If you or a loved one is struggling with a heroin addiction, you may be ready to get professional help at a heroin addiction treatment center. If so, detox may be your first step. Detox is the period where your body flushes out the heroin toxins and starts the healing process. This can lead to heroin withdrawal symptoms and other side effects.
How long does heroin withdrawal take? That can depend on the circumstances of your addiction, including how long you have been using heroin and how much heroin you use. Heroin detox is different for everyone, so it is difficult to say exactly how long your heroin withdrawal may take. We’ll take a closer look below at heroin withdrawal and what you can expect.
Factors That Contribute to Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several factors that determine how long heroin detox will take. Some of these factors include:
- How long the individual has been taking heroin
- The method used to consume heroin
- How much heroin the individual has taken
- Body chemistry
- Overall health
- Combining heroin with alcohol or other drugs
If you have been abusing heroin for several years, detox could last up to two weeks. Using heroin with alcohol, prescription medication, or other illicit drugs can also prolong detox, as your body has to go through withdrawal from multiple substances. When you check into a heroin detox center, a treatment specialist can assess your situation and give you an idea of how long heroin withdrawal may take.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Early Symptoms: Six to 24 Hours
Once you begin detox, you can expect the withdrawal symptoms to begin with the first 24 hours. In more severe cases, they may begin as early as six hours. Symptoms may include light headaches, nervousness, or even nausea. Most symptoms will be mild at first, gradually getting worse.
Severe Symptoms: Three to 10 Days
The severity of your heroin withdrawal symptoms will depend on the factors discussed above. The most severe symptoms usually occur by day three and may last for up to four ten days. On average, you can expect to experience severe withdrawal symptoms within seven days. In an addiction treatment center, medical professionals will be on hand to monitor and treat your symptoms as needed.
Symptoms Ending: 10 to 14 Days
By the end of week two, you should start to feel better as the symptoms taper off. There may be lingering symptoms. However, you should be up and walking around with more energy and a healthier mindset. You may feel a sense of hope as you enter into rehab, the next stage of your recovery.
Cravings: Up to Three Months
One of the lingering heroin withdrawal symptoms is cravings. The intensity of your cravings may continue long after your withdrawal symptoms have gone away. A heroin addiction rehab center may offer medical detox options to reduce the cravings and symptoms as you go through rehab. Each day that you go without heroin, the easier it becomes to manage your cravings.
Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can vary in scope and severity, depending on your particular situation. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Muscle and bone aches
- Abdominal cramps
- Excessive yawning
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Sweats and chills simultaneously
More severe withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, depression, intense cravings, insomnia, impaired respiration, increased heart rate, or high blood pressure. A heroin addiction treatment center offers services such as licensed medical professionals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and 24-hour emergency detox care to help you get through detox.
Contact Midwest Detox Center for Help with Heroin Addiction
If you need help with a heroin addiction, then contact Midwest Detox Center. We provide comprehensive treatment that can help you get through your heroin withdrawal symptoms and prepare you for rehab.
To learn more about our heroin detox center in Ohio, call Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 and let us help you get started with your detox.
