Which of the following is NOT a symptom of opioid withdrawal?

The correct answer is aligned with the understanding of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal is characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can occur when a person who has been using opioids suddenly reduces or stops their intake. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and irritability, reflecting the body's physical dependence on the drug and the resultant physiological responses when the drug is no longer present.

Hypertension can occur in various withdrawal situations, but it is not commonly noted as a direct symptom of opioid withdrawal like the other listed symptoms are. In fact, opioid withdrawal is more often associated with symptoms such as tachycardia, which may initially lead to increased heart rate rather than directly causing hypertension. Thus, while fluctuations in blood pressure can occur, they are secondary effects and not the hallmark symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

This distinction helps mental health practitioners recognize the primary indicators of withdrawal and differentiate them from other potential complications that may arise during detoxification or treatment processes.