What is Opiate Withdrawal Insomnia?
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The opiate withdrawal process is the first big step you take toward reclaiming your life in recovery. Going through the detox and withdrawal process, though, is not pleasant. When sleep eludes you, on top of the withdrawal symptoms, it can be downright miserable. To learn more about detox and opiate withdrawal insomnia, read on.
Knowing when it’s Time to Get Help for Opiate Addiction
Whether you acquired an opiate addiction from pain relief efforts or recreational drug abuse, the end result is the same. Either way, the brain made changes in response to the flood of dopamine, and that has resulted in dependence or addiction.
Opiates are drugs that have a powerful effect on brain chemistry. These drugs, which are mostly prescribed for pain relief, are highly addictive. Some people may find themselves addicted to the drug in just a couple of weeks.
Some of the signs of opiate abuse or addiction include:
- Psychological:
- Increased irritability.
- Mood swings.
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Euphoria.
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
2. Physical:
- Drowsiness and lack of energy.
- Nodding out, slipping in and out of consciousness.
- Chronic constipation.
- Tiny pupils.
- Sleep disorders.
- Tinnitus
- Muscle pain.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Withdrawal symptoms after the effects wear off.
3. Behavioral symptoms:
- Taking more frequent doses as tolerance increases.
- Doctor shopping or forging prescriptions.
- Skips activities.
- Decline in work performance.
- Sneaky behavior.
- Hanging out with addicts.
- Obsessed with obtaining the drug.
- Stealing pills from friends or relatives.
- Stealing money or items from family members to buy drugs.
- Neglects appearance and hygiene.
- Illegal actions.
- Cannot stop the drug regardless of adverse effects.
What Happens During Opiate Detox and Withdrawal?
If you notice some of the signs of addiction in yourself, you may be ready to stop taking the pills. If so, the first step back to health and wellness is to complete the detox process. It is always best to go through detox while under the watchful eye of a trained detox expert.
This is because there will be pain and discomfort as the withdrawal symptoms emerge. Your first impulse will be to run back to the drug at the first sign of pain. Instead of giving up, a detox expert can guide you safely through the process and into treatment.
During opiate withdrawal, your body is going through a type of trauma in the absence of the opiate. This internal struggle, as the system attempts to normalize, is what causes the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. To help you endure the process, the detox team provides help as needed.
What is Opiate Withdrawal Insomnia?
One of the common symptoms of opiate withdrawal is insomnia. As tired and exhausted as you feel during detox, your mind and body will not allow sleep. You may struggle to fall asleep, or if you do fall asleep, to stay asleep.
As you attempt to get sleep during detox, there are other symptoms that are working against that goal. You may have muscle pain, restless legs, nausea and vomiting, and cold sweats that won’t allow you to fall asleep.
The detox team can help you with the insomnia to some extent. They can provide over-the-counter meds to help you relax and return to a normal sleeping pattern.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
Each person will have a unique detox timeline and symptom profile. The time needed to complete an opiate detox varies based on how long you were using the drugs. Other factors are which drug was used, how much was consumed on a daily basis, and your health.
On average, opiate detox takes one to two weeks to complete. Detox unfolds about twelve hours after the last dosage, and then goes through three distinct phases:
Phase One. Common symptoms are insomnia, yawning, teary eyes, restless legs, muscle pain, anxiety, stomach pain, and profuse sweating.
Phase Two. On about days 2-3 the symptoms will peak. They include stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, and high blood pressure.
Phase Three. From days 5-14, symptoms will slowly subside. Symptoms include irritability, nausea, depression, sweating, fatigue, and body aches.
It is not uncommon to have lingering symptoms like insomnia, depression, or anxiety for a few months.
Starting the Rehabilitation Process
Detox is only the first step in opiate recovery. After it has been completed, the focus turns to rehab, where you learn how to navigate recovery and remain opiate-free. This is a learning process that involves undoing old habits and impulses and replacing them with mindful choices.
Treatment includes:
Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the core treatment element for addiction recovery. The most helpful therapies are CBT and DBT. Therapy serves two important functions:
- To examine underlying emotional pain or trauma
- To identify and change disordered thought patterns that drive compulsive opiate use.
Group therapy. In small groups led by a therapist, you are encouraged to share your experiences, frustrations, challenges, and hopes with others. These group sessions foster a sense of peer support.
Addiction education. You’ll learn how drugs impact brain chemistry and cause addiction to develop. Classes teach coping skills to prepare you for life in recovery and assist you in forming a relapse prevention plan.
Aftercare. Once you have completed rehab, you will turn your attention toward preventing relapse. Several actions can assist with this goal, such as outpatient treatment, sober living, N.A. or SMART Recovery programs, and alumni functions.
You can overcome an opiate addiction and reclaim the life you deserve. With a commitment to make core changes in your life, and expert guidance, you can rise above drug addiction. Reach out for help today!
Annandale Behavioral Health
California Opiate Detox and Addiction Treatment
Annandale Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive treatment program for those who wish to overcome an opiate addiction. Our expert detox staff will guide you safely through the detox process and assist you with opiate withdrawal insomnia. If you are struggling with an opiate addiction, reach out to us today at (855) 658-2044
