The decision to stop using opioids is often followed by a difficult reality: withdrawal. As the body adjusts to functioning without opioids, symptoms can emerge quickly and escalate over the first several days. The intensity of withdrawal frequently leads people back to opioid use before they have the opportunity to begin recovery.
At Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, we provide medically assisted and monitored opioid detox with 24-hour clinical supervision, individualized treatment programs, and compassionate care from a team that understands what recovery from opioid addiction actually requires.
Professional Opioid Detox in Florida That Supports Recovery From Day One
Getting through withdrawal safely is often the first major step toward lasting recovery.
What Are the Risks of Opioid Withdrawal?
One of the reasons why a medically supervised opioid detox program is recommended over trying to quit alone is that opioid withdrawal poses real medical risks.
Although not typically life-threatening in the way withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines may be, there is always some level of risk involved when managing withdrawal without proper oversight.[1] The most common withdrawal symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and rhinorrhea (severe runny nose). If these are left untreated, there is also potential for a number of other problems, including dehydration, dangerous increases in blood sodium levels, and, in extreme situations, cardiac issues. For people with co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, opioid withdrawal may require closer monitoring or hospitalization.[2]
Other side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps and muscle aches
- Chills, cold sweat, and fever
- Agitation and restlessness
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- High blood pressure and elevated heart rate
- Anxiety and depression
- Intense cravings
- Watery eyes and uncontrolled yawning
- Tremors or shaking
- Hallucination or seizure (rare, though possible)
At Agape Detox Center, our medical team proactively anticipates and responds to symptoms related to opioid withdrawal. Our medical staff continuously monitor vital signs and act early to prevent withdrawal symptoms from escalating and to keep our patients as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
The most frequently asked questions from prospective clients and their family members are how long does it take for opioid withdrawal to start, and how long the symptoms last?
There is no easy answer — however, there are certain trends that most clients experience:
Opiate withdrawal timeline — day by day:
Acting Opioids
- For short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone), withdrawal usually starts between 8 to 24 hours after the last use.
- For long-acting opioids (methadone, extended-release oxycodone), withdrawal symptoms typically begin around 36 to 48 hours after the last use, due to these substances’ longer half-life.
Days 1–2
Initial symptoms appear. Common symptoms are anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, runny nose, yawning, and insomnia. For short-acting opioids, symptoms may begin increasing in severity by the end of day one.
Days 3–5
Peak withdrawal. Most clients experience the most intense physical symptoms — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, elevated blood pressure — during this timeframe. These are the most physically difficult days of the detoxification process.
Days 6–7
Acute physical symptoms began to subside for most people during this time. Energy levels will remain low, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression can either persist or intensify as the physical aspects of withdrawal resolve.
Weeks 2–4
Remaining physical withdrawal symptoms continue to subside. Mood begins to stabilize. Although cravings are still present, they generally diminish in frequency and intensity.
Weeks to months (PAWS)
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can produce symptoms such as fatigue, mood fluctuations, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, and periodic urges to use that persist weeks or months after completion of acute detox. Our staff work closely with clients to address both phases of withdrawal while they are here.
For most people, acute withdrawal symptoms resolve within 5 to 10 days.[3] However, there are many variables that can influence withdrawal duration including type of opioid used, duration of use, quantity of use, age and overall health of the person in treatment, and if there are additional substances involved. Long-acting opioids such as methadone may cause longer withdrawal periods — sometimes up to two weeks or more.[4]
Opioid Detox
What to Expect During Opioid Detox at Agape
As soon as a client arrives at Agape’s Port St. Lucie location, our clinicians begin developing a comprehensive profile of each client’s unique needs. All new admissions receive a full medical and psychological assessment so that our multidisciplinary team can formulate an individualized treatment plan and initiate targeted intervention strategies as soon as possible.
During the course of opioid detoxification, our medical professionals continually monitor each client’s vital signs and modify the treatment plan accordingly as necessary. Clients are never left to manage withdrawal alone.
Below are some treatment options you may experience:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Detox
We use evidence-based medication-assisted treatment protocols to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Medications commonly used in MAT include:
After Opioid Detox
Continuing Your Recovery
Finishing opioid detox is a major accomplishment that takes a huge amount of courage.
However, completing detox is just the beginning — not the end — of the recovery process. If you don’t continue with treatment after opioid detox, your chances of relapsing are very high.[5] This is why aftercare planning begins from the time you arrive at Agape.
Prior to discharge, our clinical staff works with you individually to create a customized aftercare plan for your next step. Depending on your personal needs and situation, this could involve either entering residential treatment with us or transitioning into an outpatient treatment facility. With both options, you’ll have the opportunity to develop coping skills and address the underlying causes of addiction through therapy and psychoeducation.
Recovery Is Possible. We're Here to Help.
Opioid use disorder is not a moral failing or a sign of weakness. It is an illness that responds to medical treatment. At Agape Detox Center, our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and guide you or a loved one in getting started on the road to recovery. Reach out today and let us help guide you toward a better future.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Detox
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Although withdrawal from opioids is typically not life-threatening the way alcohol withdrawal can be, there are still many serious risks associated with it. For example, extreme vomiting and diarrhea during withdrawal can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Medically supervised detoxification minimizes many of these risks and greatly enhances the comfort and safety of the entire experience.
How long does opioid withdrawal last?
Acute opioid withdrawal usually resolves within 5 to 10 days, depending on the substance. Long-acting opioids such as methadone often result in a longer withdrawal duration, and symptoms of cravings and emotional discomfort resulting from PAWS can persist for several weeks or even months following withdrawal.
What medications are used in opioid detox?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, naltrexone, naloxone, and clonidine are common medications prescribed for patients undergoing opioid detoxification. Each patient’s particular medications will depend on a variety of factors, including their previous substance use history, degree of dependence, and overall medical status.
Can I detox from opioids at home?
It is strongly discouraged. Although not life-threatening, opioid withdrawal is extremely unpleasant, and the likelihood of relapse is high without professional support. Many opioid-related overdoses occur when users relapse after having abstained from using for a period of time.[6] The safest method is medically supervised detoxification.
What happens after opioid detox?
Detoxification addresses your body’s dependence on opioids. Maintaining sobriety requires additional support beyond detoxification — whether inpatient or outpatient treatment — which addresses the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction and provides education for successfully managing long-term recovery.
Does Agape accept insurance for opioid detox?
Yes. We accept virtually all types of private insurance. Our admissions team will review your insurance coverage immediately and confidentially before determining how to proceed with services.
Sources
[1] MedlinePlus. (2024). Opiate and opioid withdrawal. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
[2] [4] MSD Manual Professional Edition. (n.d.). Opioid toxicity and withdrawal. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/illicit-drugs-and-intoxicants/opioid-toxicity-and-withdrawal
[3] Dydyk, A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2023). Opioid withdrawal. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). TIP 63: Medications for opioid use disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-02-01-002.pdf
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, November 22). Opioids. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids