Overcoming addiction is challenging but entirely possible with the right approach and professional support. The first step in treating heroin addiction is navigating the withdrawal process. A common question many have is, “How long does it take to detox from heroin?” At Woodland Recovery Center, our drug detox center provides comprehensive support to help people overcome heroin withdrawal symptoms. From there, clients can seamlessly transition into our specialized heroin addiction treatment program, paving the way toward lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about wants to know the duration of heroin detox and how long withdrawal symptoms persist, our team is ready to provide answers—contact us today.
Understanding the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
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 heroin 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?
The duration of heroin detox varies widely and depends on several factors, meaning the withdrawal timeline is unique to each client. 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 Determines the Duration of Heroin Withdrawal?
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 influence both the intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms while also heightening the risk of complications. This is why seeking professional care at a trusted treatment center like Woodland Recovery Center is crucial for a secure and effective recovery.
What Happens After Heroin Detox?
After completing heroin detox, the next critical step is entering a comprehensive heroin addiction treatment program that addresses the root causes of addiction. At Woodland Recovery Center, we offer personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them build a strong foundation for long-term recovery. Our programs may include the following options:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning and support
Providing clients with whole-person care offers the best chance of achieving lasting recovery. With our evidence-based treatment methods and compassionate staff, we are dedicated to helping each client overcome addiction and build a brighter future.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Begin Healing with Our Heroin Addiction Treatment
Woodland Recovery Center offers a medically supervised detox program in Mississippi, providing clients with a safe and supportive environment throughout the heroin detox process. 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 our detox center or your treatment options after detoxing.
