Heroin is an incredibly dangerous drug with a high potential for abuse. Many people who try heroin quickly get addicted to it. When this happens, it’s important to go through a medical detox to be stable enough for the next steps of treatment. Understanding the withdrawal timeline is crucial to making the process safer and more manageable. 
How Long Does Heroin Detox Treatment Last?
One of the first steps to breaking free from heroin addiction is detoxification. This is the time when your body will be rid of the drug so that you can function without its presence. For opioid withdrawal syndrome, the onset is typically 8 to 24 hours after the last use, with the withdrawal symptoms lasting around 4 to 10 days.
However, the timeline will vary from person to person. Here’s what you can generally expect after your last heroin use:
- 6 to 12 Hours: Early symptoms of withdrawal will begin, and you may start to experience muscle aches, anxiety, and intense cravings for heroin.
- 24 to 48 Hours: The symptoms will start to intensify, and you might experience more pain and mood swings due to the drug’s absence from your body.
- 1 to 3 Days: Acute withdrawal symptoms peak in intensity, and the symptoms can be difficult to manage without professional help.
- 4 to 7 Days: The intensity of symptoms may start to subside, but you may still experience some physical discomfort.
- After 7 Days: While most symptoms may have subsided and will lessen, they can persist and appear from time to time.
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal happens when a person dependent on heroin stops using the drug. Since heroin is highly addictive, your body will slowly get used to the drug’s presence. This can make doing daily tasks very difficult without using heroin.
Whenever you try to stop the drug, the body reacts by triggering withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and even life-threatening. Withdrawal from heroin is a very tough time, and it can even get very scary at times. Having the right help available can make this time safer and more manageable.
Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Here are some common heroin withdrawal symptoms you’ll experience after you stop using heroin:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Low energy levels
- Cravings for heroin
Factors That Affect Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms will vary for each person. Different factors affect the longevity and intensity of these symptoms, such as:
- Duration and Frequency of Use: The longer someone abuses heroin, the more severe the withdrawal is going to be. This is because more long-term chronic use will increase a person’s dependence on the drug, so it will be more difficult for them to function normally without heroin.
- Purity of Heroin: Pure heroin is more potent, and this means the withdrawal is going to be more intense if you use this kind of drug. The same goes for heroin mixed with other substances. Mixing heroin with other substances can worsen symptoms and lead to more dangerous complications.
- Metabolism and Genetics: Genetic differences and metabolic rates can also affect withdrawal. For instance, faster metabolisms may lead to quicker withdrawal onset, while slower metabolisms can prolong the symptoms. Although it’s not the main factor that determines the severity of heroin withdrawal, it’s still something to consider.
- Overall Health: Those who struggle with poor physical health, especially conditions like liver or kidney disease, may face more complications during the withdrawal symptoms. Poor mental health can also make withdrawal more difficult. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can lead to more intense mood swings and panic attacks.
How to Safely Detox from Heroin
The best way to manage withdrawal symptoms is to go through a medically assisted detox. In this setting, a medical professional will oversee your detox process and provide the necessary support to make detox safer and more comfortable.
When you’re in an inpatient setting for detox, you’ll receive 24/7 medical supervision for your symptoms. Since your body will bear the negative effects of withdrawal, you will also receive hydration and nutritional support.
During a medically assisted detox, healthcare professionals can also administer the necessary medication to make the detox process more manageable. Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent potential complications.
Lastly, since detox can be emotionally difficult, a medically assisted detox provides the proper emotional support needed to get through this time. Professionals can provide therapy and other counselling interventions to address the psychological aspects of withdrawal.
What Happens After Heroin Detox?
After heroin detox, you’ll slowly transition into rehab, where you’ll go through a structured treatment plan to address heroin addiction and dependence. There are several treatment options available during rehab.
Rehab treatment plans consist of therapies that help address and uncover the underlying causes of addiction. You’ll learn how to change harmful thought patterns and behaviours and develop healthy coping mechanisms to overcome your addiction symptoms.
Holistic therapies are also a part of rehab. These therapies help create a more well-rounded recovery experience. They also help you find healthier ways to cope with the stress and emotions that come with recovery.
Rehab can also be inpatient or outpatient. During inpatient treatment, you’ll stay at a treatment facility where you’ll receive 24/7 medical and psychological support. In outpatient treatment, you’ll live at home while attending treatment sessions at a rehab centre.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Sierra Recovery
Struggling with substance abuse is never easy. It can affect you physically and emotionally. What’s even more challenging is that although detox is the most crucial part of recovery, this is the part where many might give up.
At Sierra Recovery, we are here to make treatment manageable and recovery attainable. Our team is here to provide safe and comprehensive treatment for those struggling with heroin and other drugs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a better life.
