Ways to Deal with Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop Using Opioids

by Steve Son Marketing Representative

Many people find themselves taking opioids for the painkilling effects, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medication. Opiate drugs are extremely habit-forming- physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms are all possible. The line between legitimate medical applications, and recreational and addictive use, can be very thin, which can result in misuse and addiction, even when use begins with a prescription. Too often, people who have legitimately needed pain relief have ended up addicted to opioid medication, New York City.

The most addictive opiates are outlined below:

1. OxyContin (oxycodone) (helps people with chronic pain that need relief for 12-24 hours)

2. Demerol (this analgesic comes in tablet, syrup, and even injectable form)

3. Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone) (the medication was designed to temporarily treat moderate to severe pain for up to six hours)

4. Vicodin (hydrocodone) (treats moderate to severe pain, typically for 4-6 hours, for no more than a few months)

5. Morphine (the first opioid drug)

6. Fentanyl (this painkiller was designed for long-term treatment of chronic pain)

7. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) (this potent analgesic was developed to treat severe, often chronic, pain that could not be treated by other opioids)

8. Methadone (this drug has been used for decades in the US to help people struggling with heroin addiction slowly overcome their struggles, and lead normal lives)

9. Codeine

10. Heroin (an illicit drug)

Opioid withdrawal is unpleasant, but in most cases, it’s not life-threatening. The key is to gradually reduce the painkiller dosage as opposed to outright cessation.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms of withdrawal range from mild to very severe, and the symptoms that appear are based on the type of drug, frequency of use, severity of dependence, and your overall health. Early symptoms (within 6-30 hours of stopping the drug) include anxiety, muscle pains and aches, excessive sweating, insomnia, eyes tearing, restless legs, and frequent yawning. One may experience abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, higher blood pressure, and dilated pupils- that tend to appear later.

Inform your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms, or if your symptoms become worse, who may prescribe other pain-relieving medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Opiate/opioid addiction may also be treated with other drugs, including Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea, Methadone for long-term maintenance, Clonidine for symptoms of withdrawal, Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) for nausea, and Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) for mild symptoms, to name a few.

Long-Term Treatment Measures:

Withdrawal symptoms tend to improve within a few days or weeks. But seek medical help if your symptoms are worsening. Quitting opioids can be challenging that may require long-term recovery support or addiction treatment, including maintenance medication, support groups, outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).

There are several different IOP programs, the goals of each varies depending upon the issue the program is designed to treat. But the main components of intensive outpatient programs include:

1. Imparting coping skills to participants

2. Developing enhanced self-awareness

3. Improving problem-solving skills

4. Recognizing unhealthy behaviors

5. Practicing asking for and receiving support

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Harlem East Life Plan

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