Opioid Withdrawl Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal can be a frightening and uncomfortable experience — one that many people struggle to face alone. But understanding what’s happening in your body, knowing when to seek help, and learning about effective treatment options are critical first steps toward recovery. At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we guide you through each phase of withdrawal, offering compassionate care, clinical supervision, and a path toward healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, we can help. Learn more about our Nashville addiction treatment programs on our admissions page today to get started.
What Is Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal refers to the group of symptoms that occur when someone who has become physically dependent on opioids reduces or stops their use. Dependence means the body has adapted to the presence of opioids, and removing them disrupts physiological balance. Withdrawal symptoms may be intense and distressing—but medically supervised care can help you get through this safely and with dignity.
Common Opioid Painkillers
Many prescription drugs and illicit opioids can lead to dependence and withdrawal when usage is reduced or discontinued. Here are a few common ones:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin or Percocet).
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin).
- Morphine.
- Oxymorphone (Opana).
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
- Codeine.
- Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze).
- Tramadol (Ultram).
- Tapentadol (Nucynta).
- Meperidine (Demerol).
Because some opioids (like fentanyl) are so potent, withdrawal can begin faster and be more severe.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Nashville Treatment Solutions is an industry leader in addiction treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawals differ from person to person—depending on duration of use, dosage, frequency, and individual physiology. Some commonly reported symptoms include:
Muscle aches and pains
Anxiety, restlessness, irritability
Sweating, chills, goosebumps
Runny nose, tearing eyes
Dilated pupils
Insomnia, fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Abdominal cramping
Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure
Yawning repeatedly
Cravings for opioids
These symptoms often intensify during peak withdrawal and then gradually subside, though some discomfort can linger.
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Below is a generalized timeline. Each individual’s experience may vary:
- 0–12 hours (for short-acting opioids) / 24+ hours (for longer-acting opioids): Early symptoms — anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches begin.
- 24–72 hours: Symptoms peak — intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, hot/cold flashes, strong cravings.
- 3–7 days: Many acute symptoms begin to subside, though some discomfort, insomnia, mood disturbances, and cravings may persist.
- 1–2 weeks: Most physical symptoms have diminished; psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, fatigue) and cravings may linger.
- Weeks to months: Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) — ongoing mood swings, sleep disruption, sensitivity to stress, and drug cues may persist for some time.
What Causes Opioid Withdrawal and Dependence?
Opioids bind to receptors in the brain that regulate pain, reward, and stress. Over time, the brain adjusts to their presence by reducing its own natural production of endorphins and altering receptor responsiveness. As dependence develops, the brain comes to expect the drug to maintain balance. Removing or lowering the dose suddenly upsets that balance, triggering withdrawal.
Dependence is not the same as addiction (though they often coexist). Addiction involves compulsive use despite harm, whereas dependence is a physiological adaptation.
When To Seek Help For Opioid Dependence
Recognizing when it’s time to ask for help can be one of the hardest — and most important — steps toward recovery. Many people try to quit using opioids on their own, only to find withdrawal symptoms too difficult to manage safely. If you or a loved one has experienced any of the following, professional treatment is strongly recommended:
Unsuccessful attempts to stop using opioids
Needing higher doses to feel the same effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses
Using opioids despite health, work, or relationship problems
Feeling anxious, depressed, or hopeless when not using
Relying on opioids to function or feel “normal”
You do not have to face this process alone. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers a compassionate and confidential environment where you can safely begin your recovery with medical supervision and emotional support.
Tour Our Nashville Rehab Programs
Opioid Detox Options & Withdrawal Treatment
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach to treating opioid addiction. Our programs combine evidence-based medical care with therapies that address the emotional, psychological, and physical roots of substance use. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring every person receives the support they need to achieve lasting recovery.
Healing from opioid addiction involves more than just stopping substance use—it’s about restoring balance in your mind, body, and spirit. Our holistic therapy programs include mindfulness practices, yoga, meditation, and other integrative approaches that help reduce stress and promote self-awareness. These therapies work alongside clinical treatment to help clients build healthy coping mechanisms and improve overall well-being.
Many individuals benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which uses FDA-approved medications to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications—when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy—help stabilize brain chemistry and reduce the risk of relapse. MAT allows individuals to focus on healing without the constant struggle of physical withdrawal.
Because opioid addiction often co-occurs with underlying mental health conditions, psychiatric support is a key part of recovery. Our licensed psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose, and treat co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions. By addressing both addiction and mental health together, we help clients build a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.
Opioid Withdrawal Medications
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), also called medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), is a proven, evidence-based approach to easing withdrawal and supporting long-term recovery.
Some of the common medications include:
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) — partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal without producing full “high.”
Methadone — full agonist, often dispensed at specialty clinics, used under supervised conditions.
Naltrexone — opioid antagonist used after detox is complete; blocks opioid effects to reduce relapse risk.
Clonidine / Lofexidine — non-opioid medications that help manage some physical symptoms (sweating, anxiety, agitation).
Supportive medications — anti-nausea drugs, sleep aids, NSAIDs, etc., to manage specific symptoms.
These medications are most effective when paired with counseling, therapy, and behavioral support.
Coping with Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
While medical supervision is ideal, here are strategies that help make withdrawal more manageable:
Hydration & nutrition — clear fluids, electrolyte-rich drinks, small meals
Rest & sleep hygiene — dark, quiet environment, calming routines
Gentle movement / stretching to ease muscle tension
Heat therapy / warm baths for muscle aches or chills
Deep breathing, mindfulness, relaxation techniques
Support system — counseling, peer groups, accountability
Symptom-specific relief — antiemetics, over-the-counter pain relievers, sleep aids (as directed by a provider)
Structure & distraction — keep busy with low-stress tasks, avoid triggers
Though unpleasant, withdrawal is temporary — and coping skills, combined with medical help, make the journey safer and more bearable.
Our Opioid Detox Programs
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we play a central role in connecting you with detox services and supporting your transition into sustained care. Our programs include:
The treatment begins with a thorough assessment to identify the most pressing issues, whether they are mental health concerns or substance abuse. Clients are referred to a partner detox program in Nashville if detoxification is necessary. This step is crucial in helping the client return to optimal physical health and preparing them for further treatment.
After detox, it’s important to attend an inpatient rehab or residential treatment center to continue treatment. During inpatient rehab, you’ll live in the same facility as you get your treatment. This helps you build a foundation for long-term recovery.
While Nashville Treatment Solutions doesn’t provide inpatient rehab, we partner with several facilities in the area. Thus, we can connect you to a rehab facility before you begin outpatient services with us.
After detox and inpatient rehab, clients may transition to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). PHP involves spending a significant portion of the day, several days a week in a group therapy and individual therapy setting.
PHP focuses on maladaptive coping skills while allowing you to live at home or in a sober living environment. This stage is designed to address both mental health and substance abuse issues through various therapeutic modalities.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a step down from PHP and offers a balance between intensive care and independent living. Clients participate in therapy sessions for a few hours a day, several days a week, while continuing to live at home or in a supportive sober living environment.
We also offer evening IOP programs or Virtual IOP for those who need to work or go to school while in treatment or those who would prefer to be at home.
As the least intensive level of care, outpatient rehab involves regular therapy sessions once per week. This stage is focused on maintaining sobriety and mental health stability, providing ongoing support, and helping patients fully integrate into their community with the skills they’ve learned.
Admission into our outpatient rehab program is dependent on a case-by-case basis.
We also offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of our opioid addiction treatment. This combines both talk therapy and the use of prescription medications to relieve physical withdrawal symptoms and feelings like anxiety and depression.
Begin Addiction Treatment in Nashville, Tennessee Today
A life ruled by opioid abuse is not a life being fully lived. If you find yourself in need of opioid addiction treatment, we have a program that will help you get control and live a drug-free life. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers an effective outpatient detox program followed by other outpatient programs that fit the level of care you need. We believe each person has the power within them to beat a substance use disorder, and we provide the experienced clinical staff to help them accomplish this goal.
If you are ready to take back control of your life and stop abusing opioids, contact us today. We can help you get started in our program quickly.
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Areas We Serve
Our treatment programs are designed to provide comprehensive and personalized care to individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse and addiction in Nashville, Tennessee as well as the surrounding areas. No matter where you live, we’re are committed to offering accessible and effective treatment options. Learn more about specific areas we serve below.
