Opiate Withdrawal

Opiate withdrawal happens when a person stops taken opiate-type drugs after taking them habitually or for a considerable period of time. If a person tries to quit using opiates, is unable to get the drugs or tries to reduce his/her intake, the result will be opiate withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when the body is unable to function because it is so used to the drug interfering with brain/body activity. Opiates such as Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, OxyContin, Dilaudid, Demerol, and Methadone are all subject to abuse by people who either buy them illegally off the street or abuse through “prescribed” use. During withdrawal, opiate users may find that they have an intense need or craving for the drug just as they would after a high and before the next fix, however it is often more painful if they know they will not have access to any more of the drug. Symptoms such as vomiting, cramping, headaches, sweating, shaking, problems sleeping, depression, anxiety and diarrhea are all common among people detoxing from opiates. In many causes withdrawal does not occur because the person has been abusing the drug. People who are prescribed opiates are warned in advance that they may become addicted to the feeling they receive from the pain medication, but many do not understand the severity of this addiction until they are unable to stop. Withdrawal symptoms in some sense are the body’s way of clearing out toxins and chemicals and helping the body to reset and work without the drugs. The time for which withdrawal will occur varies from person to person and depends on a number of different factors. In most cases withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, but can be helped by moderation through a detoxification center.