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Opioid Withdrawal: Care Instructions

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Overview

Opioids are strong pain medicines. Examples of prescription opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. Heroin is an example of an illegal opioid.

Your body gets used to opioids if you take them all the time. This is called physical dependence. And when you stop using opioids or use less, you go through withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and muscle aches. Withdrawal can last up to several weeks. It depends on which opioid you took and how long you took it. You may feel very ill, but you probably aren't in medical danger.

Withdrawal isn't easy, but there are things you can do to help you cope with the symptoms. You will feel a little bit better each day as your body adjusts and heals itself.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Your doctor may give you medicine to help you feel better. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • To help get through withdrawal, you can also:
    • Get plenty of rest.
    • Drink plenty of fluids.
    • Stay active, but don't tire yourself.
    • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.
  • Do not take medications that make you tired, like sleeping pills or muscle relaxers.
  • Talk to your doctor about drug treatment programs to help you stay drug-free.
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about having a naloxone rescue kit on hand.

Remember after you stop taking an opioid, even for a short time, your body gets used to not having this type of drug. If you return to taking the same amount of an opioid as you did before you stopped, you could be at a higher risk for overdose.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

  • Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or worse withdrawal symptoms that you can't manage at home, such as:
    • Stomach cramps.
    • Vomiting.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Muscle aches.
    • Sweating.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.