak around the 3-4 day mark. At this time, individuals withdrawing can expect to feel extreme physical symptoms like diarrhea, chills, vomiting, muscle pain, and body aches. Additional mental and emotional symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and exhaustion are common.
At the week mark, most individuals start to feel relief from the physical symptoms but must continue to battle emotional and psychological symptoms like tiredness, anxiousness, and frustration.
The month mark is where individuals begin to level out. The remaining symptoms include cravings, depression, and lingering health concerns that have not yet cleared up.
How to Find Opioid Detox Programs in Ohio
There are several opioid detox programs, but they do not meet the high-quality standard that Findlay Recovery can offer. Our comprehensive detox and addiction treatment programs in Ohio can help individuals often on the same day they request help.
Our clients can access supportive and motivating treatment through thorough treatment with multiple traditional and alternative styles. By helping our clients develop the necessary skills for sustainable recovery, we provide a safe and educational addiction treatment experience.
No matter where you are on the opioid withdrawal timeline, the staff at Findlay Recovery can help. Contact us today.
