Detoxing is the first step to recovery, but withdrawal is never easy or fun. It’s the start to a long and hard journey. That’s why here at Delray Center for Addiction Medicine we recommend our rapid detox program, which uses RMOD. However, if you’re going the traditional detox route, this is what you can expect the timeline to look like.
72 Hours
The start of a detox begins the moment someone takes their last dose. People typically begin feeling the effects of withdrawal around 72 hours after their last dose. This is when physical symptoms peak.
The most common physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal are chills, fever, body aches, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle ache, nausea, and dilated pupils. The best way to ride out these physical symptoms is to make yourself as comfortable and safe as possible. Medically assisted detox can help alleviate some of the common physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal and give support.
1 Week
About a week after beginning an opioid detox, patients will notice physical symptoms start to lessen. There may still be a few lingering physical symptoms such as tiredness, sweating, nausea, and body aches. Psychological issues will begin to appear such as anxiety or irritability.
2 Weeks
Around the two week mark is when psychological and emotional symptoms peak. Issues such as depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and trouble sleeping are common. It’s important to keep positive about the end goal at this point.
1 Month
One month after beginning an opioid detox is when cravings really set in. Drug cravings can be intense and obsessive. Depression is also common at this stage. In our drug detox outpatient program we help people manage their cravings to prevent relapse. Symptoms can linger for weeks or months, but you will overcome them!
Final Thoughts
Withdrawal can be a long process, but it’s worth the painful journey. Detoxing from opiates is the first step to regaining your life. Feel free to contact us to learn more about opioid detox and our cutting edge rapid detox program!