01 Jul How Long Does It Take To Detox From Oxycodone?
How long does it take to detox from oxycodone? What risks are associated with withdrawal? If you or a loved one have developed a dependency on oxycodone (aka oxycontin) and are ready to take your first steps towards sobriety, you may feel anxious and have many questions about the detox process. Read on for more information to help prepare you for detox and more comfortable detox options.
Understanding oxycodone withdrawal
The duration of oxycodone withdrawal can vary greatly from person to person because it can be impacted by so many factors, such as:
- The age, weight, and gender of the patient
- Other health conditions the patient may have, including mental health
- Whether oxycodone was mixed with other prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances
- The quantity and frequency at which oxycodone was taken, and the method of consumption
Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms and timeline
How long does it take to detox from oxycodone? For many people, the timeline will range between 10 – 14 days, but as mentioned, there are many factors that can influence this estimate.
Days 1-2
Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as 4-8 hours after the final dose dose. Initial symptoms include:
- Body aches, headaches, restlessness, and fatigue
- Nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, and anxiety
- Runny nose, involuntary tear secretion, and pupil dilation
- Extreme sweating and intense cravings
- This window has the highest relapse rate.
Days 3-5
This time period is when the physical withdrawal symptoms are typically most severe. Body aches, nausea, and vomiting may intensify. People may also experience shaking or muscle cramps.
Days 6-7
Physical symptoms like nausea and diarrhea may persist, but most other physical symptoms are likely to ease. Unfortunately, this also means that psychological withdrawal symptoms of anxiety and depression are felt more sharply.
Days 8+
Patients who have detoxed oxycodone from their bodies often experience deep remorse that comes with renewed mental clarity. This time period is extremely risky from a mental health standpoint, and those freshly detoxed should be closely monitored to ensure they don’t relapse or make drastic, permanent decisions.
Detox symptoms lasting longer than a week are known as PAWS, short for Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. PAWS can last as long as two years, though it should be noted that they will gradually decrease in severity over time. Sleeping issues, anxiety, depression, low energy levels, and difficulty concentrating are common PAWS in oxycodone detox.
Potential risks
It’s extremely important to seek professional help for your oxycodone dependency. The safest and most comfortable way to begin detox is through slowly tapering off of oxycodone on a custom schedule designed by an addiction expert. The pain and severe psychological distress of quitting “cold turkey” can be fatal, driving some to self-harm. People who detox cold turkey and then relapse often overdose because they try to take the same doses as when they had a built-up tolerance to oxycodone.
Healthcare providers can also administer drugs to relieve withdrawal symptoms safely. Many over-the-counter drugs have dangerous interactions with oxycodone, and constantly label-checking while in the peak of detox is extremely stressful. Doctors can evaluate you ahead of detox and establish a plan to treat uncomfortable symptoms, allowing you to fully focus on recovery while knowing you are safe.
Skip The Clinic With Elite Home Detox
You don’t have to upend your life entirely to begin your recovery journey. With Elite Home Detox’s mobile concierge in-home rehabilitation services, we bring the expertise of the clinic to you. Our experts will visit your home for a consultation in which we will build a custom rehabilitation plan for your unique needs.
During detox, one of our medical professionals will stay onsite with you 24/7 to monitor your progress and ensure your comfort in between doctor check-ins. Once detox is complete, your designated Care Coordinator can help you stay organized and keep your aftercare and recovery plan on track.
Elite Home Detox is here to help you begin your recovery journey. Call or click the button below for a consultation today!