Did You Know?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from the opium poppy plants. Using morphine and the poppy plant, heroin is created into a brown or white powder. People often inject, snort, smoke, or sniff heroin to get high.
Heroin affects the opioid receptors in the brain, causing a quick high and euphoric feeling. Heroin withdrawal start time can begin as soon as the last dose wears off, causing users to have an extremely high risk of heroin abuse.
What is Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when someone abruptly stops using the drug. It typically begins within 12 hours of last use, with peak severity at 48-72 hours after cessation. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches and muscle spasms
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills and hot flashes
- Suicidal ideation
- Irritability
- Depression
- Cravings
In some cases, long-term users may also experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) or hallucinations. The withdrawal symptoms are similar among all opioids, though there can be vast differences in the onset time, the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and how long symptoms last. These factors generally depend on the specific opioid(s) used, how long they were used, how much was used, other substances used in conjunction, and the time between the last dose.
Long-term heroin withdrawal symptoms
Long-term symptoms of heroin withdrawal also called “protracted withdrawal”, typically last weeks to months and can be experienced even following acute withdrawal. Protracted heroin withdrawal symptoms may include depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and the inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia).
Long-term withdrawal can be managed with a combination of therapy and medication management. In some cases, long-term opioid replacement medications such as methadone or buprenorphine can be used to ease withdrawal symptoms.
People may want to relieve these uncomfortable post-acute withdrawal symptoms by returning to heroin use. It is important to note that doing so can be extremely dangerous and cause a person to relapse back into an opioid use disorder.
It is important to seek professional medical care and support during heroin detox. Heroin detox can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous without medical supervision. The licensed medical professionals at our detox program are trained in how to both monitor the safety of patients going through the withdrawal process, as well as provide medications and therapies to help with severe symptoms.
What Causes Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal is caused by the body trying to readjust to functioning without the drug. After prolonged exposure, certain hormones and neurotransmitters become imbalanced due to the heroin’s effects on them. This imbalance can quickly lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.
Heroin withdrawal is often one of the most difficult and uncomfortable parts of opioid addiction recovery. Medical detox is essential for safely removing opioids from the body without enduring severe withdrawal symptoms. It is important to seek professional medical care and support during heroin detox. Our treatment team can give you the care and support you need. Detoxing from heroin in a medically supervised setting helps to ensure that your health remains stable while we make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
Heroin Detox Withdrawal Process
The duration of heroin withdrawal can vary depending on the individual, how long they have been using the drug, and how much they used. Generally speaking, it will take 5–7 days for heroin withdrawal to run its course. However, some symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may persist for weeks or even months after cessation.
The heroin withdrawal timeline consists of three main stages: early withdrawal, peak withdrawal, and post-acute withdrawal. Each stage has its own unique symptoms and duration.
Early Withdrawal (1 – 3 days)
Early heroin withdrawal symptoms typically start within 12 hours after the last dose and can last up to a few days. Symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, chills and hot flashes, muscle aches, and pains.
Peak Withdrawal (3 – 5 days)
The peak of heroin withdrawal typically occurs within 48–72 hours after cessation. Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, cravings, depression, irritability, and suicidal thoughts.
Post-Acute Withdrawal (1 week – 3 months+)
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms typically last weeks to months following acute heroin withdrawal and can include anhedonia, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings.
Heroin withdrawal is an uncomfortable experience and can be dangerous if not done in a supervised environment with close medical monitoring. While the heroin withdrawal timeline is different for every individual, as are common heroin withdrawal symptoms, professional medical care can help manage the process and minimize any potential health risks and intense cravings. The goal of detox is to safely remove toxins from the body while providing comfort and support during this difficult transition.
If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction or withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified addiction treatment center such as Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center.
Heroin Detox Timeline
The heroin detox timeline can vary from person to person, depending on their opioid use history and overall health. But generally speaking, it will take around 5–7 days for the acute withdrawal symptoms to pass. The medical team at our detox program is experienced in managing physical symptoms and emotional withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively.
During the detox process, the patient is monitored closely for any physical and psychological changes, and medications are administered as needed to help manage symptoms. Our heroin detox program incorporates medications to ease the withdrawal process, as well as therapies to help people learn coping skills and develop healthier habits.
The treatment programs at our rehab center provide comprehensive medical care to safely guide individuals through the heroin detox timeline. With proper medical care, withdrawal symptoms can be managed, and relapse can be prevented. Our team of compassionate physicians and therapists is here to help you, or a loved one detox from heroin safely and effectively.
Risks and dangers of quitting heroin cold turkey
It is not recommended to “cold turkey detox” from heroin. Trying to detox from heroin at home cold turkey without the supervision of a medical professional can be extremely dangerous and bring about a rapid onset of the most intense symptoms of heroin withdrawal, including delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and can even be life-threatening.
The safest way to detox from heroin is under the care of a qualified addiction treatment center that provides medical detox. During medical detox from heroin, individuals will be monitored and provided with medications, if necessary, to help alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Our team is here to provide you with the care, support, and resources needed to detox successfully from heroin and begin your journey toward recovery.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Services
Once heroin detox is complete, our team will help you transition into an addiction treatment program that meets your individual needs. Depending on the severity of the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues, we can recommend various treatment programs, including residential inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient (IOP).
Our heroin addiction treatment programs provide a comprehensive approach to care, helping individuals develop healthier coping skills and lifestyles while addressing any underlying mental health issues. We are here to help you or someone you love get on the path to lasting recovery from heroin addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our heroin recovery programs and how we can help you find the strength within to make a positive change.
Our therapies for heroin addiction
At Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center, we provide evidence-based therapies to help individuals struggling with heroin addiction work through their triggers and cravings. Our treatment team consists of experienced physicians, therapists, nurses, counselors, and other professionals who incorporate various holistic therapies to reduce the intensity of heroin withdrawal symptoms and help patients develop healthier habits and coping skills.
We provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These two types of addiction therapy help identify and modify negative thought patterns, tackle underlying issues that contribute to addiction, learn how to better manage stressors, and develop strategies for avoiding relapse in the future.
In addition to therapy, our team also provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those who need it. MAT combines therapies with medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone to reduce cravings and help individuals achieve lasting recovery from heroin addiction.
At Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center, we’ll determine the right combination of treatments and addiction therapy for each patient based on their unique needs. We offer several other proven therapies, such as:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Art therapy
- Yoga and meditation
- Massage
We also treat individuals struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction coupled with a health disorder and can effectively treat both disorders simultaneously.
Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments to help you or a loved one regain control of their life and begin their journey toward lasting sobriety.
Do I Need Heroin Addiction Treatment?
Depending on how severe your heroin use is and how long you’ve been using, you may be debating if treatment is right for you right now. Here are some signs it may be time to quit heroin and enter substance abuse treatment:
- You’ve attempted to quit but have been unsuccessful
- Your relationships, work, or education are being affected by your drug use
- You continue to use despite the negative consequences of your drug use
- You’re feeling isolated and alone in your battle with addiction
- You’ve experience withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings when stopping use
- You’ve tried to cut back on substance abuse but find you can’t
- You have started to experience mental and physical health issues that were not present before
- You have to hide or lie about how much you use
If any of these are true for you, it may be time to consider entering a professional substance abuse treatment program. We can help you determine what level of care is right for you and provide the support necessary to begin your recovery journey. Call our team today at (888) 915-5708 to learn more. We understand how difficult it can be to quit heroin, but we’re here to help you succeed. With the right treatment plan, you can begin your journey toward lasting recovery and regain control of your life.
Overcome Drug and Alcohol Addiction at Sunshine Detox
Welcome to Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center, where substance use disorder treatment is tailored to you based on your individualized needs and recovery goals.
Going through the withdrawal process is scary, and it can be difficult to find the strength within to make a positive change. At Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center, our team is here to provide compassionate care and support during this challenging time. We believe in giving individuals struggling with drug and alcohol abuse all the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Our evidence-based services have been proven effective in helping individuals overcome addiction and build a brighter future. We know every patient is unique, so our team will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. Our drug and alcohol treatment center offers detox and residential programs to help you overcome substance use disorders.
Some of the benefits of attending Sunshine Detox and Rehab Center for substance abuse treatment include:
Effective 7-Day Detox & 30-Day
Our substance abuse recovery programs offer an effective 7-day or 30-day detox to remove drug, alcohol, and associated toxins from your body under the medical supervision of our expert treatment specialists.
Nutritional Support
A healthy, well-balanced diet is a simple way to enhance the recovery process. Our gourmet chef and his team are skilled at preparing nutritious and delicious meals that serve you in recovery, cater to special diets, and nourish and support your body and mind during treatment.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We provide a combination of evidence-based behavioral and cognitive therapies and holistic treatment modalities to address your unique behavioral, mental, and psychological challenges, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions.
Opportunities For Fun While You Heal
Our Los Angeles treatment center is filled with opportunities to have fun while you heal. While at our drug rehab, you will have access to a swimming pool, a spacious backyard, a pool table, and much more to keep you entertained and smiling during each phase of treatment!
Sponsor System
Our sponsor system is designed to connect you with one of our previous patients who has fully healed and transformed themselves through our treatment programs. Your sponsor will be there to support you every step of the way on your recovery journey.
More reasons to choose Sunshine Rehab & Detox Center for your drug detox and addiction treatment services
- You will have 24/7 medical monitoring by our team of licensed addiction specialists and mental health professionals to monitor for behavioral health conditions, mental health conditions, and medical emergencies.
- Every team member has more than ten years of experience treating patients and helping them through drug and alcohol rehab programs.
- Detox programs include various individual and group therapies to address the psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors contributing to substance use.
- Life-changing 30-day rehab program with special activities that will help you get clean and sober.
- We facilitate support system development through support groups of like-minded individuals.
- Support system development through support groups of like-minded individuals.
- Our commitment to digging deep and determining the underlying cause of your addiction during drug and alcohol rehab ensures that you can achieve a long-lasting recovery.
- We are a small, private rehab facility which means you have a personal approach, extra care, and attention.
- Our facility offers a comfortable, warm atmosphere (just like home) in addition to the professional support and guidance that you need at an addiction rehabilitation center.
- Dual-diagnosis treatment options are available to address any mental illness in addition to your alcohol or drug abuse, also known as co-occurring disorders.
Drug Rehab in Los Angeles for Long-Term Recovery From Addiction
Overcome heroin addiction by calling our drug rehab in Los Angeles, CA, at (888) 915-5708 to start the heroin abuse treatment process. With the right combination of care and addiction medicine, you or your loved one can safely and effectively navigate the challenges of drug addiction and associated mental health disorders and achieve sustainable recovery.
Our rehab center accepts most private health insurance plans and some public health policies. A professional treatment provider on our team is available to work with your health insurance provider to assist you in navigating your insurance coverage to minimize any out-of-pocket expenses. If you don’t have insurance coverage, we can help you learn what treatment options are available to you or your loved one.
