Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Heroin addiction can cause the user to experience withdrawal when stopping abruptly. Depending on how severe opioid addiction is, the effects of heroin withdrawals can be life-threatening and may require medical heroin detox. Drug detox can help those struggling with addiction to heroin to go through the withdrawal process comfortably and safely.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms can vary from user to user and in severity. Factors that can determine how severe the effects of heroin withdrawals can include the length of substance abuse, how often and how much they were using, and the presence of any other medical issues. Withdrawals from heroin can range from mild to severe and may include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Tremors
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Sweats
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Intense cravings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Severe aches and pains in the muscle and joints
• Watery eyes
• Impaired respiration
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Every person will experience withdrawal differently; however, most individuals will go through several phases of heroin withdrawal which may look like this:

• Six to 12 hours after the last dose: withdrawals from heroin start and will usually be mild
• One to three days after the last dose: heroin withdrawals will peak between 24 to 72 hours after quitting heroin and is when symptoms will be at their worst.
• One week after the last dose: Most withdrawal symptoms begin to subside after a week. If the individual had severe heroin abuse, withdrawals could last up to 10 days.

Some people may still experience mild, lingering heroin withdrawals for several weeks or months, known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS.

For more information on how our addiction treatment programs can help heal drug or alcohol dependence, please give The River Source a call at 866-294-9331.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Heroin?

Drug detox uses several interventions, such as medication-assisted treatment, to manage the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Medical detox will take place before heroin completely leaves the body and takes about 5 to 7 days to complete. However, for those with heavier heroin abuse, drug detox can last up to 10 days.

Is Heroin Detox Safe?

Medical heroin detox is the safest route when withdrawing from opioids, and it is a much better option than attempting to go cold turkey on your own. Medical professionals will monitor your vitals and administer medication-assisted treatment as withdrawal symptoms arise to make the process much more comfortable. Medical detox can also ensure you complete the withdrawal process in its entirety.

What Makes Heroin Detox Easier?

Several medications are used in medical heroin detox, including other opioids that block opioid receptors and reduce intense cravings, such as methadone. Buprenorphine is another common medication in heroin detox, which helps reduce cravings and physical symptoms like muscle aches and vomiting. Detox programs also use over-the-counter medications like anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal drugs.

Why Choose The River Source for Safe and Effective Heroin Detox?

The River Source offers medical detox with proper holistic addiction treatment. Our treatment programs integrate evidence-based substance abuse therapies and holistic heroin addiction treatment to help treat the body, mind, and spirit. Holistic addiction treatments can also help detox the body of drugs and alcohol much more manageable, helping the body heal itself. You can also easily transition into our drug rehab programs that are personalized to each client. We offer a variety of levels of care to fit all types of substance use disorders, including inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Our treatment programs consist of several traditional drug addiction therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and complementary addiction treatments such as yoga, acupuncture, and vitamin IV infusion therapy. If you would like to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction program, please contact us at 866-294-9331 today.