How Long Does Opium Withdrawal Treatment Last?

Opium addiction often begins with medically supervised withdrawal treatment so the individual can be weaned off their dependence on the drug. This program normally lasts about a week, but it can take more or less time depending on the individual and their needs. If you need immediate help for opium withdrawal, call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) today.

Normal Opium Detox Treatment Lengths

The process of treating withdrawal symptoms lasts about one week.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Opioid withdrawal reactions are very uncomfortable but are not life-threatening.” However, the severity of the pain and discomfort associated with this experience can often lead to relapse, which is why being treated for any type of opioid withdrawal in a professional setting is necessary. One can receive medical treatment for their symptoms in an inpatient or outpatient clinic, depending on the severity of their condition.

The process, when using a drug like clonidine that is merely meant to treat the symptoms themselves and not stop or elongate withdrawal, usually takes about a week.

There are three stages, the first of which is severe pain and flu-like symptoms. The second involves gastrointestinal problems that lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. The last occurs over the final one or two days, when the individual is working through any additional symptoms. Once this third stage is over, the patient is usually finished with their detox and is able to move on to addiction rehab.

Changes to the Withdrawal Timeline

Sometimes, though, the withdrawal timeline will be different depending on the individual’s needs, the medication they are taking, and their treatment program. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, buprenorphine and methadone can be prescribed as maintenance treatments to minimize withdrawal symptoms and support the individual as they go through treatment. It is possible to stay on these drugs indefinitely, but many patients choose to be weaned off them after a period of maintenance.

This can make the withdrawal timeline a bit longer, as doctors often want to taper off a patient’s dosage much more slowly to avoid their experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. This is less painful and more effective for easing the individual through their withdrawal. Even though it does not cause the individual to feel painful or extreme side effects, it does often cause the process itself to take longer. The choice to be on one of these maintenance medications––which have been found to be very helpful to many individuals––is specific to you and something you should discuss with your doctor.

How Does Opium Withdrawal Treatment Work?

Opium Withdrawal Treatment

Opium withdrawal may sometimes take longer than a week depending on your treatment options, but you will likely be very informed by your doctor about how long the process will take and what to expect. Opioid withdrawal can be severe, and it is important to know what to expect.

If you have been abusing opium and are dependent on the drug, it is important to seek treatment right away. Call Opium.org at 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) to find a detox center or rehab clinic near you where you can begin medically assisted withdrawal or maintenance treatment; take the first step of your recovery.