An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms.

×
Search
Close this search box.

Signs of Withdrawal

SIGNS OF

OPIOID WITHDRAWAL

NAVIGATING WITHDRAWAL

Opioid withdrawal happens when someone stops or reduces their use of opioids. Symptoms can affect their body and their emotions and can last anywhere from 8 hours to 10 days depending in pattern of use.

Withdrawal symptom strength and length can vary based on health, type of opioid, and use level. Withdrawal can be hard, leading some to keep using opioids to avoid it.

It is important to get professional help and support during withdrawal.

Causes of Withdrawal
Using opioids like codeine, fentanyl, heroin, and morphine can change how your brain works. Opioids make your brain release endorphins, which make you feel good and reduce pain. These good feelings are strong but don't last long. Your body and mind can quickly get used to having opioids, leading to dependence. When the opioids wear off, your brain wants those good feelings back quickly. This can lead to opioid use disorder, where opioids are needed just to feel “normal.” Unfortunately, those who want to stop using can find themselves experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms.
Causes of Withdrawal

Using opioids like codeine, fentanyl, heroin, and morphine can change how your brain works. Opioids make your brain release endorphins, which make you feel good and reduce pain. These good feelings are strong but don't last long.

Your body and mind can quickly get used to the effects of opioids, leading to dependence. When the opioids wear off, your brain wants those good feelings back. This can lead to opioid use disorder, where opioids are needed just to feel “normal.” Unfortunately, those who want to stop using can find themselves experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of Withdrawal
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Yawning a lot
  • Strong cravings for opioids
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Runny nose
  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea and stomach cramps
  • Muscle and joint pain
Symptoms of Withdrawal
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Yawning a lot
  • Strong cravings for opioids
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Runny nose
  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea and stomach cramps
  • Muscle and joint pain

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

Withdrawal is tough, but it gets better over time. A general timeline may look like:

Last dose

Symptoms begin for short-acting opioids

Symptoms begin for long-acting opioids

Symptoms peak

No matter where you are at in this timeline, help is available.

Resources