Heroin is a powerful opioid that the body can quickly become dependent on. When addiction develops, it cannot be easy to overcome, but it is possible. The first step of treatment for heroin addiction is making it through withdrawal. People often wonder, “How long does heroin withdrawal last?”
At Woodland Recovery Center, people can overcome the symptoms of heroin withdrawal in a detox program and then transition into our heroin addiction treatment program. If you or someone you care about is interested in learning how long heroin detox lasts or how long heroin withdrawal symptoms last, our team is standing by to provide answers. Contact our Woodland Recovery Center team today by calling 662.222.2989 today.
Understanding Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process. It involves a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms that can be mild or severe. These heroin withdrawal symptoms can also vary from person to person and change throughout the heroin withdrawal timeline.
Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms are:
- Chills and sweating
- Tremors
- Bone and muscle aches
- Muscle spasms
- Tearing eyes and runny nose
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble concentrating
Fatigue - Insomnia
- Irritability
- Rapid heart rate
- Impaired breathing
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Intense drug cravings
A detox program can help alleviate these symptoms and provide medical support as the body goes through the withdrawal process.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?
So, how long does heroin withdrawal last? It depends on a variety of factors, so the heroin withdrawal timeline will be different for everyone. Generally, heroin withdrawal lasts anywhere from a few days to a week for acute withdrawal, but some psychological symptoms could linger for months. Some symptoms may also come and go throughout the heroin withdrawal duration. A typical timeline for heroin withdrawal is:
6 to 24 Hours
While it can take several days to detox from heroin, withdrawal symptoms may begin as soon as six hours after the last dose. These symptoms typically include muscle aches and pain, tremors, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, poor concentration, and drug cravings.
1 to 3 Days
Symptoms intensity typically peaks within the first three days of the heroin withdrawal timeline. During this phase, symptoms from the first twenty-four hours will often grow in severity, and new symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting will arise.
4 to 7 Days
After three days, physical symptoms especially will start to wane until they gradually subside. By the end of the week, the acute phase of heroin withdrawal is mostly over, but psychological symptoms may still remain.
One Week to Several Months
If someone has long-term heroin use, the heroin withdrawal timeline may be longer as some psychological symptoms persist. During this time, someone may still struggle with insomnia and experience anxiety, irritability, or depression. If these symptoms do not go away or worsen, treatment for co-occurring conditions may be necessary.
Even if most of your symptoms only last a week, trying to detox from heroin at home can be overwhelming. Because of the severity of the cravings and the associated symptoms, many people will relapse during withdrawal if they don’t have the proper support.
What Factors Impact How Long Heroin Withdrawal Lasts?
Each person going through heroin withdrawal will have a unique experience. While some people may be temporarily uncomfortable, others may have severe, lasting symptoms.
Some factors that can impact how long heroin withdrawal lasts include:
- Tolerance
- The severity of the addiction
- Length of time using heroin
- Past opioid dependence
- Polysubstance use
- Overall health
These factors can affect the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as increase the risk of complications during withdrawal. That’s why seeking professional treatment at a reputable treatment center like Woodland Recovery Center is essential.
What to Expect from Detoxing from Heroin?
Detoxing from heroin is a crucial step in the recovery process, and knowing what to expect can arm you with the necessary preparation and mindset. The process is usually overseen by medical professionals who provide round-the-clock care to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Here’s a general outline of what you may expect:
- Medical evaluation – Upon entry into a detox program, a comprehensive assessment will be carried out to understand your health status, severity of addiction, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This information is crucial in designing an individualized detox plan.
- Stabilization – This phase involves medical and psychological therapies aimed at managing withdrawal symptoms and achieving a drug-free state. Medications may alleviate discomfort, suppress cravings, and promote overall well-being.
- Psychotherapy support – Counseling sessions, group therapy, and other psychological support are typically provided to help patients cope with cravings, mood swings, anxiety, or depressive symptoms that may arise during detox.
- Aftercare planning – At the end of the detox process, an aftercare plan is created to help maintain sobriety, reduce the risk of relapse, and ensure a smooth transition into day-to-day life or further treatment. Your plan may include outpatient treatment, sober living arrangements, and continued therapy sessions.
Remember, everyone’s detox experience is unique, and variations in the timeline and severity of withdrawal symptoms are normal. The overarching goal is to achieve a stable, heroin-free state while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Begin Healing with Our Heroin Addiction Treatment
At Woodland Recovery Center, our medical detox center in Mississippi provides patients with a safe and supportive environment for the heroin detox timeline. The purpose of our program is not only to support you physically throughout the entire length of heroin withdrawal but also to provide compassionate care and guidance to reduce the risk of relapse.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a heroin addiction, the time to get help is now. Contact Woodland Recovery Center today by calling 662.222.2989 or contact us online to learn more about how long heroin withdrawal lasts or our addiction treatment programs and services.
