According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 7,551 overdose deaths in 2022 alone throughout Florida. The majority of these deaths involved opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. These are highly dangerous drugs that can still pose health risks even when a person stops taking them.
If a loved one is struggling with this form of substance use disorder, opioid help in Florida is available. They should never attempt to stop consuming opioids without professional help because of the dangers associated with withdrawal. But what are the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids? Learn more about what to expect at Gulf Breeze Recovery.
What are the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids?
It can be extremely difficult for a person to function if they abruptly stop taking opioids. A sudden lack of the substance the person’s brain has come to rely on results in various signs of opioid withdrawal, including:
- Chills
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Anxiety
- Yawning
- Sneezing or coughing
- Agitation
- Irritability
The symptoms can begin within a few hours of the last dose of opioids. Your loved one can experience flu-like symptoms as well as diarrhea and vomiting. These will get progressively worse as the hours pass.
When is the peak of opioid withdrawal? The worst symptoms tend to take place between the first 48 and 72 hours. After that, they’ll start diminishing, but it could take as long as a week before your loved one feels more like themselves again.
Something to keep in mind is that the signs of opioid withdrawal can be severe enough to lead your loved one to turn to drugs once again just to get some relief.
What are the four most common signs of opioid abuse?
Before being able to help a loved one go through detoxification, it’s necessary to notice when they are struggling with a substance use disorder. That means spotting the signs of opioid consumption. So, what are the four most common signs of opioid abuse?
One common sign is being preoccupied with getting opioids. Your loved one may no longer focus on their work or schooling and may instead pour all of their attention and energy into getting access to opioids.
If your loved one has been prescribed opioids, another sign you may notice is them taking their medication more often than their doctor recommended. Had they not been prescribed opioids, the mere fact that they have the drugs in their possession is a sign of addiction.
If your loved one is experiencing extreme mood swings, irritability, or changes in their personality, that can also point to the misuse of these drugs. These issues occur because of the impact that opioids have on the various parts of the brain that control emotional regulation and stress responses.
You may also notice changes in their appearance and hygiene. They may no longer bathe as often as they did, and they could wear dirty clothes for many days without seeming to notice.
Assist your loved one with opioid help in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery today
It’s very common to have a lot of worries about getting your loved one through the withdrawal process. When is the peak of opioid withdrawal, and can it be dangerous? The peak tends to occur about two days after your loved one stops taking the opioid, and the severity of the symptoms can take them and you by surprise.
Withdrawal can put their life at risk, which is why choosing a program that offers medically assisted detoxification can be the right option. Gulf Breeze Recovery can keep your loved one safe and comfortable as they take the first vital step toward healing. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery at 833.551.2304 to schedule an appointment. You can also reach us using our convenient online contact form.