Depression from opiate withdrawal is a common side effect. It can have long-lasting effects. Fortunately, depression and opiate addiction are both highly treatable. Several medications and therapies are available that have been proven to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms. They help people find recovery.
Understanding Opiate Withdrawal
Opiate withdrawal, also frequently referred to as opioid withdrawal, is the set of symptoms that occurs when opiate use suddenly stops. Opiates and opioids include drugs such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. These drugs all similarly affect the brain and body.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable. They closely resemble severe flu symptoms. Fortunately, opiate withdrawal is not typically life-threatening. Opiate withdrawal treatment can vastly improve symptoms and help people break through this first phase of recovery.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dilated pupils
The Withdrawal Timeline
The opiate withdrawal timeline differs for everyone. It depends on factors like:
- Which specific opiate was used
- How long the person used opiates
- The dosage taken
- Individual body chemistry
- Overall health condition
Typically, detox from opiates results in symptoms that resolve in a week or two. The withdrawal symptoms of drugs such as heroin or oxycodone are the same. However, they may vary in intensity or length depending on which drug has been used.
Opiate detox can last up to two weeks. The severity of symptoms typically peaks after just a few days. Then symptoms gradually get better.
Post-Acute Withdrawal and Depression
After the peak period, the major symptoms of opiate withdrawal begin to subside. People may still feel sick for up to two weeks. However, symptoms are at a much lower intensity than during the peak period.
Post-acute withdrawal can last for months or even years. This is where depression from opiate withdrawal can kick in. Lingering symptoms can lead people to feel that the promises of recovery have been left unfulfilled.
Oxycodone and depression go hand-in-hand during withdrawal. Mood changes can happen with several drugs, including heroin, morphine, and fentanyl. Depression is the most commonly reported symptom of post-acute withdrawal.
How Opiates Impact Mental Health
Opioids impact mental health by changing brain chemistry, emotional regulation, and cognitive functions. While they initially provide a sense of euphoria and relief from pain or emotional distress, their long-term use leads to significant mental health challenges.
Changes in Brain Chemistry
Opiates contribute to depression in several ways, both directly and indirectly:
The Dopamine Disruption
- Regular opiate use changes the brain’s reward system
- Opiates flood the brain with dopamine
- This creates an artificial sense of pleasure and well-being
- Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its natural dopamine production
- The brain also becomes less sensitive to dopamine
- This makes it difficult for individuals to feel joy or satisfaction without the drug
This reduction can lead to an inability to feel pleasure. This is a core symptom of depression. Depression and opiate addiction can be related, as in the case of oxycodone and depression.
Many drugs affect the brain through the dopamine pathway in the brain’s reward network. Opiate use causes a flood of dopamine to enter the brain. This gives a strong sense of reward.
The longer drug use continues, the more the brain adjusts to these new dopamine levels. It does this by cutting back on the receptors which process dopamine when it arrives. This decrease in dopamine receptors can make people feel less and less rewarded by everyday experiences.
The Cycle of Dependence
The cycle of dependence on opioids, followed by withdrawal, further worsens emotional lows. The post-acute withdrawal phase is when symptoms linger after the initial detox period. This can leave individuals feeling:
- Hopeless
- Fatigued
- Unmotivated
- Deeply depressed
These feelings deepen depressive symptoms significantly.
Pre-existing vs. Resulting Depression
When people feel depressed during the post-acute withdrawal phase, it happens for one of two reasons:
- Depression preceded opioid use: For some, depression may have existed before their opioid use. This led them to self-medicate with these substances.
- Depression resulted from opioid use: For others, depression can develop as a result of prolonged opiate use.
This highlights the complex and two-way relationship between opiate addiction and depression.
The Impact on Daily Life
Opioid misuse can impair cognitive functions. This includes memory and decision-making. It contributes to increased impulsivity and difficulty coping with stress.
This impairment can worsen feelings of anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. These are common among those struggling with opioid dependence.
The connection between opioid use and mental health issues is well-documented. This includes anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. For instance, as the effects of opioids wear off, individuals often experience mood crashes or intense anxiety.
In the long term, the brain chemistry imbalances caused by opioids can leave individuals vulnerable to persistent mood disorders. This happens even after they stop using the drugs.
Tolerance and Worsening Depression
Opiates like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl are often misused for their euphoric effects. They eventually become less effective over time due to tolerance.
This tolerance requires higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can worsen depression as dependence grows.
Overall, the impact of opiates on mental health is profound. This makes professional treatment and support essential for recovery.
Opiates Sometimes Used for Depression
Some people may misuse opiates in an attempt to self-treat depression. Common opiates include:
- Heroin
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Tramadol
It’s important to note that using opiates to treat depression is dangerous and ineffective. It leads to addiction and worsens depression over time.
Treatment Options for Depression During Withdrawal
Medical Support
Professional medical detox programs can provide:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease withdrawal symptoms
- Antidepressant medications when appropriate
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- A safe, comfortable environment
Therapeutic Approaches
Evidence-based therapies that help include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Holistic therapies such as mindfulness and meditation
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Natural ways to support recovery from depression during withdrawal:
Physical Activity
- Exercise releases natural dopamine
- Even 30 minutes a day can improve mood
- Builds physical and emotional strength
Nutrition
- Protein-rich foods support dopamine production
- Fresh fruits and vegetables nourish the brain
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid processed foods and excess sugar
Sleep Hygiene
- Establish regular sleep schedules
- Create a calming bedtime routine
- Avoid screens before bed
Social Support
- Connect with supportive friends and family
- Join support groups
- Build a sober community
Getting Professional Help at San Diego Detox
At San Diego Detox, we understand that depression from opiate withdrawal is one of the most challenging aspects of recovery. Our comprehensive treatment approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of withdrawal.
Our Approach Includes:
Medical Detox Program
- Evidence-based medication management
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Comfortable, private suites
Mental Health Support
- Dual diagnosis treatment for depression
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group counseling
- Psychiatric services when needed
Holistic Healing
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Nutritional support
- Exercise and wellness programs
- Equine therapy
Exclusive Environment
- Private, luxurious setting
- Complete confidentiality
- Personalized care plans
- Compassionate, expert staff
The Path Forward: Hope for Recovery
Recovery from opiate addiction and the depression that accompanies withdrawal is possible. While the journey can be challenging, thousands of people successfully overcome both conditions every year.
The brain has a remarkable ability to heal. With proper treatment and support, dopamine levels can normalize. The ability to feel pleasure and joy returns. Depression lifts.
The key is getting professional help and staying committed to the recovery process. Don’t delay treatment any longer — recovery is worth the effort.
Take the First Step Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression from opiate withdrawal, help is available. At San Diego Detox, our experienced team provides compassionate, evidence-based care in a private, comfortable setting.
Contact us today to learn more about our detox and residential treatment programs. Recovery starts with a single step — and we’re here to walk that path with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is opiate withdrawal depression?
Opiate withdrawal depression is a mood disorder that can result when someone stops using opiates. This happens during or after detox because the brain’s reward system becomes out of balance.
Why do people get depressed after quitting opiates?
People get depressed after quitting opiates because long-term opiate use changes dopamine pathways. It reduces the brain’s natural ability to feel pleasure. When the drug is removed, everyday activities may feel unrewarding. This contributes to depression.
What symptoms accompany depression during opiate withdrawal?
Symptoms commonly include:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Lack of pleasure or motivation (inability to feel pleasure)
- Intense drug cravings
- Lingering physical discomfort from withdrawal
How long does depression from opiate withdrawal last?
The timeline varies for each individual. Acute withdrawal depression may last weeks. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, including depression, can persist for months or even years. However, with proper treatment, symptoms improve significantly over time.
Can depression from opiate withdrawal be treated?
Yes. Depression from opiate withdrawal is highly treatable. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment, antidepressants, therapy, and holistic approaches. Professional treatment centers offer comprehensive care that addresses both addiction and mental health.
