How do you tell the difference between withdrawals and actually being sick?

[John_Burrows]

This week I caught a bug and actually was sick for a few days (fever, aches, chills, etc). What really confused me though was being able to tell the difference between my virus symptoms and opiate withdrawal!

How do you know when you're feeling feverish because you're sick or because it's time for a hit??

Made it really tough to know when I was actually better, especially because opiates can also help mask overall ill-health symptoms.

 

[smackncheese]

Oh, believe me, the feeling is unmistakable. When you're dopesick, your body definitely lets you know that in the meanest, nastiest way possible. Not even with the worst flu I've ever had have I had body aches/restless arms and legs like I have from withdrawals, and the insomnia and 'tweaky' feeling definitely are another side-effect you don't get with a normal flu!

I don't know if it's this way for you, since your DOC is different (dilaudids vs. heroin) but when I'm dopesick, I get the lovely smell of detox all over my skin and in my hair. It's pretty gross.

 

[Alcyone]

Mild withdrawals are indeed very similar to symptoms of some viral infections. The key in my case is restless legs and arms. I always get them when withdrawing from opioids, even just a few days of use, but never from a cold or flu.

 

[Mr Blonde]

For me it's RLS and intense cravings and psychological symptoms that sets WD apart from a virus.