Opiates are those drugs including opium, opium derivatives, and the semi-synthetic or synthetic substitutes with similar chemical structures. The most common opiates are fentanyl, methadone, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and the illegal drug, heroin.
No matter which opiate drug you use, repeated use can lead to dependency and subsequently, withdrawals upon ceasing. The stages of opiate withdrawal will be different for everyone and there is no way of predicting who will experience what, when, or how severe they will become. One thing is for sure, every repeat withdrawal and relapse occurrence makes the next withdrawal process more difficult.
In the early stage, opiate withdrawal can cause sweating, chills, and ‘goosebumps’.
The Early Stage
Within hours of the last opiate dose, an opiate dependent individual starts to become irritable and crave more of the drug. During the early stage of opiate withdrawal, symptoms can impair the person’s ability to function in any normal given sense and if they are an experienced opiate user, they know that these symptoms will continue to get worse over the next few days.
Opiate withdrawal include:
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating, chills, or “goose-bumps”
- Runny nose
- Teary or watering eyes
- Involuntary twitches or muscle spasms
- Elevated respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure
- Abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Overall body aches and pains
- Emotional instabilities including drastic mood swings, anxiety, aggression, depression, and possibly violent or suicidal tendencies
- Cognitive difficulties
- Impaired coordination
- Fatigue and weakness
- Restlessness and Insomnia
The Acute Stage of Opiate Withdrawal
The acute stage of opiate withdrawal can exacerbate or magnify underlying physical and mental health disorders and while the physical symptoms may dissipate after 72 hours or so, for most individuals, the psychological symptoms and cravings can go on for several more days.
Opiates are controlled under the CSA based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability. According to the DEA 2011 Resource Guide, “If a drug does not have a potential for abuse, it cannot be controlled.” Unfortunately, many opiates have a high abuse potential and are abused via rapid delivery methods, in high dosages, and for long periods of times. The intensity of the withdrawals may become too much to bear and often results in relapse during this phase.
Post Acute Stage of Opiate Withdrawal
Opioids relieve the stress and discomfort of unwanted physical, psychological, or social problems which may co-exist with the individual. Once the opiates are out of the person’s body, all of these issues come to the forefront and become powering reinforcements to get more of the drugs. Cravings for opiates can go on for months or years. Without help and major lifestyle changes, the risk of relapse will remain great.
10 Reasons to Seek Treatment Instead of Your Next Opioid Fix -
Professional treatment is necessary for someone who is addicted to opioids. Below are 10 reasons why you should seek treatment now, instead of reaching for that next fix. Call to find safe, reliable rehab options that will cater to your needs. 1. Your Relief Will Only Be Temporary If you decide to use opioids to ... 
6 Ways Your Loved One Could be Hiding Opiate Addiction Right in Front of You -
According to the Centers for Disease Control, prescription drug addiction is reaching epidemic proportions. Due to its nature, people tend to hide their addictions to continue using without being caught. There are a lot of ways that people use to hide their opiate abuse. Using Family as an Excuse When a user is late for ... 
Treatment Options for Opiate Withdrawal Headache -
One of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal is a severe headache. If you are an opiate addict and in withdrawal, you might be wondering what types of headache you get, what causes them, what you can do, and what a treatment center can do for you. What Types of Headaches Are Associated with Opiate Withdrawal ... 
Opium Overdose -
Opium is a widely abused substance that can be smoked or eaten. Most of the time, opium is smoked or it is compounded with other substances to create more dangerous combinations of drugs known as opiates. In the U.S., opium is not a highly abused substance but other drugs that are derived from the opium poppy such ... 
Can You Take Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal? -
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 69th Meeting Notes, there is limited information on Kratom, more study is required before uses and potential for abuse is determined. Presumably, these studies are currently underway. Researchers are looking into the potential applications of taking Kratom for opiate withdrawal and a variety of other ...