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The Opiate Withdrawal Timeline

Unfortunately, opiate addiction doesn’t discriminate and affects people from all walks of life. Also, opiate addiction is so powerful that people try to quit, only to suffer painful withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, these withdrawal symptoms are so intense that people relapse back into heroin addiction.

At Zelus Recovery, our team recognizes how devastating opiate addiction can be. If you or a loved one is stuck in the endless cycle of heroin addiction, contact our team today by calling 208.518.0797 or completing our convenient online form. Our opiate addiction treatment program can help teach people how to enjoy life without addiction holding them back, and it can do the same for you. Before entering into addiction treatment, it is beneficial to understand the opiate withdrawal timeline.

Opiates Addiction Develops Quickly

Opiates are synthetic narcotics. Doctors prescribe them for pain relief after surgery because of the powerful effects that opiates can have on the body. If your teen underwent wisdom teeth surgery, it’s possible the doctor sent some home.

Because these drugs alter the brain’s chemistry, addiction develops quickly. Even a slight increase in the dose can result in euphoric side effects. An elevated dopamine release makes you feel good. It’s a small step to wanting to repeat this sensation over and over again. Signs of opiate addiction include:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

For a while, opiates were easy to get. Plenty of people have unused pills in their medicine cabinets right now. Teens at pill parties typically raid their parents’ unused drug stashes and get opiates that way. Others buy them on the street.

The Opiate Recovery Timeline

The opiate recovery timeline begins about twelve hours after the last dose. Someone in active withdrawal feels like they’re coming down with the flu. The nervous system is coming back online, and muscles spasm. The following two days of the opiate recovery timeline will be the toughest with the withdrawal symptoms. There are gastrointestinal upset, feelings of depression, and intense cravings.

Besides that, people can’t get comfortable enough to rest. It’s a difficult few days. Therefore, many teens and young adults can benefit from medical detox at a facility. It eases opiate withdrawal recovery and makes it possible for people to endure opiate withdrawal symptoms.

These opiate withdrawal symptoms stop in their intensity after about four days. Besides that, it’s easier to get a handle on cravings. However, now isn’t the time to become complacent. Teen and young adult opiate addiction treatment center specialists warn that there’s still psychological dependency.

Dealing with Opiate Dependency on a Clinical Level

Post-acute opiate withdrawal symptoms can crop up at any time. Typically, there’s a trigger that brings on the sudden intense craving for the drug. That’s why rehab is essential for long-term recovery. It prepares teens and young adults to anticipate trigger events and respond to them.

Possible care options include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy encourages the recognition of negative patterns in thoughts, feelings, and actions.
  • Group sessions for social skills development and healthy boundary setting exercises.
  • Family therapy helps those closest to become a strong support network.
  • Addiction education explains the post-acute opiate withdrawal timeline.
  • Talk therapy identifies goals and focuses on personal development that prevents relapse.

This holistic approach to addiction treatment makes the programs at Zelus Recovery effective for those who commit themselves to their recovery. Our team treats each person in our care with the respect and dignity they deserve. Contact us today to find out more about our programs and services.

Overcome Opiate Withdrawal at Zelus Recovery

The opiate withdrawal timeline proves that addiction calls for a two-pronged treatment approach. Medical care gets you off the drug, and clinical care keeps you on the right track for the long term. That said, keep in mind that addiction is a chronic condition and should be treated as such.

Relapse prevention is essential; support networks, meetings, and positive peer group experiences help recovery. Find out more about moving past the opiate withdrawal timeline toward healing. Zelus Recovery is one of the Boise substance abuse programs that help teens and young adults. Call 208.518.0797 now or complete our online form for more information about how our addiction treatment programs can help you or someone you care about overcome opiate withdrawal and embrace recovery.