✅ Key Takeaways
- The length of opioid withdrawal depends on the type of opioid: short-acting opioids (like heroin or oxycodone) usually last 5–10 days, while long-acting opioids (like methadone or oxycontin) can last up to 3 weeks or longer.
- Symptoms typically begin within 8–48 hours after the last dose, peak between days 2–5, and include anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and intense cravings.
- What makes opioid withdrawal dangerous? Risks include severe dehydration, cardiac strain, suicidal thoughts, and overdose if relapse occurs after tolerance has dropped.
- Safe tapering under medical supervision is the recommended approach, as quitting “cold turkey” increases risks of relapse and severe complications.
- Medications for opioid withdrawal—including buprenorphine, methadone, clonidine, and naltrexone—help manage symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery.
Opioid withdrawal is one of the biggest barriers standing between someone and recovery. It’s not just about the discomfort—it’s the fear of intense withdrawal symptoms, the uncertainty about how long it will last, and the very real risks that come with stopping certain types of opioids too quickly. But with the right support and evidence-based treatment, opioid detox can be manageable—and life-saving.
Whether you’re dealing with prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine, or illicit opioids like fentanyl, understanding the opioid withdrawal timeline, what to expect, and how to taper safely is essential. Let’s break it all down.
What Causes Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain and producing euphoria. Over time, your brain adjusts to this presence, leading to physical dependence. When you stop using—or dramatically reduce your dose—your body reacts with a series of symptoms known as opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Withdrawal isn’t just about physical pain. It’s a full-body response to losing something your system came to rely on. If not managed properly, withdrawal can be severe, life-threatening, and a major trigger for relapse.
How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?
The length of opioid withdrawal depends on the type of opioid, how long you’ve been using, and your individual health status. Here’s a general breakdown:
Short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone):
- Symptoms begin: 8–24 hours after last dose
- Peak: 48–72 hours
- Duration: 5–10 days
Long-acting opioids (e.g., methadone, oxycontin):
- Symptoms begin: 24–48 hours after last use
- Peak: Days 3–5
- Duration: Up to 3 weeks or more
These are averages. If you’re using fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid—withdrawal can be more prolonged and intense due to its fat solubility and long half-life in the body.
Common Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Symptoms range from uncomfortable to downright distressing. Many people describe it as “the worst flu of your life—but with emotional collapse on top.”
Early symptoms (within 24–48 hours):
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Runny nose, tearing, and yawning
- Muscle aches
- Sweating and chills
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate or high blood pressure
Late symptoms (after 48+ hours):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Depression, agitation, and intense cravings
If you’ve developed opioid dependence, going cold turkey can also elevate your risk of opioid overdose if you relapse after your tolerance drops.
Safe Tapering: Avoiding Cold-Turkey Withdrawal
The safest way to stop opioid use is through a tapering plan, supervised by a healthcare professional. Tapering gradually reduces your dose to give your body time to adjust. This approach:
- Reduces severity of withdrawal
- Decreases risk of relapse
- Helps protect mental health during the process
Tapering schedules vary based on what kind of opioid you’ve been taking. For example:
- Someone tapering off methadone may reduce the dose by 5–10% per week.
- With short-acting opioids, tapering may be quicker—but still requires monitoring.
Only a licensed provider or addiction treatment center should oversee this, especially if you have other medical conditions or co-occurring disorders.
Medications for Opioid Withdrawal Management
Managing opioid withdrawal symptoms isn’t just about toughing it out. There are FDA-approved medications that help regulate blood pressure, ease discomfort, and reduce cravings.
1. Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Partial agonist that eases symptoms without producing a full high
- Shortens detox period
- Can be used long-term in MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
2. Methadone
- Full agonist, ideal for long-term maintenance
- Often used in structured inpatient or outpatient programs
- Requires licensed clinic for dosing
3. Clonidine
- Originally a blood pressure med
- Reduces sweating, anxiety, agitation, and physical discomfort
- Non-addictive, but must be managed carefully
4. Naltrexone
- Opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors
- Used after detox to prevent relapse
- Not used during withdrawal—it can worsen symptoms
5. Naloxone
- Emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdose
- Not for withdrawal treatment, but crucial for harm reduction
Home Detox vs. Professional Treatment
Trying to detox from opioids at home is risky. You’re more likely to:
- Experience severe withdrawal symptoms
- Relapse quickly due to cravings
- Miss medical red flags like dehydration, high blood pressure, or suicidal ideation
In contrast, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs provide structure, supervision, and emotional support. They also treat co-occurring issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder involving benzodiazepines, alcohol, or stimulants.
What Makes Opioid Withdrawal Dangerous?
Though not usually fatal, opioid withdrawal can become life-threatening in certain cases. Complications may include:
- Severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
- Cardiac strain in those with underlying conditions
- Suicidal thoughts or mental health crises
- High risk of overdose due to lowered tolerance after detox
If you’re using potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, it’s even more critical to undergo detoxification with medical supervision.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery After Detox
Detox is just the beginning. A complete treatment plan should address the roots of opioid addiction, not just the physical symptoms. This includes:
- Therapy: CBT, trauma therapy, and support groups
- MAT: For managing cravings and relapse prevention
- Holistic care: Nutrition, mindfulness, fitness, and life skills
- Ongoing mental health support
- Family counseling to rebuild trust and connection
Trust New Leaf Detox and Treatment for Safe Withdrawal and Long-Term Healing
At New Leaf Detox and Treatment, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re battling oxycodone, suboxone, codeine, or fentanyl withdrawal, our team of experienced clinicians is here to guide you through every stage of recovery.
We offer:
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Inpatient care
- MAT options like buprenorphine and methadone
- Individual therapy and family support
- Aftercare planning for lifelong well-being
You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today to start your recovery journey with a team who truly understands the science and soul of healing.
