how long does it take to detox from heroin

how long does it take to detox from heroin

“You can’t defeat the darkness by keeping it caged inside of you.” – Seth Adam Smith

The fear of accidentally overdosing may be at the back of your mind, but the idea of having to go through withdrawal keeps you in the cycle of heroin use disorder. At least three Tennesseeans die from opioid-related overdoses everyday, how many were trying to avoid the discomfort of detox?

Is there a way to stop without having to experience withdrawal? How long does it take to detox from heroin?

We get these questions all the time here at ReVIDA® Recovery, which is why our blog is dedicated to providing education surrounding opioid use disorder. Let’s talk about the detox process and where you can go to get help.

How Long Do Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that can be taken via injection, inhalation (smoking or snorting), or ingestion. When heroin is taken, it binds to opioid receptors within the brain, triggering a rush of euphoria and pleasure. However, as the person continues to take more, heroin begins to alter the way the brain functions.

Our brains naturally release chemicals such as dopamine as a reward response to things like eating a good meal or exercising. Heroin also causes the release of dopamine, raising levels within the brain. To compensate, the brain diminishes dopamine when heroin is not present. It becomes difficult for the person to feel joy or pleasure when they are not taking heroin. They start to rely on heroin as a source for feeling good. This causes the brain and body to become dependent on heroin, and when the brain doesn’t get it, withdrawal symptoms begin.

Withdrawal symptoms are the brain’s way of signaling that it needs heroin. They can begin as quickly as 6 hours after the last dose and last up to 10 days. For some, withdrawal will continue even longer, while others experience cravings even after withdrawal has ended. How long withdrawal lasts will vary, depending on how much the person was taking and how often.

how long do heroin withdrawal symptoms last

The Average Heroin Detox Timeline

While the heroin detox timeline will look different for everyone, there is an average length of time allotted for each phase. Let’s explore these phases and timeframes.

First 24 Hours

Within the first 24 hours after the last dose of heroin, the person will begin to feel flu-like symptoms. Runny nose and eyes, aches, and nausea are common. The person may experience mood swings ranging from down and depressed to anxious and irritated. They may feel more tired than usual and want to sleep during this stage.

Within 24-36 Hours

During the 24-36 hour mark, withdrawal symptoms will begin to peak. The person will experience intense stomach cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, and feel all-around unwell. This stage is the most crucial for a successful detox. Cravings are strong during this time and can cause the person to return to use. The body is already adjusting to no longer having heroin in the system, and reintroducing it can increase the risk of an overdose.

After the 36-48 hour mark, withdrawal symptoms typically begin to subside. The person will still experience certain symptoms but on a less intense scale. Both mental and physical health should continue to be monitored through the 7-day mark.

7 Days and Beyond

After 7 days, on average, heroin detox tends to be complete. Physical symptoms will be mostly non-existent at this point. The person will be more alert and mentally clear. At this point, the next steps are key to ensuring a return to use does not happen. Many choose to enter a treatment program after detox is complete. This allows them to continue their progress of living heroin-free in a supportive and structured environment.

Ongoing Cravings

The brain is a resilient organ, but it can take time for it to heal from the damage heroin has caused. Heroin becomes a coping skill – when the person becomes overwhelmed by stress or negative situations, they turn to heroin to feel good. The same can be said when positive experiences occur, the brain has dulled the reward response causing the person to take heroin.

Even as the brain and body heal from heroin, there is still a connection between stress, negative (or positive) emotions, and heroin use. The person may be heroin-free for months and experience a situation such as losing their job or getting evicted. Despite knowing their progress without heroin, these can spark a craving. This is why it is so important to have a strong support system in recovery. Having people in your corner to help during stressful times can prevent a return to use.

Protracted (Long-Term) Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Protracted heroin withdrawal simply means having withdrawal symptoms that last longer than the acute timeline – more than 7-10 days. Protracted withdrawal can happen with different substances and there is little research as to why it occurs. Common protracted heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Difficulties establishing sleep patterns
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability

These symptoms were noted to last weeks to months after heroin use had stopped. Not everyone will experience protracted heroin withdrawal, though there may be a correlation in long-term heroin use as opposed to short-term.

Those experiencing protracted withdrawal can benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Suboxone is a prescription medication made of buprenorphine and naloxone that works by curbing cravings while maintaining recovery. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to some opioid receptors but not nearly to the extent of heroin. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and provides the ceiling effect of Suboxone. Adding Suboxone to your treatment routine can successfully manage cravings so you are free to focus on living your life in recovery.

Detoxing From Heroin Safely: Can I Detox at Home?

Though detoxing from heroin is not typically life-threatening, cravings and returning to use can be. As we mentioned above, once the detoxification process has begun in the body, it becomes no longer used to the dose of heroin you were taking. Returning to use and taking the same amount as before can overwhelm the body, leading to an overdose. A heroin overdose can cause breathing to stop, a result of suppression of the central nervous system. This is why detoxing at home can be especially dangerous.

The safest way to detox from heroin is to seek help from a detox center or hospital. These facilities are experts in heroin detox and can provide medication to make the process more comfortable. Staff will monitor your physical health while support staff provide emotional and mental help. The detox process is uncomfortable, but it can be managed safely and effectively when in the comforts of care in a facility.

the average heroin detox timeline

Getting Help for Heroin Use Disorder in Tennessee

Heroin can quickly take over your body, mind, and spirit, but it doesn’t have to have a grip on you forever. Finding a heroin rehab is the first step in the direction of recovery. Opioids like heroin change the brain, and the thought of experiencing detox can feel overwhelming. The good news in seeking treatment is that your health and well-being will be monitored and you will be comfortable and safe in a compassionate environment. Don’t let the fear of withdrawal keep you away, take the leap to live a heroin-free life.

If you or someone you love is living with a heroin use disorder, there is hope to heal and move forward. ReVIDA® Recovery has a compassionate team of Suboxone doctors, therapists, and care coordinators to help with all areas of life. Our team helps connect with housing, transportation to care, securing a job, and much more to get your life back on track. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.

Reclaim your life.