How long should I expect opiate withdrawals to last.

[Nikkrobert92]

I'm on day 5 off opiates, I've been reading some columns and I just wanted to ask my specific questions. First off, how log do physical W/Ds to last? And how long do the chills last for?(I hate those the worst.)how long does the lack of energy take to build back to normal? And lastly will I be able to enjoy life again? I'm 21 and I should be at my prime but I'm stuck in this vicious nightmare that doesn't quit.

[Nikkrobert92]

Wow talk about specific! Haha all that was really helpful. I'm on day 8 now and I can honestly say that I'm exited for the future. I'm happier, nicer, and even though it's hard it feels good to feel again you know? All those years of numbing everything. It's like waking up to a new world that I want to explore! As for my meds. I wasn't prescribed I was gettin them off the street. It was, methadone, roxys, and kadian(morphine sulfate). I have a very high tolerance. I've o.d'd once an went to the hospital but everything checked out. Even that wasn't a wake up call. The reasons I quit are..I want to have a normal life. When I look back at the time I wasn't using all that's there is goo memories. I want to find love and be able to do things without worrying I have enough pills. I promise myselftt I'll never go through this again. Thanks again!

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

You should be very proud of yourself. What you did took a lot of inner strength and fortitude. You did not tell me what opiates you were on, so it is hard for me to predict how long your symptoms will last. Sometimes just a few days, sometimes a few weeks, just give it time.
See if a  doctor can write your friend a prescription for some Requip for restlessness, Neurontin for anxiety and malaise, some Flexeril or Soma for a few weeks for muscle spasms and maybe some Seroquel low dose, for sleep and Klonopin which will be helpful for sleeplessness and anxiety. It will make his withdrawals easier.  Valerian and Magnesium is sometimes helpful remedies over the counter.
The residual symptoms of insomnia and depression can last another few months. Thus, it is not easy, but it gets better and better over time and you can look forward to a drug free healthy energetic you in the future. When you take opiates for a long time like you have, your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them, but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself.  It will take time - two to four weeks at least, for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly, so it may take you as long as a couple of months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness, restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar, soda, and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime. As to what to do with the pills that you will have left over, you are right, take them to the local police department after calling them first. Take care of yourself and look ahead.