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Heroin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox
Heroin is a fiercely addictive opioid and Schedule I narcotic. If you become dependent on heroin, you will experience intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug.
According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), 1.1 million U.S. adults used heroin in 2021, with over 1 million over-18s reporting heroin addiction in the same year. This makes heroin the most addictive of all substances of abuse.
Today’s guide highlights these crucial issues:
You will also discover how to connect with ongoing heroin addiction treatment after detoxing from heroin with medical supervision.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms, otherwise known as heroin detox symptoms, present when someone who is dependent on heroin stops using the drug. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal from heroin are a physical and psychological response from a system accustomed to the continuous presence of opioids.
Any sustained use of heroin triggers the development of tolerance and physical dependence. Tolerance to heroin starts forming rapidly, meaning that more heroin is required to deliver the initial effects. Increasing the amount of heroin or the frequency of doses accelerates the development of physiological dependence. Dependence is characterized by opioid withdrawal, which manifests when someone reduces or discontinues their use of opioids.
The opioid withdrawal symptoms that present during a heroin comedown are not typically life-threatening, but they can be aggravating and painful. Additionally, the vomiting and diarrhea that occur during withdrawal can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, severe dehydration, and potentially deadly outcomes.
Withdrawals from heroin start anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after the last use of heroin. The acute phase of heroin withdrawal can last for 4 to 10 days. The onset and duration of withdrawal hinges on factors that include:
The short-term heroin withdrawal, like most opioid withdrawal symptoms, is so uncomfortable and distressing that many people return to heroin use rather than managing symptoms. This is why it is crucial to engage in a supervised medical detox to avoid relapsing back into substance abuse. Attempting to withdraw from heroin at home without medical guidance and supervision is not only dangerous but could even be life-threatening.
If you need help finding a safe and effective substance abuse treatment program, call our recovery counselors today for help at 888-995-4208.
Heroin withdrawal can cause a range of short-term symptoms, including:
Protracted heroin withdrawal, also known as long-term heroin withdrawal, can cause ongoing impairments even after acute withdrawal. Symptoms may include:
Returning to heroin use to alleviate post-acute withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. After withdrawal, tolerance to opioids is reduced, increasing the risk of overdose for individuals who relapse.
Some common signs of heroin withdrawal may include:
The severity and duration of heroin withdrawal may vary depending on several factors depending on each individual’s circumstances. So how long does it take to withdraw from heroin? This depends on many factors, including:
The acute phase of heroin detox and withdrawal involves the presentation of physical symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of heroin.
Here is a breakdown of the timeline of heroin withdrawal symptoms:
Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically start within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of heroin. During this phase, you may experience physical symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and sweating. You may also experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety and agitation, which can make it difficult to sleep.
The first few days of heroin withdrawal are often the most challenging. Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 2 to 3 days of the last use, with intense physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and body tremors. Psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, and drug cravings may also present.
After the first few days, heroin withdrawal symptoms start to subside. Physical symptoms like nausea and vomiting may decrease, while psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may still be present. Drug cravings may also persist during this time.
By this point, the acute phase of heroin withdrawal should have ended, and your body should have naturally removed the drug from your system. That said, you may still experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and drug cravings, which can last for weeks or even months. It is vital to seek support during this time to manage these symptoms and prevent relapse.
Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain condition that is incurable. Fortunately, a range of effective withdrawal treatments are available and proven effective. Scientific research has shown that integrating both pharmacological and behavioral therapies can lead to increased rates of employment, reduced risk of infectious diseases and criminal behavior, and improved overall brain function and behavior.
When those with opioid use disorder decide to quit, they often experience severe withdrawal symptoms that can trigger relapse. However, medications can be highly beneficial in the detoxification stage, easing cravings and other physical symptoms. Lofexidine is the first non-opioid medication approved by the FDA to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.
There are three types of medications used to treat opioid use disorder:
Methadone, a slow-acting opioid agonist, has been used since the 1960s and is still an excellent option for patients who don’t respond well to other medications. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, blocks the action of opioids and is not addictive or sedating, but patient compliance can be challenging. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, relieves drug cravings without producing dangerous side effects, and its novel formulation (Suboxone) contains naloxone to prevent attempts to get high by injecting the medication.
Effective behavioral therapies for opioid use disorder include contingency management and CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Contingency management uses a voucher-based system to reward patients for negative drug tests, while cognitive-behavioral therapy helps modify expectations and behaviors related to drug abuse and improves coping skills for dealing with life stressors. It’s essential to tailor the treatment approach to meet the specific needs of each patient. With a combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapies, individuals with heroin addiction can overcome their substance abuse and achieve a healthier, happier life.
If you have developed an addiction to heroin, get effective substance abuse treatment with a supervised heroin detox at California Detox in Laguna Beach. Take advantage of FDA-approved medications and continuous clinical care during your withdrawal from heroin. Our programs provide world-class addiction treatment along with treatment for co-occurring mental disorders for a comprehensive recovery plan.
Following detox, you can move directly into one of these ongoing substance abuse treatment programs at our luxury beachside facility:
All treatment programs deliver individualized heroin detox and addiction treatment that combines science-backed and holistic treatments, such as:
Call admissions today at 888.775.9214 and take immediate steps to break the cycle of heroin addiction.
How long does it take to withdraw from heroin?
The duration of heroin withdrawal can vary from person to person depending on factors like frequency of use, amount of heroin used, and individual physiology. That said, most people start to experience withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after the last use of heroin. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin typically persist for 5 to 7 days.
What are the signs of heroin withdrawal?
The signs of heroin withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.
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