Opioid withdrawal happens if you take opioids and suddenly stop using them. This condition isn’t life-threatening, but it can make you feel very sick. Opioid withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Healthcare providers use opioid withdrawal medications to ease these symptoms. They may also recommend ways to help you stop using opioids.
Opioid withdrawal refers to symptoms that happen if you suddenly stop using opioids or opiates. These are powerful painkillers that are addictive. Opioid withdrawal, sometimes called opioid withdrawal syndrome, can affect people who use opiates like heroin or morphine, or lab-made opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
People can become physically dependent and at risk for withdrawal even after short-term use to manage pain. But in general, withdrawal happens more often in people using opioids daily for longer than two weeks, especially more than 90 days.
Opioid withdrawal isn’t life-threatening, but it can make you feel very sick. Studies show fear of withdrawal symptoms is a major reason why people keep using opioids. If you have opioid use disorder, receiving treatment for withdrawal symptoms may be the first step toward recovery.
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The symptoms of opioid withdrawal vary from person to person and depend on factors like the type of opioid or opiate that you take and how long you take it. Some early symptoms make people feel like they have a bad cold or the flu. Specific symptoms are:
That depends on the opioid. For example, withdrawal symptoms for fast-acting opioids like heroin or oxycodone may last four to five days. But withdrawal symptoms for a slow-acting opioid like methadone can last for a week or longer.
Over time, opioids cause changes in your brain. They reduce pain and you may find taking opioids alters your mood. Your body can become used to the way the drugs make you feel. When you suddenly cut back on or stop using opioids, these brain changes react to the absence of opioids in ways that create withdrawal symptoms.
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The most serious complication is having an accidental opioid overdose if you stop taking an opioid and then return to using it. Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms are so severe that people return to opioid use to make symptoms stop.
Healthcare providers will do physical examinations. They may do blood tests to check for drugs in your system. They’ll ask:
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Healthcare providers may prescribe medication for specific physical symptoms like diarrhea or muscle spasms.
They’ll also talk to you about your opioid use and recommend ways you can stop using opioids and avoid withdrawal. For example, if you’re taking prescription opioids to manage pain after surgery or injury, your provider will work with you to gradually reduce how much you’re taking.
If you have or think you may have opioid use disorder, your provider will ask if you want treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some common opioid withdrawal symptoms and medications that treat them include:
You may not be able to prevent opioid withdrawal, but you can take steps to avoid severe symptoms. If you use opioids for any reason and are worried about withdrawal, ask your healthcare provider for help. They can prescribe medication to manage symptoms. And getting help for your symptoms may keep you from developing opioid use disorder, or help you to begin to recover.
In general, you can expect to take medication that eases your craving for opioids. Your provider will explain how long you’ll need to take medication.
The most important thing is to take withdrawal medication exactly as prescribed. Withdrawal symptoms can come back if you miss a dose, increasing the chance that you’ll start using opioids to avoid the symptoms. It can take time for your symptoms to go away completely. Here are some ideas to help you work through withdrawal symptoms:
If you’re receiving treatment for opioid withdrawal, you should meet with your provider if your withdrawal symptoms get worse and you’re thinking about using opioids to make the symptoms go away.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can take you by surprise. You may want to ask your provider questions like:
You may have taken opioids to manage pain from an injury and now find it hard to reduce your opioid use. Maybe you have opioid use disorder and want help. You know that withdrawal symptoms can make you feel miserable. Getting treatment for withdrawal can mean you don’t need to rely on opioids to manage pain or change your mood. If you take opioids for any reason, talk to a healthcare provider about ways to avoid opioid withdrawal when you stop taking the drugs.
Last reviewed on 08/28/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy