Getting Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal
What Are Opioids?
Opioids describe a class of drugs that have opiate-like properties and bind to various opioid receptors in the brain and other organs. Opioids include synthetic drugs as well as natural opiates that are derived from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. In medicine, opioids are used to treat moderate to severe pain and many other conditions and symptoms.

Opioids provide a euphoric effect and relieve bodily pain. Opioids can be taken orally, injected intravenously or snorted intranasally. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and disrupt the nervous system’s ability to sense pain. The most dangerous aspect of opioids is how fast the body starts to build up a tolerance to them, leading to addiction and dependence.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Drug cravings
Opioid withdrawal is an extremely uncomfortable experience. Most people cannot make it through the entire withdrawal period without either relapsing or getting professional medical assistance. Even though there are medications that are designed to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, some people try to treat their symptoms on their own using inappropriate and even dangerous methods and medications.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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