How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can be challenging to quit. However, overcoming heroin addiction is possible, and the more you know about the factors that affect withdrawal symptoms, the better prepared you will be to detox effectively.
How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
The first step in overcoming heroin addiction is detoxing and getting through the withdrawal stage. Many factors affect how long heroin withdrawal will last. Each person is different, and some people may experience symptoms for a few days and others for a week or more. However, some of the psychological effects may last much longer.
Some of the factors that affect how long heroin withdrawal will last are:
- The severity of the addiction.
- Your individual tolerance level and your body’s ability to rebalance the chemicals in your brain.
- The length of time you have been using heroin.
- Past additions and other opioids you may have used.
- Your overall health.
- Polysubstance abuse (using a combination of drugs for a specific effect).
The effects of heroin withdrawal can be difficult and painful. That’s why it is critical to seek help from a professional medical facility that specializes in heroin detoxing to help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to overcome. However, you can handle it much easier when you understand the timeline and rely on professional help to get you through it.
The symptoms of heroin withdrawal may vary from mild to severe, and they include:
- Mood swings (anxiety, irritation, depression).
- Body chills and tremors (muscle spasms).
- Excessive sweating.
- Muscle and bone aches.
- Insomnia.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Irregular heartbeat (rapid).
- Fatigue.
- Frequent yawning.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Strong drug cravings.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Runny nose.
- Watery eyes.
- A feeling of restlessness.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms may begin as quickly as four to six hours after the last use. Within the first three days, the detox symptoms may be the worst. Then over the next 4-7 days, the symptoms will begin to improve. However, this timeline depends on how long a person has been using heroin and how severe the addiction is. Someone who has been addicted for many years may have a worse time detoxing than someone who has only been using heroin for a month or so.
Typically, women take longer to detox than men. People who have been through the withdrawal process before may take longer to process it again. Each person is different, however, and your overall physical health factors in significantly. For example, if you have good liver and kidney function, your body may handle the withdrawal better than someone with health issues in these areas.
Because many of these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, it is critical to seek professional detox help to get you through it smoothly.
Importance of Seeking Professional Detox Treatment
Regardless of how long heroin withdrawal takes, getting the proper help, you need to get through it is essential. A heroin detox facility can provide a safe, secure environment where you get the support and guidance you need for success. They can provide you with medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms, counseling to help with the psychological issues, and help keep you sober long after detoxing. In addition, a professional detox facility is well-equipped to help you handle anything that comes up during your withdrawal phase and after.
Our facility provides compassionate care and guidance in a professional setting where you can find the courage to break your addiction and avoid relapse forever. Call us today to speak with a treatment specialist who can refer you to a qualified detox center. Start your new life today and take that first step.
