Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Using opioids over time can lead to dependence or addiction. Learn about the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and when to seek help to stop using the drugs.

What is an opioid?

Opioids are drugs your doctor might prescribe temporarily to treat pain for an injury or surgery. Common names include fentanyl, oxycodone (Oxycontin), oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and others.

The drugs interact with pain receptors on nerve cells in your body and brain. Unfortunately, in addition to treating pain, they can produce a sense of euphoria, or “high,” and, when misused, you can become dependent or addicted.

Even when opioids are properly prescribed for pain, dependence or addiction can occur — especially if you take the medications for an extended period of time.

If you become addicted — no matter how much you want to stop taking the drugs — the symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be hard to face. 

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