The terms opiate and opioid are often interchanged and widely used to refer to drugs and medications that contain ingredients from the opium poppy. These can include both illicit and prescription medications, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, among many others. While heroin and fentanyl are more well-known opiates, prescription opioids can also lead to addiction. Opiates are very potent and highly addictive. Individuals can find themselves struggling with addiction or dependence after only using a few times, which can lead to withdrawals. But how long do opiate withdrawals last?
Because opiate drugs are so habit-forming, quitting can present many challenges. Breaking an addiction without professional assistance can be not only ineffective but dangerous for your health. Individuals often face intense and painful withdrawal symptoms that make detox difficult. A detox center can provide the care and support you or a loved one needs to become sober safely and effectively. If you are looking for opiate detox in Los Angeles, California Centers for Recovery can help you. Call us at 877.328.5682 for more information on how to get started.
The Dangers of Opiate Abuse
Opiate drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body to block pain signals. Individuals also may experience a rush of euphoria or intense pleasurable feelings. These sedative effects can quickly lead to misuse or abuse as people crave this high. However, even short-term use can lead to struggles with substance use disorder and other risks to your health and safety.
Some of the dangers of opiate abuse include:
- Slowed breathing and hypoxia
- Constipation
- Increased risk of viral infections
- Higher chance of engaging in risky behavior
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Overdose
Opiate addiction is a significant problem in communities all across the United States. A sharp rise in fentanyl abuse has also led to an increase in overdoses and opiate-related deaths. It does not take much for opiate abuse to turn deadly. For those struggling with addiction, do not wait any longer to reach out for help and reclaim your life.
How Long Do Opiate Withdrawals Last?
If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate addiction, the best thing to do is find a detox center that will provide medical care and support when dealing with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. So, how long do opiate withdrawals last? It is different for each person and will depend on various factors such as:
- Type or types of opiates abused
- Length of abuse
- Duration of use
- Frequency of use
- Physical health
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
Everyone’s health and experiences with addiction differ, and this will impact their withdrawal and detox. However, there is a general timeline for how long opiate withdrawals last. Symptoms typically start 8-24 hours after the last use. The total length of withdrawal can range from 4-10 days. Long-acting opioids such as methadone tend to have a longer timeline where symptoms occur 12-24 hours after last use and last 10-20 days.
Get Help with Opiate Detox at California Centers for Recovery
When someone struggles with opiate addiction, it can feel overwhelming. Detox is a challenging process and dangerous process. California Centers for Recovery provides the care and treatments individuals need to become sober safely and successfully. Our team of addiction specialists works with clients to create individualized detox and treatment plans that address their unique needs and concerns.
Once clients complete detox, they can transition into the next phase of their recovery journey with our other treatment programs, which include:
- Residential treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- 12-step recovery
If you are ready to begin treatment, contact us at 877.328.5682 to take the first steps on your recovery journey.
