Opiate withdrawal restlessness

The symptoms of opiate withdrawal-induced RLS dissipate with the other symptoms of withdrawal. The physical symptoms of withdrawal only last up to a week, while the psychological symptoms such as anxiety and irritability can last for months. The symptoms of RLS appear to be both physical and psychological and can last for several weeks, or the duration of the psychological symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

How to help restless legs during opiate withdrawal? Because opiate withdrawal RLS tends to dissipate within a period of days or weeks, your doctor may be reluctant to prescribe the serious medications typically recommended for RLS, such as dopamine agonist Parkinson’s medications.

However, some medications that are commonly prescribed to treat other opiate withdrawal symptoms can also help to reduce the severity of RLS.

Ask your doctor about:

Clonidine: Some people find that clonidine reduces RLS severity. Clonidine is a hypertension medication that’s very commonly prescribed to reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping of opiate withdrawal. Benzodiazepines: Benzos like clonazepam or valium can help you fall and stay asleep and are a recommended (though not first-line) treatment for RLS. These medications can also reduce the anxiety and agitation of opiate withdrawal. Because of the high dependence risk, it’s not advisable to take benzodiazepines for more than 5 days or so when treating opiate withdrawal. Baclofen: This drug is sometimes recommended as a temporary treatment for opiate withdrawal-induced RLS. It may relieve the severity, though not the frequency of symptoms. (Note – the RLS foundation does not recommend baclofen due to insufficient evidence of efficacy and due to concerns over side effects.) Get a Free Consultation, Addiction Assessment or Mental Health Assessment without Any Obligation.

opiate withdrawal restlessness

Opiate Addiction Detox Treatment

Opiate addiction is a chronic disease and should be treated the same as other chronic diseases. Like those, it should constantly be monitored and managed. Opiate addiction treatment is different for each individual. The main purpose of opioid addiction treatment is to help the person stop using the drug. Opiate addiction treatment also can help the person avoid using it again in the future.

The body does go through specific symptom stages known as the opioid withdrawal timeline. The opioid withdrawal timeline varies from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of opioid that was used, how long it was used, and any other substances that may have been used in conjunction with opioids as well. Medically managed withdrawal opioid detox ensures the individual remains safe and stays as comfortable as possible.

Detox Treatment

The first step in treatment is medical detox. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to heroin abuse. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Psychotherapy

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of depression, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Substance abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs treat both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.