Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Opiate withdrawal symptoms are a set of recognizable signs brought about by abrupt cessation or rapid taper from opiates for any person who is physically dependent to opiates.

The most obvious opiate withdrawal symptoms are physical in nature however significant psychological side-effects such as depression and anxiety may be as serious or worse and must be an integrated part of the overall opiate treatment program.

Opiate withdrawal symptoms will appear shortly after discontinuation with opiates like heroin because heroin has a short elimination half-life (6.4 hours). This means that approximately six and one-half hours after last heroin use, 50% of the administered diacetylmorphine (heroin) will be fully metabolized. On the other hand significant opiate withdrawal symptoms will appear much later with opiates like methadone which have a much longer elimination half-life (approximately 24 hours).

Opioid addiction is recognized as a Central Nervous System disorder caused by continuous opiate use. Long-term opiate use leads to nerve cell disruptions within the brain. This causes abnormal brain function and a marked decrease in the production of natural endogenous opioids like endorphins. Significant opiate withdrawal symptoms begin soon after opiate discontinuation or rapid taper. Opiate users who stop using opiates abruptly or by accelerated taper will suffer physical agony coupled with psychological distress. Unless an opiate addict is treated by medical professionals the likelihood of a successful detox is minimal.

The following is a list of fourteen significant opiate withdrawal symptoms.

• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Body Aches
• Restless Legs (Kicking)
• Elevated Pulse Rate
• Goose Bumps
• Dilated pupils
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Depression

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