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Posted on: 21 October 2015

Addiction to opiate substances such as morphine, Oxycontin, methadone and heroine is a growing problem in the United States, with just under 10% of the population abusing opiates at some point in their life. Many people struggle with dependence of one kind or another, and opiate addiction is one of the most difficult habits to kick. If you've made the bold choice to enter a recovery program, you should know what you're going to experience as you work through your cravings and detox symptoms. Here is what you need to know.

Early Symptoms

Physical dependency in opiate use can set in very quickly, with some users of some drugs becoming physically dependent after only a week of taking the drug as prescribed. Early on in your recovery, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Insomnia

If you've been using for a long time, chances are you've already experienced some of those sensations. Depending on how long you've used opiates, you may experience only the early symptoms of withdrawal, or your symptoms may progress. 

Later Symptoms

As uncomfortable as the above symptoms can be, your symptoms may progress, especially if you've been a heavy user or used for a very long time. If this happens to you, you might experience:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Diarrhea

In essence, you'll feel like you have the worst flu of your life. The good news is that while the symptoms of withdrawal are incredibly uncomfortable, they are not life threatening, and will pass.

After Withdrawal

After you've made it through the gauntlet that is withdrawal symptoms, you will probably still experience cravings. This is because physical dependence and psychological dependence are two different things, and they do not always heal at the same rate. People who have dealt with addictions will need to remain vigilant about their lifestyle. Things you should avoid include:

• People who are still using. Even if they are your best friends, they are not a healthy part of your recovery.
• Triggering situations. Don't return to the place you used most often if it triggers cravings for your drug of choice.
• Unsupported situations. Don't put yourself in a position where you have access, even remote access, to your drug of choice and no one to talk to if you need help resisting.
• Medical use of opiates. Being in the hospital may provide access and opportunity to use opiates, but you must remain honest with your health care team and seek alternatives.

Keeping an eye on how close you feel to using again will also be important to your recovery. If you're starting to slip, avoid the above situations like the plague.

Counseling: The Ongoing Work

Even once you've mastered withdrawals and avoiding triggering situations, you may still require counseling. Many people begin the spiral into addiction because of emotional trauma or an inability to cope. It is a myth that people with addictions simply lack moral character and could quit at any time if they only had the willpower to do so. Dealing with the root cause of your addiction will be important in long term recovery. 

As you traverse the path of recovery, you will experience many unpleasant sensations, both physical and psychological, but it truly is the best thing you can do for yourself at this moment. You deserve to recover from your addiction and to have the love and support of those around you. If you're thinking about entering a recovery center, take a deep breath, gather your support team and make the call. When you look back on how far you've come, you'll be glad you did.

For more information, contact a local recovery center like Olalla Recovery Centers.