Stopping or cutting back on opioids brings a mix of body and mood changes. Common early symptoms can include yawning, tearing, runny nose, sweating, restlessness, and anxiety.[1] As withdrawal progresses, you might also experience abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and goosebumps.[1] These symptoms usually start within 12 hours of the last heroin use and within 30 hours of the last methadone exposure, though the exact timing varies for each person.[1] A health professional can assess your specific situation to determine if medical withdrawal care is needed.[2]
We run a treatment directory, not a treatment provider. 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).
What Opioid Withdrawal Feels Like and When It Happens
Physical and emotional discomfort is part of the process. Knowing the common patterns can help you get ready.
Use these times as a rough guide, not a promise. How long withdrawal lasts for you depends on which opioid you used. It also depends on how you used it and on your health.
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 path. People see different symptoms. They may 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 |
Common examples are listed in this table. Some people deal with strong anxiety and trouble sleeping. See our guide on managing anxiety and sleep issues for help.
Ask a doctor about advice for your own case.[1]
Opioid Withdrawal: Signs That Need Emergency Care
Certain signs during this process are dangerous. They call for emergency help right away.
If you see signs of an overdose, call 911 now. A person who cannot wake up is a danger sign. Breathing that is slow, shallow, or stopped is also a risk. Our guide to opioid withdrawal vs overdose breaks down the specific signs and emergency steps to take.
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can last a long time. This can cause dehydration.[4] Get help fast if you cannot keep fluids down. Passing out is another sign to get prompt attention.
The SAMHSA National Helpline offers help finding treatment.Know the difference between emergency care and referrals. It does not treat withdrawal symptoms.It does not give emergency care.
You can reach it by phone, text, or chat any time of day.For suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, use the 988 Lifeline.[3]
This safety check helps you 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.
How Medical Withdrawal Management Works
The right setting for withdrawal management should match a person's specific clinical needs and life circumstances.[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.
This overview covers care from licensed clinicians. It is not a guide for handling withdrawal alone at home. If you are thinking about stopping opioids, ask a healthcare provider what support and monitoring may be available.
Read our guide on detoxing at home safely to learn more about why professional help matters. Before changing your substance use or treatment plan, talk with a healthcare provider about your specific situation.
Is Home Management Safe for Opioid Withdrawal?
A symptom checklist cannot pick the right care setting for you. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) says your specific health needs drive that choice.[2] Only a licensed clinician can make that decision. They must review your full health history first.
Below, a table shows how three common care settings compare. One option is not safe for every person. None of these replaces 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?" |
Thinking about safe home detox? Read our guide on home safety steps. However, always get a professional check first.
Talk with your prescriber before changing prescribed opioids for pain.[5]
Does Benadryl Help With Opioid Withdrawal?
Professional assessment or withdrawal treatment is not replaced by Benadryl. It does not deal with the main physical symptoms of the condition.
After Withdrawal: Ongoing Treatment and Overdose Prevention
Handling withdrawal is a major first step. It is not the final stop. It can back up recovery past the acute phase.[6]
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medicines for this condition.[7] Speak with a qualified clinician to weigh your choices. They can help you find what fits your needs.
A break from use can lower your body’s opioid tolerance. Going back to old use levels is very risky. A dose that felt fine months ago could cause an overdose now. That risk is real. Before you leave detox, you need a clear safety plan. Our guide to planning for care after detox walks through the steps for moving into ongoing treatment. If you need more structure than outpatient care offers, our guide to PHP for opioid addiction explains how that level fits.
Talk to 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. You can also read about naltrexone safety and withdrawal to learn more about long-term care.
Plan for Care After Withdrawal Management
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Getting Medical Help and Key Questions to Ask
You can find help through clear paths. Calling the SAMHSA National Helpline costs nothing and stays private. It provides information and referrals to you. 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.
Most people’s next move is to call a facility. Ask specific questions to see what they offer. Check these few items:
- What pre-start check is done?
- What aid exists if symptoms worsen?
- How do they set up follow-up care?
- Which insurance and cost details need checking?
What is covered is decided by your plan. Marketplace plans and many small-group plans must cover mental health and substance use services.[9] But the exact details vary by plan.[9] Federal parity protections apply to many plans that offer these benefits, generally requiring that restrictions on mental health and substance use services not be more restrictive than those applied to comparable medical and surgical care.[10] This does not mean benefits or limits must be identical, and it does not guarantee that every plan covers these services. Since rules rely on your specific plan and applicable law, check your benefits directly. First, call the program and your insurer.
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.
