How Long Does It Take To Detox From Heroin?

Heroin promises heaven but delivers hell in the process. Heroin is an illegal opioid derived from morphine, a product of the poppy plant. Available as a black/white/sticky powder, opium gives you the much coveted high very quickly. Sadly, the effects are short-lived, and you crash too soon, craving more drugs. Despite its deadly addiction, heroin users fear its de-addiction journey. Heroin withdrawal is exceptionally challenging, uncomfortable, and overwhelming.

If you or a loved one is considering a potential path to recovery, remember the bigger goal of a renewed life free from the shackles of addiction and stay motivated. Read on to learn what is heroin detox, what to expect, and how a de-addiction program can help.

When heroin reaches the brain, it quickly transforms into morphine, which binds to brain receptors. This causes an increase in dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. The tremendous euphoria induced by dopamine release plays a crucial role in heroin's addictive nature.

Heroin detox means cleansing the body of any traces of the drug. As the body tries to function mentally and physically without being dependent on heroin, you experience withdrawal symptoms. Let us understand the signs and symptoms, as per the period of heroin withdrawal.

• Early withdrawal:

The first 6-12 hours after the last dose show mild symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, and cravings. This follows body pains that intensify over the next 48 hours. Tremors, loss of appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, sweating, and panic attacks eventually set in.

• Peak Symptoms:

From 72 hours into the 4th day, the withdrawal symptoms peak. Irritability, anger, mood swings, cravings, severe body pains, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, and shivering intensify.

• Subsiding Phase:

From 72 hours into the 4th day, the withdrawal symptoms peak. Irritability, anger, mood swings, cravings, severe body pains, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, and shivering intensify.

• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS):

For some, withdrawal symptoms keep coming and going away in phases for months; this is referred to as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This can include mood changes, anxiety, exhaustion, and sleep difficulties that can last for weeks or months after acute withdrawal.

Heroin detoxification can be difficult and even hazardous, especially if done without medical supervision. It can be dangerous to attempt a withdrawal regimen at home; we advise you to seek the help of a detox program that is closely monitored by doctors, nurses, and therapists.

Heroin detox and de-addiction can be managed in several ways. Here is an easy way to understand ‘detoxification’, the first step in rehabilitation from heroin addiction:

• Detox with medication:

Medical detox is often performed in a certified facility or rehab center, like a medical facility, and involves supervised withdrawal. Methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine may be used to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This is perhaps the most scientific way to tackle heroin addiction.

• Cold Turkey:

This is quite an unpopular method of detox. It involves quitting heroin quickly and abruptly, resulting in severe withdrawal symptoms. While this method is less prevalent due to its unpleasantness, some crude methods recommend it.

• Tapering:

It includes reducing heroin use gradually, allowing the body to acclimate more gently, potentially lessening the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Doctors prefer combining it with the necessary medications for a smoother and healthier heroin withdrawal.

• Supportive Care:

All detox programs should add this section; regardless of the treatment, psychological assistance and counseling are essential components of detox to address the psychological aspects of addiction.