Opioid Detox

What is opioid detox?

An opioid detox is a medical process aimed at helping someone eliminate opioids from their system in a safe and controlled manner. This process is often the first step in recovery for individuals who have developed a dependence on opioids, whether through prescription use or illicit substances.

Medically, opioid detox focuses on clearing the body of opioids while closely monitoring the individual’s physical and emotional well-being. The approach can include gradually tapering off opioid use or administering approved medications to ease the transition.

The main goals of opioid detox are twofold: to safely reduce the physical presence of opioids in the body and to prepare the individual for the next stages of treatment. By addressing the immediate dependency, detox sets the foundation for long-term recovery and a return to a healthier, substance-free life.

What happens when I stop using opioids?

When you stop using opioids, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms if your body has become dependent on them. This happens because opioids alter how your brain functions by affecting its natural chemical balance. Over time, your brain and body adjust to the presence of opioids, making it difficult to function properly without them.

Withdrawal symptoms occur as your body works hard to regain its natural balance. While this process can be uncomfortable, it’s an essential step toward freeing yourself from opioid dependence. It’s your body’s way of resetting after being reliant on the substance.

Although the experience can be challenging, it’s important to remember that withdrawal is temporary and leads to a healthier, substance-free future. With the right support and medical care, you can manage these symptoms safely and begin the path to long-term recovery.

What are the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal?

When going through opioid withdrawal, you may experience a wide range of symptoms that affect both your body and mind. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the level of dependency, but they occur as your body and brain work to adapt without opioids.

Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of withdrawal reflect the body’s effort to restore balance. These may include:

Muscle aches: Caused by the body adjusting to the absence of opioids, which normally dampens pain signals.
Sweating: A common response as the body tries to regulate its temperature.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea: Stemming from the disruption of the digestive system, which opioids tend to slow down.

Chills and goosebumps: Often referred to as “cold turkey,” this happens as the nervous system overreacts.
Restlessness or shaking: A result of the body’s heightened state of agitation during detox.
Fatigue and insomnia: As the body regains its ability to regulate energy and rest naturally.

Emotional symptoms

The emotional symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be just as difficult, reflecting the brain’s adjustment to functioning without the substance. These may include:

Anxiety: Arising as the brain struggles to cope without opioids’ calming effects.
Depression: A common response as the brain’s reward system, affected by opioids, begins to recover.
Irritability: Caused by heightened stress levels and the absence of opioids’ soothing impact.
Intense cravings: The brain’s way of signalling its desire for the substance it has depended on.
Restlessness or unease: Stemming from the brain’s inability to regulate mood and stress effectively during withdrawal.

Can’t I detox from opioids at home?

Opioid detox can seem like something you can manage at home. After all, the idea of doing it for free and in the comfort of familiar surroundings might feel tempting. However, opioid withdrawal is far from simple. It can be dangerous, both physically and emotionally, with severe symptoms that are difficult to predict. Many people try home detox hoping to avoid disruption in their lives, but the reality is that withdrawal symptoms can quickly become overwhelming and, in some cases, life-threatening.

The safest and most effective way to detox from opioids is under professional medical care. Liberty House offers a supportive environment where withdrawal symptoms are managed with dignity and expertise.

Here’s a closer look at the opioid withdrawal timeline and how Liberty House can help at each stage:

Stage 1: Early withdrawal (6-24 hours after last use)

The first signs of withdrawal often include anxiety, restlessness, and muscle aches. The body begins to react to the absence of opioids, creating an intense urge to use again. It’s during this stage that many people struggle to stay on track.

How Liberty House helps: We offer the necessary medical care and, when appropriate, medications that ease symptoms like anxiety and muscle pain. Our team ensures you’re as comfortable as possible while staying safe through this challenging first stage.

Stage 2: Peak withdrawal (2-4 days after last use)

This is the most difficult and distressing phase. Severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, cramps, sweating, and insomnia peak during this time, making home detox nearly impossible for most people. Cravings also reach their highest intensity.

How Liberty House helps: Our experienced team provides continuous monitoring, ensuring you’re hydrated and supported with personalised care plans that reduce the intensity of your symptoms. We’re here every step of the way to help you safely get through the worst of withdrawal.

Stage 3: Late withdrawal (5-7 days after last use)

As the physical symptoms ease, emotional challenges like irritability, anxiety, and cravings may persist. Without professional care, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed by these lingering effects.

How Liberty House helps: We support your emotional well-being with one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and holistic activities such as yoga and mindfulness. Our compassionate team ensures you never feel alone during this recovery phase.

Stage 4: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Even after the initial withdrawal is over, long-term struggles such as depression, anxiety, and cravings can continue. This stage can last for months, making ongoing support essential.

How Liberty House helps: We provide tailored aftercare plans designed to keep you connected with our support network and equipped with relapse prevention strategies, ensuring you maintain progress long after leaving our care.

The next steps

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t face it alone. At Liberty House, we provide expert medical detox, compassionate therapy, and ongoing aftercare to support your journey toward lasting recovery. Our experienced team is here every step of the way, ensuring your safety, comfort and, of course, long-term sobriety.

Reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier, opioid-free life. Help is just a call away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What medications are used during opioid detox?

Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used during opioid detox. These help reduce withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and stabilise the body, making the detox process safer and more comfortable.

What is the role of tapering in opioid detox?

Tapering involves gradually reducing opioid dosage under medical observation to minimise withdrawal symptoms. This method helps the body adjust slowly, making detox safer and reducing the risk of severe side effects.

Are there psychological support options during detox?

Yes, psychological support during detox includes counselling, group therapy, and emotional support from experienced professionals. This helps manage anxiety, depression, and cravings, ensuring a well-rounded approach to recovery.