Protocol for treating opioid withdrawal
People from all walks of life can misuse opioids. When a person’s opioid dependence causes serious consequences to their health or social relationships, a medical professional may diagnose them with an opioid use disorder (OUD). But like other health conditions, an OUD is treatable.
If you or a loved one needs treatment, seek out a health care professional to create a recovery plan.
Withdrawal management, also known as detox, is one step in treating and recovering from opioid misuse. Advances in withdrawal management care mean that most people can end their opioid dependence safely and in relative comfort.
When you seek treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms, a medical provider will conduct a comprehensive medical assessment, determine how best to stabilize your withdrawal symptoms, and help you find ongoing treatment.
Medical assessment. This will help your provider determine your treatment needs. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- What drugs have you been you taking? This includes opioids, alcohol, and other drugs.
- When did you last take any drugs?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- Have you experienced withdrawal in the past? If so, did the withdrawal require treatment in a hospital?
- Do you have any physical or mental health conditions?
- Are you pregnant? Regardless of your answer, you may be asked to give a urine sample for a precautionary pregnancy test.
- Do you have any friends or family members who would be either helpful or unhelpful to you during treatment?
- What are your goals after you complete the withdrawal phase?
Your provider may use a scale, such as the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale, to assess the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.
Stabilizing your withdrawal symptoms. This includes determining what setting and what type of treatment would be best for you:
- Withdrawal management setting. Your medical assessment helps determine which type of withdrawal management setting is best for you. This can include outpatient or inpatient care.
- Medications for opioid use disorder. Several medications — including buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone — can help people who are experiencing opioid withdrawal. Medication treatment for opioid use disorder may involve receiving a medication at a pharmacy or facility, with appropriate counseling on how to take the medication.
Finding ongoing treatment. Once stabilization is complete, your provider will connect you with post-withdrawal treatment or rehabilitation to continue your care. Ongoing treatment reduces the likelihood that you resume opioid use or experience an overdose.
After treatment concludes, providers may also recommend counseling, therapy, or a 12-step program. Learn more about sustaining your recovery after treatment.
