Opioid withdrawal can cause changes in both your body and your mood. Early signs often include yawning, a runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, restlessness, and anxiety.[1] As it goes on, you might also have belly cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and goosebumps.[1] These signs usually begin within 12 hours of the last heroin use and within 30 hours of the last methadone exposure, though timing varies for each person.[1] A health professional can assess your specific situation to see if medical withdrawal care is needed.[2]
Our site is a treatment directory. We do not provide treatment. The info here is general, not medical advice.
If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 now. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988.[3] For free help finding care, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Opioid Withdrawal: Signs and Timeframes
The process brings physical and emotional discomfort. Understanding common patterns can help you prepare.
These ranges serve as reference points, not guarantees. Your timeline hinges on the opioid type, usage history, and health. For a deeper look at how these factors shape your recovery, our guide to opioid detox duration breaks down the timeline.
Onset
Symptoms may begin after you cut back or stop using opioids.
Peak
Discomfort often gets worse or changes as your body adjusts.
Resolution
Symptoms usually ease over time as your body recovers.
Withdrawal does not follow a fixed five-stage sequence. Each person’s symptoms are different. They can show up in a different order.
| Possible early symptoms | Possible later or additional symptoms |
|---|---|
| Yawning | Abdominal cramps |
| Tearing | Diarrhea |
| Runny nose | Nausea |
| Sweating | Vomiting |
| Restlessness | Goosebumps |
| Anxiety | Muscle aches |
The table shows common examples. Sleep trouble and strong anxiety are felt by some people. Read our guide on managing anxiety and sleep issues for help.
Consult a doctor for advice on your specific case.[1]
Urgent Care Needed for Opioid Withdrawal
Some signs during this process are dangerous. They need emergency help right away.
If you see signs of an overdose, call 911 now. One sign is a person who will not wake up. Another is breathing that is slow, shallow, or has stopped. For a deeper look at recognizing an opioid overdose and the steps to take, see our guide to overdose response.
Diarrhea and vomiting can be severe and last a long time. This can lead to dehydration.[4] Get help fast if someone cannot keep fluids down. Fainting is also a sign to seek prompt attention.
The SAMHSA National Helpline offers info on locating treatment.Know the difference between emergency care and referrals. It also does not treat withdrawal symptoms.It does not give emergency care.
For suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, use the 988 Lifeline. Support is available by phone, text, or chat around the clock.[3]
Use this safety check to choose your next step. It does not serve as a diagnosis.
Opioid Withdrawal Safety Check
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis.
Steps in Medical Withdrawal Management
A person’s clinical needs and circumstances should guide the choice of withdrawal-management setting.[2]
- Contact a qualified service. Call a licensed treatment center or your doctor to start.
- Complete an individualized assessment. Ask how the clinician will assess your needs, what health history and other substance use information to share, and how the assessment will help determine an appropriate setting.[2]
- Discuss a monitored plan. Ask the care team what monitoring and support they can provide, how they may help manage symptoms, and what to do if your symptoms change or you feel unsafe.
- Arrange continuing treatment. Before you leave, confirm your next steps. Ask how ongoing treatment and follow-up visits will work.
Licensed clinicians give the care described in this overview. Do not use this page to manage withdrawal alone at home. If you plan to stop opioids, check with a healthcare provider about the support and monitoring that may be available. If you are preparing for that visit, our guide to the first day of opioid detox walks through what to expect. If you are worried about keeping your job, our guide to working during drug detox covers how to manage symptoms and time off.
Read our guide on detoxing at home safely to learn why professional help is important. Before changing your substance use or treatment plan, always speak with a healthcare provider about your case.
Opioid Withdrawal: Is Home Care an Option?
A symptom checklist cannot show the right care setting for you. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) says your specific health needs decide the right setting.[2] A licensed clinician is the only one who can make that choice. They must look at your full health history first. Our guide to level of care assessment opioid explains how clinicians use those criteria to shape your treatment plan.
The following table compares three common care settings. No single option works safely for everyone. None of these acts as a substitute for a professional check-up.
| Care Setting | Who Helps You | What They Check | What to Ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home without professional help | Family or friends only | No medical checks or safety plan | "Is it safe for me to stay home, or do I need medical help?" |
| Outpatient medical care | Doctors and nurses | Regular visits, vitals, and medicine changes | "How often will I be seen? What if I feel worse?" |
Want to detox at home? Our guide on home safety steps explains what to do. Still, you must get a professional check before starting.
Taking prescribed opioids for pain? Speak to your prescriber before you make any changes.[5]
Will Benadryl Ease Opioid Withdrawal?
Do not use Benadryl as a place for professional assessment or withdrawal treatment. It fails to handle the core physical symptoms of the condition.
After Withdrawal: Ongoing Treatment and Overdose Prevention
Taking care of withdrawal is a vital first step. It is not the finish line. It can help recovery continue past the acute phase.[6]
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are FDA-approved treatments for this condition.[7] Discuss your choices with a qualified clinician. They can help you find the right fit.
Time away from opioids can lower your body's tolerance. This makes using the same amount again very risky. A dose that felt fine months ago could cause an overdose now. That danger is real. Have a clear safety plan ready before leaving detox. Our guide to planning for care after detox covers how to build that safety plan and start maintenance therapy.
Ask your clinician or a support person about naloxone. Discuss an overdose-response plan, too. Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose.[8] Knowing how to use it can save lives. To learn about long-term care, you can also read about naltrexone safety and withdrawal. For practical steps on where to get naloxone and how to store it safely, see our guide to naloxone access options.
Plan for Care After Withdrawal Management
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Seeking Medical Care and Questions to Pose
Clear paths exist for you to find help. The SAMHSA National Helpline costs nothing and keeps things private. It offers you information and referrals. It is not a treatment center. It is not an emergency service. If you are in danger, call 911 or go to the ER now. If you are unsure whether symptoms need urgent attention, our guide to drug withdrawal emergency explains when to seek immediate care.
Most people call a facility next. Ask specific questions about their services. Use this short list to check:
- What check-up happens before starting?
- If symptoms get worse, what help is available?
- How do they arrange follow-up care?
- What do I need to check about insurance and costs?
What your plan covers is up to it. Marketplace plans and many small-group plans must cover mental health and substance use services.[9] Yet the exact details vary by plan.[9] Federal parity rules apply to many such plans. They generally require that limits on mental health and substance use services not be stricter than those for comparable medical and surgical care.[10] Benefits or limits do not have to be identical, and this does not guarantee that every plan covers these services. Check your benefits directly, as rules depend on your specific plan and applicable law. Start by calling your insurer and the program. For a closer look at how different plans handle these costs, see our guide to opioid detox insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do withdrawal symptoms usually last?
There is no single timeline for everyone. The ranges in this guide are just general guides. They are not a personal forecast. If your symptoms worry you, talk to a doctor. Do not wait for a specific date to pass.
What are the five stages of withdrawal?
There is no fixed five-stage list for everyone. Doctors describe common patterns and timing. Use this info as a general guide only. Do not use it to guess your own condition.
Can withdrawal be managed safely at home?
It depends on your health. Do not use online lists to pick your care level. Talk to a doctor to check your needs. This is key if symptoms are bad or getting worse. It is also key if you have other health issues.
Can Benadryl help with withdrawal symptoms?
Do not rely on Benadryl to treat withdrawal. Do not mix it with opioids or other sedatives on your own. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first. They can tell you what is safe for you.
What treatment or support can follow withdrawal management?
When should vomiting or diarrhea during withdrawal prompt medical help?
Call a doctor if symptoms are severe or won't stop. Call if you cannot keep fluids down. If you faint or get confused, call 911 now. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
