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Opiate/Opioid Withdrawal

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Quick Guide to Psychiatric Emergencies

Abstract

Opiates are naturally occurring substances (morphine, opium and codeine) while opioids are synthesized (heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, methadone). They are prescribed worldwide to treat acute and chronic pain, diarrhea and cough. Their euphoric, sedating and anxiolytic effects make them common substances of abuse and approximately three million people in the United States and 16 million world-wide have a current or past opiate use disorder. Withdrawal typically occurs between 6–48 h after cessation of use with longer acting substances (e.g., methadone) causing a more delayed withdrawal. While intoxication and iatrogenic reversal can be life-threatening, natural withdrawal is not, requiring supportive care only.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Paul Borghesani M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Paul Borghesani M.D., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Paul Borghesani M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Denver, Colorado, USA

    Kimberly D. Nordstrom

  2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Michael P. Wilson

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Borghesani, P. (2018). Opiate/Opioid Withdrawal. In: Nordstrom, K., Wilson, M. (eds) Quick Guide to Psychiatric Emergencies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_44

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58260-3_44

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-58258-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-58260-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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