How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

Heroin withdrawal is a challenging and often misunderstood aspect of drug addiction and recovery. As one of the most potent opioids, heroin has a profound impact on the brain and body, leading to a complex withdrawal process when use is discontinued. Heroin withdrawal typically lasts 7-10 days, but this depends on the individual.

Through this article, we will explore the typical timeline of heroin withdrawal symptoms, from the initial onset of mild symptoms to the eventual resolution. Understanding this withdrawal timeline is essential for those undergoing withdrawal and their loved ones, as it provides a framework for preparing and coping with the challenges ahead.

 

What Is Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal, also known as detox from heroin or detox, is a significant and challenging phase in the journey towards recovery for individuals who have been using heroin.

This process begins when a person who is dependent on heroin stops or significantly reduces their use of the drug. Heroin, a highly addictive opioid, alters brain chemistry and bodily functions, leading to physical and psychological dependence. When this dependence is not met, the body starts to experience a range of symptoms, known as heroin withdrawal.

Although withdrawal from heroin is a physical process, it’s also a deeply psychological one. It involves the body readjusting to functioning without the drug, which can be an uncomfortable and distressing experience.

The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms from heroin abuse can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors such as the length and intensity of heroin use, the method of consumption, and the individual’s overall health and mental well-being when starting the process of a heroin detox.

A heroin detox is often the first step in a long journey towards healing and recovery from substance abuse, and it requires significant courage and strength. For this reason, support from medical professionals, loved ones, and support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can be invaluable during this challenging time.

 

Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

In terms of intensity, heroin withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they typically begin within a few hours to a day after discontinuing use.

See below for an overview of common physical and psychological symptoms of acute heroin withdrawal.

Physical Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

  • Sweating.
  • Shivering.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Fever.
  • Tremors and shakes.
  • Fatigue

Psychological Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Agitation and irritability.
  • Mood swings.
  • Insomnia.
  • Restlessness.
  • Intense cravings.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms, while distressing, are a normal part of the withdrawal process. They are signs that the body is adjusting to the absence of heroin.

Because heroin detox can be a difficult stage in recovery, medical supervision during this time is strongly recommended. This is because having access to professional support can significantly reduce the risk of any complications that may arise during the heroin detox process, provide much-needed support, and reduce the chances of relapse, which are often at their highest during this time.

 

What Causes Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?

Heroin withdrawal symptoms are caused by the body’s reaction to the absence of the drug. When a person uses heroin regularly, their body becomes accustomed to its presence and adjusts its functioning accordingly. Heroin acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating pain, pleasure, and emotional well-being. Regular use alters the brain’s chemical balance, leading to physical drug dependence itself.

Once heroin use is reduced or stopped, the body struggles to regain its natural balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s way of readjusting to the absence of the drug and trying to restore normal functioning. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can depend on several factors, including the duration and intensity of heroin use, the drug abuse and method of use (injecting, snorting, or smoking), the individual’s physical health, and their psychological state.

Understanding the root cause of these symptoms is crucial in developing empathy for individuals undergoing severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s not a sign of weakness but rather a natural response of the body trying to heal itself. Professional medical assistance during this phase can provide necessary support, minimise discomfort, and help manage symptoms more effectively.

 

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

How long heroin withdrawal symptoms linger will ultimately depend on the individual undergoing detoxification. However, typically speaking, a heroin detox carried out under medical supervision lasts for 7 to 10 days at a minimum.

Factors that can influence the length of heroin withdrawal symptoms include the length of heroin use, the amount used, age, individual health, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions.

 

An Overview of the Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

See below for an in-depth overview of the heroin withdrawal timeline, which is often a complex process influenced by several factors and is marked by various physical and psychological symptoms.

Heroin Detox Timeline and Symptoms

  • During the first 6 to 12 hours – Early symptoms will likely present during this time. This typically feels similar to the flu, including muscle aches, anxiety, and intense cravings for heroin.
  • During the first 24 to 48 hours – Withdrawal symptoms during this time period will often include aches and pains, agitation, anxiety, intensified cravings, decreased appetite, diarrhoea, insomnia, irritability, muscle spasms, nausea, panic attacks, restlessness, runny nose, sweating, and watery eyes.
  • During the initial 1 to 3 days – The first one to two days of withdrawal is often described as the most difficult to endure. This is because heroin withdrawal symptoms tend to peak in intensity, involving all of the symptoms highlighted previously.
  • During the first 3 to 5 days – Heroin detox symptoms typically begin to centre around abdominal cramps, appetite loss, goosebumps, mild nausea, shivers, and vomiting.
  • During days 4 to 7 of heroin detox – The intensity of heroin detox symptoms start to subside during this time, but physical discomfort may persist.
  • During the last 6 to 7 days – Heroin detox symptoms will continue to lessen in relation to intensity. However, symptoms involving anxiety, cravings, mild depression, mild nausea, sleep disorders, and trouble eating are still commonly reported.

 

What Happens After Heroin Withdrawal?

As highlighted in the heroin detox timeline overview, withdrawal is a challenging and distressing experience that varies in duration and intensity based on individual factors.

After undergoing a typical heroin withdrawal phase, many individuals go on to experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This condition impacts approximately 90% of those recovering from opioid addiction.

PAWS can be defined as when an individual experiences ongoing psychological and emotional symptoms associated with heroin detox. This can include lingering feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and reduced cognitive function.

This phase of heroin addiction recovery can last for weeks or even months and often requires ongoing support and treatment.

 

Find Heroin Detox Treatment Options Today

If you or a loved one is currently living with heroin addiction and needs professional support, please get in touch today.

At Rehab Clinics Group, we’ve helped many in a similar position start their journey to recovery through effective heroin detox programmes, whether it is black tar heroin, pure heroin or more. Our team are able to find the ideal rehabilitation environment that matches the unique needs and requirements of the individual to ensure a smooth transition into heroin addiction treatment.

For more information on our heroin addiction treatment programmes, call us today on 0800 470 0382. Alternatively, you can also fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch at a time that suits you.