Feeling Out of Control After Quitting Opioids
If you’ve recently stopped using opioids and feel like you’re “going crazy,” you are not alone. The early stages of opioid withdrawal are often intense and deeply unsettling. Individuals may experience racing thoughts, emotional instability, panic, and even paranoia. These symptoms are not a sign of permanent damage but a temporary phase of the body and brain adjusting to life without opioids.
The experience is frightening but it’s also survivable, and with the right help, you can get through it.
Opioids fundamentally alter how the brain processes pain, pleasure, and emotion. When use is discontinued, the body begins to rebalance itself, but that transition is far from comfortable. For many, the mental effects of withdrawal feel worse than the physical ones. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, confused, and emotionally raw. The good news is that these symptoms usually peak and decline within the first week, especially with medical support.
Why Opioid Withdrawal Affects the Brain So Strongly
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain and alter the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain stops producing dopamine naturally, relying on the presence of opioids instead. When opioid use ends, the brain experiences a crash, dopamine levels plummet, and the nervous system swings into overdrive. This creates a host of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms.
The result can feel like chaos. People may experience extreme anxiety, intrusive thoughts, disconnection from reality, and even hallucinations in some cases. This doesn’t mean you’re truly “going crazy.” These reactions are part of a chemical withdrawal, and they are temporary. With the right environment, tools, and medical oversight, these symptoms can be safely managed, and emotional clarity can return.
Common Psychological Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Everyone’s experience is unique, but there are several common mental health symptoms that accompany opioid detox. These include:
- Severe mood swings
- Panic attacks or generalized anxiety
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Agitation or irritability
- Emotional numbness or detachment
These feelings can make it difficult to function and lead some people to believe they are having a nervous breakdown. It’s important to understand that withdrawal symptoms can mimic psychiatric disorders — but they are not the same as long-term mental illness. Most people see improvement as detox progresses and the brain begins to regulate itself again.
The Link Between Withdrawal and Mental Health
Stopping opioids doesn’t just trigger withdrawal. It also uncovers the emotional and psychological struggles that may have been masked by drug use. For many, opioids were used to manage depression, trauma, anxiety, or physical pain. When the numbing effect disappears, these issues often surface in full force. This can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals who don’t have strong coping skills or a support system in place.
It’s common for people in early recovery to feel like they’re unraveling. They may cry uncontrollably, struggle to focus, or experience waves of anger and sadness that feel impossible to manage. These reactions are valid and rea, and they’re also signals that professional support is needed. Detox and treatment programs are designed to provide this support, offering structure, therapy, and medication if necessary to help individuals stabilize.
The Dangers of Going Through Withdrawal Alone
Because the mental symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be so intense, trying to detox without help can be dangerous. Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and relapse are real risks. It’s not uncommon for individuals to return to opioid use simply to quiet their minds or escape the emotional chaos of withdrawal. That’s why medical detox is strongly recommended, even for those who believe they can manage alone.
Medical detox programs offer round-the-clock care and supervision. Staff are trained to recognize the signs of psychological distress and respond with compassion and professionalism. In many cases, medications like buprenorphine or clonidine are used to ease symptoms and protect the individual from unnecessary suffering. Just as important, detox centers provide a calm and supportive environment, free from the triggers and stress of daily life.
How Long Will These Symptoms Last?
One of the most common questions people have during withdrawal is, “When will this end?” Unfortunately, the timeline varies depending on the individual, the length and intensity of opioid use, and whether other substances were involved. However, most people experience the worst mental and emotional symptoms during the first five to seven days. By the end of the second week, most find that the intensity has decreased significantly.
That said, some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), a lingering phase of symptoms like brain fog, depression, or anxiety that can last for weeks or months. PAWS is not permanent, but it can be discouraging. Continued support through therapy, support groups, and medication management can make this period more manageable and reduce the risk of relapse.
What You Can Do to Feel Better
If you’re struggling after stopping opioids, there are practical steps you can take right now to feel more grounded:
- Seek professional help: Whether it’s a detox program or outpatient counseling, don’t try to go it alone. Help is available.
- Practice calming techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, and light stretching can help regulate the nervous system.
- Stay connected: Talking to trusted friends or loved ones can ease feelings of isolation and fear.
- Avoid triggers: Stay away from people, places, and situations associated with past use.
- Give yourself time: Healing is a process. You won’t feel normal right away, but you will get better.
These strategies can reduce stress and help you navigate early recovery. However, they are not substitutes for professional treatment when needed. If your symptoms feel too heavy to handle, it’s time to reach out.
Treatment Options for Opioid Withdrawal
The Wave of North Florida offers a safe and compassionate space for individuals going through opioid withdrawal. Located in Lake City, our treatment center provides medical detox, individualized therapy, and long-term recovery planning. We understand that stopping opioids is about more than detox — it’s about rebuilding your life.
Our programs are designed to meet you where you are. Whether this is your first attempt at sobriety or one of many, we believe recovery is always possible. We help clients manage withdrawal symptoms, address underlying mental health issues, and develop the skills needed to maintain lasting sobriety. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be supported by a team that understands what you’re going through and how to help you get through it.
You’re Not Going Crazy — You’re Getting Sober
Feeling like you’re “going crazy” after stopping opioids is a terrifying experience, but it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your brain is recalibrating. It means your nervous system is waking up. It means your emotions are returning. And while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also a sign that healing has begun.
With the right help, these symptoms will pass. You will sleep again. You will feel joy again. You will regain your sense of self. If you’re struggling with opioid withdrawal, don’t wait until things feel unmanageable. Help is here, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
