How Long Does Narcotic Withdrawal Last?

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Narcotic withdrawal is the result of a physical dependence on drugs and the body’s way of rebelling against you for not yet receiving it. Narcotic withdrawal is an ugly beast that must be dealt with to free oneself of the rigors of narcotic addiction. While this can be a daunting task to undergo, the end result is very much worth it.

Withdrawal symptoms are one of the main causes of relapse.

When a person begins using narcotics for recreational purposes or uses more than the recommended doses prescribed to them, the first steps to addiction take hold. The human body naturally develops a tolerance to such substances and will need higher and stronger amounts for the individual to experience the same results that they initially experienced. This quickly spirals and most individuals end up addicted very quickly in an effort to keep chasing that initial high.

Withdrawal from narcotics is felt to some degree each time the drug’s effects wear off, and it’s usually these experiences that drive a user to repeatedly take more drugs. Typically, a user makes a decision to stop altogether but loses this resolve when faced with the ensuing effects of withdrawal. One tell-tale sign of addiction is an inability to stop using on your own or several failed attempts to do so.

The Importance of Researching Narcotic Withdrawal Before It Occurs

There are many things you should know about withdrawal from narcotics, whether you have been abusing prescription drugs or illegal opioids or merely taking painkillers as directed by your doctor. Opioid withdrawal has many symptoms and several potential complications, and it will be much safer if you understand what is to come before the syndrome occurs. Knowing Your Symptoms Opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable and incredibly painful. It is important to understand this because many people do not realize how intense the symptoms will be, often leading them to attempting to quit on their own and then relapsing when they cannot …

When a user commits to getting clean and takes the first step to begin the process of detoxification, withdrawal sets in. Withdrawal from narcotics can vary in length and severity based on the individual, drug habits, and the existence of other medical or psychological conditions that contribute to the “need” to use narcotic drugs. On average, the user goes through a period of physical withdrawal that begins as soon as they have discontinued use and ends within 24 to 48 hours after the last use. However, the psychological damage that has occurred during addiction may cause behavioral and psychological complications for weeks. Some variances come into play depending on the specific narcotic drugs used as well as medical history.

During this period, one can experience one or more symptoms such as:

• Restlessness
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive yawning
• Tremors
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Fever
• Accelerated heart rate
• Shivers
• Muscle and bone aches
• Possible hallucinations

After reading this list of possible symptoms, it’s easy to understand why so many people fail on their own to get through withdrawal. But to be successful at kicking the addiction, dealing with withdrawal is necessary.

Need help finding the right addiction treatment program for substance use disorder? Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today.

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