Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Process

Heroin addiction is becoming more widespread than ever before. Due, in large part, to the over-prescribing and misuse of prescription opiates, the use of heroin, which is an illegal form of opiate, is on the rise.[1] Some people may turn to heroin after their access to legal opioids is cut off, leading to dangerous addiction.[2]

Heroin use and overdose rates have risen sharply in recent years. Despite ongoing public health efforts, heroin and other opiates remain a leading cause of drug-related deaths, with over 130 people dying from opioid-related drug overdoses each day in the U.S.[3]

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Despite being derived from a natural substance, morphine, the effects of heroin on the brain and body are severe. After introducing the substance to the body through inhalation, ingestion, or injection, the effects are nearly immediate.[4] Pleasurable sensations, such as euphoria, pain relief, and a sense of peace, are accompanied by detrimental effects. These undesirable effects include confusion, decreased breathing and heart rate, and nausea.[5] When the dosage is high, the negative consequences can also include irregular heartbeat, a lowered body temperature, unconsciousness, and death.

If you stop taking heroin after regular use, withdrawal symptoms can set in within hours. Some of the common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:[6]

• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Chills
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Intense cravings
• Anxiety and agitation
• Depression

These symptoms can vary in intensity based on your medical history, substance use history, dosage, and overall health.

Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?

The length of heroin detox depends on several factors, including the method of use, how long you’ve been using the drug, and the dosage. Generally, the withdrawal symptoms begin quickly after the last dose and follow an established timeline:[7,8]

Within the first few hours of the last dosage, the initial symptoms of withdrawal will begin. The user will begin to experience flu-like symptoms, including muscle pain and diarrhea. These symptoms progress over the next 48 hours and intensify with the addition of uncontrollable shivering and insomnia. Psychologically, the user will experience an increase in anxiety and may experience a sense of panic.

The worst of the experience occurs midway through the period of withdrawal. The previous physical symptoms intensify and are joined by nausea, stomach cramps, and profuse sweating. This acute period of discomfort tends to last for another two or three days and is often accompanied by feelings of depression.

The final days of the withdrawal process involve a gradual reduction of these symptoms. The former heroin user will begin to feel more normal but will likely be exhausted from weathering the ordeal. The mental and physical cravings for opiates will likely remain for much longer.

With appropriate detox treatment, the severity of the discomfort can be reduced, and the time needed for recovery can be shortened. In addition, medical detox at a treatment facility is designed to address both the physical and the psychological symptoms of withdrawal and can provide a safe and comfortable environment for recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?

Most physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal subside within 7 to 10 days, but the psychological symptoms, like depression, anxiety, or insomnia, can persist for weeks or months.

Heroin Detoxification Process

Heroin detoxification treatment programs vary in the services that they offer. Some providers practice a procedure known as rapid detox, during which the patient is anesthetized and receives intravenous medications to flush the system of dependence on the drug. This rapid approach claims to reduce withdrawal symptoms to only a matter of hours, much of which time the patient is asleep. However, there are varying reports of the success and dangers of this type of treatment, so due diligence is called for when researching the possibility of engaging in this procedure.

More common detoxing programs span 3-7 days. During the first few days, the patient receives medications that mitigate the effects of opiate withdrawal on the body. Many approved medicines for treating heroin withdrawal work by introducing a less potent opiate, such as methadone or buprenorphine, into the body and then implementing a system of gradual tapering from dependence. Recent advances in pharmaceuticals for detox have resulted in treatment medications that do not contain opiates and have less tendency toward secondary dependence. These newer medications can be taken orally and work by calming the hypertension effects of withdrawal on the body.

As the medications delivered during detox do their job, qualified treatment facilities are available to help someone in recovery manage the intense emotions that tend to arise. Not only does the effect of heroin withdrawal contribute to increased anxiety, but you must also learn to cope with emotional experiences that the presence of the chemical has previously blunted.

For this reason, treatment facilities that focus on the entire experience – physical, mental, and emotional – tend to be preferred. Additionally, programs that offer continuous patient care through a diverse team of professionals provide the best environment for a successful and comprehensive recovery.

The Importance of Support After Detox

After the initial heroin detox, studies have shown that continued success in abstaining from the drug is difficult. Many people will, unfortunately, relapse into addiction. Those most successful in making the detox permanent are those who develop self-determination and find relief from psychological concerns by developing healthier coping mechanisms. The alarming relapse rate highlights the importance of ongoing psychological treatment and support following the short-term detox experience.

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction and seeking a treatment facility, reach out to Ascendant today. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment in New York is evidence-based and medically supervised. Your new life is waiting for you.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more