Opioid Withdrawal Timeline: What Telehealth Can Treat

Timeline of opioid withdrawal stages treated through telehealth in Tennessee

Understanding the opioid withdrawal timeline is one of the most important steps for people considering treatment. Many people in Tennessee delay getting help because they fear withdrawal symptoms or believe they must suffer through detox alone. The good news is that telehealth opioid treatment can safely treat withdrawal symptoms at nearly every stage—without traveling to a clinic or enduring unnecessary discomfort.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we help patients across Tennessee start treatment from home using evidence-based Suboxone (buprenorphine) care delivered through secure telemedicine.

Accredited, 100% Virtual Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

What Is the Opioid Withdrawal Timeline?

The opioid withdrawal timeline refers to the predictable pattern of symptoms that occur when someone reduces or stops opioid use. While the exact experience varies by person, opioid type, and length of use, withdrawal typically follows several stages.

Common opioids that cause withdrawal include:

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Percocet
  • OxyContin
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone
  • Kratom and 7-OH products

Withdrawal is not a sign of weakness—it’s a medical response to physical dependence.

Early Withdrawal (6–24 Hours After Last Use)

Symptoms in the Early Stage

Early withdrawal often begins within the first day after stopping opioids, especially short-acting ones.

Symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating
  • Runny nose
  • Yawning
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Cravings

This stage is when fear often sets in, especially for people in cities like Murfreesboro, Bell Buckle, LaVergne, Nashville, Oak Hill, and Ridgetop, who may not have easy access to in-person care.

How Telehealth Can Treat Early Withdrawal

Telehealth allows patients to:

  • Meet with a licensed provider from home
  • Start Suboxone at the right time to avoid precipitated withdrawal
  • Receive medical guidance during the most uncomfortable early phase

At Recovery Care of Columbia, many patients begin treatment the same day they reach out.

Why Use Recovery Care of Columbia Telehealth for Help With Opioid Withdrawal?

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

Peak Withdrawal (Days 2–5)

When Symptoms Are Most Intense

Peak withdrawal is often the most physically and emotionally difficult part of the opioid withdrawal timeline.

Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe body aches
  • Chills and hot flashes
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Depression or panic
  • Strong cravings

This stage is where many people relapse—not because they want to use, but because they want relief.

Telehealth Suboxone Treatment During Peak Withdrawal

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is FDA-approved to:

  • Reduce withdrawal symptoms
  • Control cravings
  • Stabilize the nervous system

Through telehealth:

  • Providers carefully guide induction timing
  • Prescriptions are sent to local pharmacies or delivered
  • Patients receive support without leaving home

According to SAMHSA, medication-assisted treatment is the gold standard for opioid use disorder.

Post-Acute Withdrawal (Weeks to Months)

Lingering Symptoms After Detox

Even after physical symptoms improve, many people experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Low motivation
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Sleep disruption
  • Ongoing cravings

These symptoms are a major reason people return to opioid use weeks after detox.

How Telehealth Supports Long-Term Recovery

Telehealth treatment doesn’t stop after detox. Ongoing virtual care helps patients:

  • Stay stabilized on Suboxone
  • Adjust dosing as needed
  • Access counseling support
  • Maintain accountability

Recovery Care of Columbia provides continuous care, not just short-term detox support.

Why Telehealth Works for Opioid Withdrawal in Tennessee

Telemedicine has transformed addiction treatment, especially for rural and underserved communities across Tennessee.

Benefits include:

  • No transportation required
  • Private, secure appointments
  • Works on any smartphone
  • Same-day treatment availability
  • Access statewide, including Memphis-area suburbs and smaller towns

Our clinic has treated 1,000+ patients, is Joint Commission Accredited, and was among the first clinics in Tennessee licensed for virtual OBOT care.

What to Expect When You Start Telehealth Treatment

Step 1 — Register Online

Patients can register in minutes:

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, Tramadol, Percocet, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (931) 548-3062 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Step 2 — Attend a Video Appointment

Your appointment is:

  • Confidential
  • Judgment-free
  • Focused on comfort and safety
  • Led by experienced providers and master’s-level counselors

Step 3 — Receive Same-Day Medication

Suboxone can be started safely when transitioning from:

  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Methadone
  • Kratom
    …and more, with provider guidance.

Insurance, Cost & Accessibility

Recovery Care of Columbia accepts:

  • TennCare Medicaid
  • Most commercial insurance plans
  • Self-pay options
  • Sliding-scale support when available

Learn more on our insurance and pricing page or read real patient experiences on our five-star reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Withdrawal & Telehealth

Can telehealth really treat opioid withdrawal?
Yes. Telehealth Suboxone treatment is evidence-based and widely used across the U.S.

Do I have to be in withdrawal before starting Suboxone?
Yes, but your provider will guide timing carefully to reduce discomfort.

Will my employer or family know I’m in treatment?
No. Telehealth treatment is private and protected by HIPAA.

Is Suboxone safe?
Suboxone is FDA-approved and supported by the DEA and SAMHSA when used as prescribed (https://fda.gov, https://dea.gov).

What if I’ve used fentanyl?
Telehealth providers are experienced in fentanyl-specific induction protocols.

Register Today – Get Seen Today – Feel Better Tomorrow

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises. 

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans. 

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

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