Heroin detox is the process of flushing heroin from a person’s system. You may wonder, “how long does heroin detox take?” Withdrawal timelines differ for each person based on the length of time someone used the drug and what kind of dosages they used it at. Typically, detox and the accompanying withdrawal lasts at least a couple of weeks and can extend to a few months or even longer. Learn more about our heroin detox in Florida by calling BoardPrep Recovery Center® today at 866.796.4720.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin detox treatment is a medically supervised, inpatient process that is the first step in ending someone’s addiction to heroin. Furthermore, heroin detox is accompanied by a withdrawal period, making detox somewhat uncomfortable if the person doesn’t have the proper support. Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Cramping
Heroin withdrawal symptoms appear as soon as six hours after ceasing usage because of how quickly heroin goes through the body. In particularly severe cases, people can contract post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) after stopping heroin usage. In these circumstances, symptoms may persist for a year or more and expand to include things like hypersensitivity, mood swings, and restlessness.
How Long Does Heroin Detox Take?
So, how long does heroin detox take? While each person’s experience may differ, heroin detox often follows a general timeline across the first days and weeks after someone quits using. We have outlined each stage below.
Early Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can appear in as little as six hours. While likely mild at first, symptoms may intensify and worsen over time.
Severe Symptoms
Symptoms usually reach their peak severity on day two or three and may last for a little more than a week.
Symptoms Tapering Off
The worst symptoms ought to taper off and cease at about the two-week point. While mild symptoms may remain, most people regain normal functioning and energy levels at this point.
Ongoing Cravings
Once symptoms have largely subsided, the next weeks and months may involve cravings for heroin. These may be intense, even long after any withdrawal symptoms have disappeared. Managing cravings and building positive coping skills are crucial components of heroin detox treatment.
PAWS
Depending on dosages and the length of someone’s addiction, PAWS may appear and persist for a year or longer as the body tries to adjust to normal functioning without the drug. Given time and persistence, these extended symptoms will eventually disappear.
What Does Heroin Detox Treatment Include?
Treatment for heroin detox can occur in outpatient or inpatient settings, depending on a patient’s preference. For severe cases, inpatient care that offers 24/7 monitoring and support provides the best chance of achieving sobriety.
Most heroin detox involves medication-assisted treatment. This method utilizes common medications such as methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms and support a smooth transition away from heroin usage. Following an initial detox period, people enter ongoing treatment and relapse prevention. This might involve treatments such as:
- Regularly attending therapy or a support group
- Building new support systems
- Taking on healthy hobbies
- Continuing medications
Therapy is often critical in helping people develop the coping strategies and techniques they need to maintain sobriety.
Another key to long-term recovery is being careful with future prescriptions, especially those in the opioid family. Be upfront with your doctor about your addiction to avoid being prescribed something that could result in a relapse.
Seek Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
BoardPrep Recovery Center® in Florida is here to support you or a loved one with heroin detox. We offer medical detox programs for heroin, alcohol, cocaine, and stimulants. Once clients complete a medical detox, we offer the following programs and therapies to support recovery:
- 12-step facilitation
- Behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family services
Your healing journey can start with BoardPrep Recovery Center®. Contact us at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how we can help you or someone you love get sober.
