What happens when you stop taking painkillers

July 22, 2025
Jacky Buensoz

Stopping painkillers isn’t just about breaking a habit. It’s about facing your brain, your body, and your emotions without the drug. The reality is, painkiller withdrawal effects can be overwhelming—but they’re also a sign of healing.

Why withdrawal feels worse before it gets better

When opioids leave the system, the brain doesn’t know how to regulate itself. For years, it relied on the drug to feel normal. So when you stop, it reacts—violently:

Sweating and chills
Anxiety or panic attacks
Muscle cramps and restless legs
Insomnia, nausea, and mood swings

These painkiller withdrawal effects are temporary, but intense. That’s why many users relapse within days. Not because they lack willpower—but because their body is in shock.

The emotional side of withdrawal

What’s less visible is the emotional toll:

Sudden crying or anger
Deep sadness or emptiness
Feelings of being lost or disconnected

This stage is fragile. Without support, users can feel hopeless. According to the EMCDDA’s Opioid Overview, opioid withdrawal is a leading cause of relapse in Europe—even in medically assisted programs.

Recovery without substitutes

At Narconon, withdrawal is handled drug-free. No methadone. No Suboxone. Just a safe environment, nutrition, hydration, and natural methods to restore energy and clarity.
It’s not easy. But it works.

To see how others have recovered without switching one drug for another, visit our About Us page. Real stories. Real change.

FAQ: painkiller withdrawal effects

What are the first signs of opioid withdrawal?

They often include sweating, shaking, yawning, and nausea—usually within 12 hours of the last dose.

How long do withdrawal symptoms last?

Physical symptoms can last 5 to 10 days. Emotional symptoms may continue for weeks without proper support.

Can withdrawal be fatal?

Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal, but complications like dehydration or heart issues can arise without medical supervision.

Is it possible to detox without medication?

Yes. Programs like Narconon use drug-free methods—hydration, vitamins, rest, and support—to manage withdrawal safely and naturally.

The Author

Jacky Buensoz

I have personally experienced various drugs before making the life-changing decision to turn things around. In 1993, I completed the Narconon program in Plans-sur-Bex, Switzerland, a pivotal experience that set me on a new path. Since then, I have dedicated my life to helping and rehabilitating addicts, gaining decades of experience in prevention, rehabilitation, and family support. With years of hands-on experience, I have been serving as the Director of Narconon Europe for the past four years. My mission is to provide effective solutions to help those struggling with addiction and to support their loved ones throughout this transformative journey. My goal is to bring about real change, sharing my expertise and guiding individuals toward a life free from addiction.