The symptoms of opiate withdrawal can be divided into roughly two categories: Generalized Toxicity and Elimination.

The process of withdrawal is experienced most sharply at the time of “detoxification”, at the time of the elimination of poisons. The toxins or poisons being eliminated are largely accumulated bodily wasted whose normal elimination had been suppressed by the intake of narcotics, as well as drugs stored in the body and tissues.

Since narcotic use suppresses the body normal ability to cleanse itself, the accumulation of toxins in the body can cause irritation to many body systems. This irritation causes the symptoms of Generalized Toxicity, among them are: irritability, restlessness, headache, anxiety, nausea, impotence, depressions, generalized aches and pains, insomnia, constipation and more.

Once the use of narcotics is stopped or lessened, the cleansing function of the body increases. The body has four major channels of elimination: the lungs, the kidneys, the skin and the bowels – these are all the areas where wastes from within the body ca pass to the outside. So withdrawal manifest as increased action in these organs.

Thus symptoms of Elimination include running nose, excessive mucus, lung congestion and cough, clods, fever (the body raising its temperature in order to burn off waste faster), rashes, sweating, hot and cold flashes, body odor, increased urine, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite (the body wants to take less food so it can concentrate on getting rid of the old waste).

It is important to remember that these processes of elimination are normal processes and that their appearance is a sign of increasing health. It is a healthy body that has the energy to eliminate its waste, especially in such energetic way. Aiding and supporting the body in its effort to cleanse itself can speed the process of withdrawal. Acupuncture and Herbs and Hot baths are some of these ways.