If you or someone you care about has been using prescription painkillers or illicit opioids for any length of time, stopping can feel daunting. Opioids alter brain chemistry in ways that make the body depend on them to feel “normal,” so once you reduce or stop using them, the nervous system reacts quickly and produces a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid withdrawal can be a painful and frightening experience, but understanding what to expect can make it more manageable. Knowing when certain symptoms typically appear, which ones usually fade first, and when you might start to feel physically and emotionally stronger can remove a lot of the fear of the unknown.
Whether you’re going through it yourself, supporting a loved one, or just trying to learn more, this guide breaks down the timeline, symptoms, and important facts about opioid withdrawal in plain language. Most importantly, we’ll highlight evidence-based treatments such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and supportive care that can make withdrawal safer and more tolerable. Opioid withdrawal is rarely something you should face alone; medical supervision and compassionate support significantly improve comfort and long-term recovery outcomes.
What is Opioid Withdrawal?
When someone has been using opioids like oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, or morphine for a while, the body adjusts to their presence. Over time, the body starts to rely on opioids to regulate functions like pain perception, mood, and even digestion. If use suddenly stops or is sharply reduced, the body must re-adjust and the brain must recalibrate its chemistry. That process is called withdrawal.
Unlike alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, opioid withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can be intensely uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. Think of the worst flu you’ve ever had, paired with overwhelming anxiety and restlessness. Muscle aches, sweating, nausea, goosebumps, insomnia, and intense drug cravings often converge, making every hour feel longer than the last. This distress is one of the biggest reasons people return to using opioids.
It’s empowering to know that these sensations are a predictable, temporary response, not a personal failing. With the appropriate medical supervision, medications, and compassionate support, most people can navigate withdrawal safely and move on to the next steps in their recovery.
The Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal can vary depending on the type of opioid, how long and how heavily it’s been used, and individual factors like age, health, and metabolism. Here’s a general timeline to give you an idea:
Short-acting opioids (like heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone):
- Symptoms start: 6–12 hours after the last dose
- Peak symptoms: 2–3 days
- Symptoms fade: By day 7–10 for most people
Long-acting opioids (like methadone, extended-release morphine):
- Symptoms start: 24–48 hours after the last dose
- Peak symptoms: Days 3–5
- Symptoms fade: Over 10–20 days or longer
Fentanyl (potent and often unpredictable):
Because fentanyl is extremely strong and often mixed with other substances, withdrawal can start quickly—within hours—and may feel more intense.
Common Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Early symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Runny nose
- Trouble sleeping
Later symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils
- Intense cravings
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
For some people, especially those who used opioids for a long time, mild symptoms can stick around for weeks or even months. The brain and body take a while to fully stabilize their chemistry, and during this readjustment period, a collection of lingering, low-grade symptoms can ebb and flow. This is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS, and it might include:
- Mood swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Restlessness
- Low energy
- Insomnia
- Ongoing cravings
PAWS can feel frustrating, but it gets better over time and doesn’t last forever. Practicing good sleep hygiene, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals, and engaging in counseling or peer-support groups can all help speed your recovery. Medications for opioid use disorder can also reduce cravings and stabilize mood.
Can You Get Through Withdrawal at Home?
Some people try to “tough it out” at home without support. That might be possible with mild withdrawal from short-term use, but it’s not recommended, especially if you have other health issues, you’re using dangerous drugs like fentanyl or are taking opioids in high doses, or if you’ve tried to detox at home without success.
Medical support can make a huge difference. Medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone®) or methadone can relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. There are also non-opioid medications and supportive care options that can help.
Treatment Options to Ease Opioid Withdrawal
Community Medical Services (CMS) provides a comprehensive, evidence-based care model that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to make opioid withdrawal safer and more manageable.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and stabilize brain chemistry. At CMS, each patient is evaluated and matched with the medication best suited to their needs and lifestyle. Some of our available medications include:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist, methadone has been trusted for decades to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. It helps your brain reset to normal function and is tailored to your individual tolerance, allowing for short-term use or long-term maintenance.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal without producing a full opioid effect. We also offer a buprenorphine-naloxone combination (Suboxone®), which significantly lowers the risk of misuse.
- Extended-Release Options: CMS offers FDA-approved, long-acting injectable forms of buprenorphine: Sublocade® and Brixadi. These treatments offer consistent medication levels, reduce clinic visits, and help ensure steady progress in early recovery stages.
- Naltrexone: For patients ready to block opioid effects completely, CMS provides naltrexone, which prevents opioids from binding to receptors and supports relapse prevention once the acute withdrawal phase is over.
Counseling & Peer Support
Medication is just one part of recovery. At CMS, we emphasize the importance of whole-person care by pairing treatments with professional counseling and certified peer support services. Our licensed counselors guide patients through evidence-based therapies to reinforce resilience and emotional regulation during and beyond withdrawal. We also have Certified Peer Support Specialists on our team that offer emotional encouragement, real-world guidance, and cultural empathy. They help bridge gaps in care, reduce mistrust, and empower patients by demonstrating firsthand that recovery is possible.
Safely Navigate Opioid Withdrawal at Community Medical Services
Opioid withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, but no matter how long it lasts, you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s a treatment center, a primary care doctor, a hotline, or a trusted friend, help is available. Recovery isn’t easy, but it is absolutely possible, and millions of people have made it to the other side.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, consider reaching out to:
- Community Medical Services: Our experts are here to help you start your journey to recovery without the discomfort of withdrawal.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free and confidential support 24/7
- Local health clinics or addiction specialists
You deserve support, not judgement. And you don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.
