Laudanum is a tincture, meaning it is a solution where a medication is dissolved in alcohol. Known as a “tincture of opium”, laudanum consists of 10 percent opium powder by weight along with varying quantities of alcohol.

Laudanum is considered to be a powerful opioid drug and is often called whole opium since it historically comprised nearly entirely opium-derived components. Contemporary laudanum includes morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine. The majority of these active compounds, including Laudanum itself, are categorized as Schedule II controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S.

The Schedule II classification signifies that the substance has a strong potential for misuse and dependence despite having a recognized medical application at present. However, suddenly discontinuing the drug can lead to withdrawals from Laudanum, which include severe physical and psychological symptoms.

Laudanum withdrawal can be treated under a medically supervised detox, which helps individuals cope with and recover from the side effects of stopping Laudanum and also achieving long-term sobriety.

Where You’d Be Staying

We strive to provide a comfortable, home-like environment during your recovery journey. Browse our facility images below to take a look at our upscale residential facilities.

Tour Our Facilities

What is Laudanum?

As described, Laudanum is a potent blend of addictive compounds such as opium, alcohol, morphine, and codeine.

Even though laudanum is not commonly used today due to the development of safer opioid medications, it is still occasionally utilized in exceptional cases. These include managing severe diarrhea, relieving intense pain or discomfort, and alleviating withdrawal symptoms in infants exposed to opiate-derived substances. Laudanum can still be obtained by prescription in the United States as an “opium tincture” and in Europe marketed as Dropizol.

Nevertheless, both healthcare professionals and warning labels discourage the consumption of opioids and alcohol since both substances are depressants and may result in serious side effects, including respiratory depression.

What Is Laudanum Withdrawal Like?

If the individual tries getting off Laudanum abruptly or significantly reduces the dosage, the effects of the drug are no longer sustained, leading to unpleasant Laudanum withdrawals.

Extended usage of Laudanum alters the operation of nerve receptors in the brain, causing these receptors to rely on the substance for normal function. Laudanum influences dopamine and serotonin receptors to induce sedation, ease pain, and reduce intestinal motility. When Laudanum is misused or consumed over extended durations, the body gradually adapts to this continual state of sedation.

Laudanum Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of Laudanum withdrawal varies based on multiple factors, including the duration of the individual’s drug use, their typical dosage, existing mental and physical health, and co-current drug use.

Withdrawal from Laudanum may start within 24 hours after the final dose and can persist for as long as a week. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal are typically very uncomfortable and painful. Given that Laudanum has alcohol as well, the person might also experience trembling hands, hallucinations, and fever.

The common withdrawal symptoms Laudanum causes include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Goosebumps on the skin
• Dilated pupils
• Yawning constantly
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle aches
• Inability to sleep
• Runny nose
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Blurred vision
• Eyes tearing up
• Stomach cramps
• Irritability

Laudanum Withdrawal Timeline

The withdrawal timeline for Laudanum, and opioids in general, differs from person to person depending on factors such as the amount of drug consumed and your general health.

Generally, the laudanum withdrawal timeline goes as follows:

• 8 to 24 Hours After Last Use: Withdrawal symptoms begin, including anxiety, sweating, runny nose, and drug cravings.
• 1 to 3 Days: Symptoms peak with nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, insomnia, and agitation.
• 4 to 10 Days: Most physical symptoms fade, though mood swings and fatigue may linger.
• 10 to 20 Days (in some cases): Extended withdrawal symptoms may continue in long-term or high-dose users.

We Accept Most Major Insurance

View our wide selection of accepted providers.
Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

View our wide selection of accepted providers. Don’t see yours? Call our admissions team for help.

844-576-0144

Call Now

Verify Insurance

Struggling with addiction? We can help.

Our insurance-covered rehab offers premier treatment for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, & mental health disorders. Call our friendly team today to get started.

Call Now

Why Does Laudanum Abuse Cause Withdrawal?

Laudanum abuse causes withdrawal because it alters the brain’s normal functioning. Stopping the drug suddenly deprives the brain of the chemicals, leading to drug withdrawal.

Laudanum includes two depressants of the central nervous system—liquid opium and alcohol—which lead to sedative and relaxing side effects that aid in pain relief and treat diarrhea by reducing intestinal movement. By itself, opium stimulates opioid receptors in the body, attaching to inhibit pain signals.

Conversely, alcohol stimulates a neurotransmitter known as GABA, which suppresses neural activity within the central nervous system, encouraging calmness and relaxation. Besides obstructing pain signals, laudanum also raises dopamine levels in the brain and prevents the brain from reabsorbing the surplus, as discussed previously. Dopamine is regarded as a chemical that promotes feelings of happiness and is associated with pleasure and reward.

The surge of dopamine subsequently leads to a wave of euphoria. Dopamine is typically released naturally whenever we engage in pleasurable activities. However, opioids such as Laudanum are habit-forming due to their effect on dopamine levels. When dopamine is released, the brain’s reward system gets activated, fostering feelings that promote continued drug use.

Stopping laudanum suddenly deprives the brain of the drug’s effects that it has become accustomed to. Moreover, it has become dependent on the drug to regulate dopamine levels instead of the natural route. This results in the withdrawal symptoms of Laudanum, which are essentially the body and brain trying to adjust to the lack of drug in the system and the sudden changes in neurotransmitter levels.

What Is Detox from Laudanum Like?

Laudanum detox typically begins with a period of medically supervised care, during which patients are removed from access to addictive substances. For many, this detox phase lasts between 48 and 72 hours as the drug clears from the body. Throughout this time, medical staff provide 24/7 support to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

Numerous healthcare experts advise against detoxing from Laudanum at home, as people frequently lack the knowledge to handle their withdrawal symptoms effectively. They might be unaware of which symptoms will develop or when these effects will take place.

In addition, physicians might recommend less addictive combination medications to aid in alleviating the uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening laudanum withdrawal symptoms.

What Happens After Laudanum Detox?

After laudanum detox, rehabilitation follows. Rehabilitation usually starts after doctors are certain that a patient no longer displays symptoms indicating a risk of severe withdrawal. Rehabilitation for opium-derived medications generally includes behavioral and psychotherapy sessions aimed at assisting individuals in confronting their addiction and adapting to life without the use of addictive drugs.

Therapy sessions can also help with this process, and friends or family are frequently urged to offer their support during this period. Individuals collaborate with counselors both one-on-one and in group settings with fellow patients to cultivate skills necessary for maintaining a sober life post-rehab.

Laudanum Withdrawal | FAQs

How strong is Laudanum?

Laudanum, also called a “tincture of opium,” is a very strong liquid medicine made with about 10% opium and a significant amount of alcohol. Most laudanum formulas contain around 25% alcohol, but some versions can have as much as 60% to 90% alcohol, making it a very potent and potentially dangerous substance.

How long does it take to detox from Laudanum?

If you are using opioids like laudanum that are gradually released in your system, you will probably feel withdrawal symptoms one or two days after your final dose. The symptoms are typically not as severe as those of fast-acting opioids, but they may persist for 3 to 6 weeks.

What are the symptoms of withdrawal from Laudanum?

Common withdrawal symptoms from opioids such as laudanum include restlessness, insomnia, body aches, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and abdominal cramping.

What is the most serious side effect of opioids?

The most serious side effect of opioid use is respiratory depression—slowed or stopped breathing, often referred to as an “overdose”—which can lead to death. There is also a high risk of developing opioid use disorder, a condition that ranges from moderate to severe and is commonly known as addiction.

How long do Laudanum withdrawals last?

Withdrawal from laudanum may start within 24 hours after the final dose and can persist for a week or longer.

What is the strongest opioid painkiller?

The synthetic opioid Carfentanil is a 100 times more potent form of fentanyl. It is 5,000 times more potent than heroin and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Why was Laudanum discontinued?

Laudanum was discontinued because of its tendency for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Laudanum is now recognized as an addictive substance and is rigorously regulated and monitored as such in many parts of the world. The Controlled Substances Act of the United States, for instance, categorizes it under Schedule II, the second most stringent category.

Gratitude Lodge Offers Help with Laudanum Withdrawal and Detox

If you or someone dear to you has been searching for opiate addiction treatment or detox from laudanum, you’ve come to the right place! Our expert clinicians specialize in prescription medication addiction and opiate misuse.

Our compassionate staff of medical professionals can help you tackle the physical and mental aspects of addiction with evidence-based therapies customized to your specific needs. These treatments may include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Adventure Therapy

For more information about how to begin detox and addiction treatment, contact our team today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioid-withdrawal-symptoms#manage
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm