For those who are addicted to opiates such as certain prescription painkillers like Oxycontin or Oxycodone, the painful and difficult to cope with symptoms of withdrawal often cause the addict to continue to abuse the drug despite their desire to quit. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can last a period of 3 to 5 days but for some, these symptoms persist well into the first full week of detox and may even last a month or more. Various symptoms of opiate withdrawal will present early on in the detoxification process and later into the process a whole new set of symptoms may appear. This only further escalates that discomfort for the recovering addict.
Symptoms of opiate withdrawal range from stomach pains to anxiety and seizures.
Early Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal
In the early stages of opiate withdrawal, such as during the first 24-48 hours of the last opiate dose being used the addict will feel a range of mild to moderately uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most commonly complained about symptoms that are felt during this phase include agitation, anxiety, insomnia, yawning, sweating, having cold or hot flashes, and muscle aches. Some experience runny nose and watery eyes similar to having allergies during this phase of withdrawal too. These symptoms usually persist for about 3 days or so and are then followed by the more difficult to cope with symptoms of withdrawal.
Late Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal
During the latter phase of opiate withdrawal the recovering addict will likely have to deal with some slightly more un-nerving and difficult to cope with symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms that usually occur days after opiate withdrawal has started include diarrhea and abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. These flu-like symptoms are paired with extreme bone or muscle pain, body aches and general discomfort. The pupils may become dilated, cold flashes continue and goose bumps are common. For some, these late symptoms of opiate withdrawal also include crawling feelings on the skin that make sleep or relaxation difficult.
Treatment for Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Anyone who is addicted to opiates and is suffering from withdrawal symptoms can benefit from the various methods of treatment that are available for this condition. Some of the treatment options that can help a recovering addict to cope with the symptoms of opiate withdrawal include rest, medication, and holistic treatments. Acupuncture and massage are two types of holistic therapy that are commonly used to treat many of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal including nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and general discomfort.