If you, a loved one, or someone else you know is suffering from heroin addiction, breaking free from that might feel impossible. You might have tried to quit in the past but couldn’t handle the withdrawal symptoms. As a result, you may believe detoxing is too unbearable. That leads many to wonder, “how long does heroin withdrawal last?”
With Midwest Detox Center, you can answer that question and seek guidance regarding what else you can expect from at a heroin detox program.
How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
It’s normal for individuals who want to stop using heroin to wonder, “how long does heroin withdrawal last?” The good news is, when going through heroin detox, the patterns are predictable. Between six and twelve hours after the last dose, the first signs of withdrawals are going to appear. How long that portion of the detoxification and symptom severity depends on several factors. Those factors include:
- How long the individual used heroin
- How much heroin the individual used
- If patients have co-occurring mental health conditions
- The patient’s overall health and body chemistry
Even though these factors play a significant role regarding how long and how severe symptoms are, they typically peak between 24 and 48 hours. Then, once that peak is complete, withdrawal symptoms begin subsiding. Patients can expect the entire detox period to last between five and seven days.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Once you have a general answer to the question, “how long does heroin withdrawal last,” it’s time to learn more about heroin withdrawal symptoms. The more information you have ahead of time regarding what to expect, the easier it is to deal with what could happen. Here are some examples of heroin withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety and depression
- Chills, fever, and sweating
- Diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and vomiting
- Intense cravings for heroin
- Joint and muscle pain
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Teary eyes
When people use large amounts of heroin for a long timeframe, their bodies adapt to that drug’s presence. Not every patient is going to detox from heroin the same way. For example, some might feel mild symptoms. Others have difficulty feeling any joy or pleasure when detoxing.
The Potential Dangers of Heroin Withdrawal
Because some heroin withdrawal symptoms are severe, like cardiovascular issues and seizures, withdrawing without medical supervision isn’t recommended. Not only are withdrawal symptoms uncomfortable, but they could also lead to serious consequences, including death. If you’re in the presence of a medical professional, that outcome is unlikely.
Medically-assisted withdrawals mean professionals use medications to ease the severity of symptoms. Not only does that make patients more comfortable, but it helps medical professionals monitor the detox process and its success. These professionals also provide psychological support as they continue guiding patients through detox.
Finding the Best Detox Treatments
No matter how long you use heroin, detoxing and withdrawal symptoms are going to be uncomfortable. That’s why you must be in a supportive and safe environment. Finding a drug detox center in Ohio means you’re going to be surrounded by caring professionals who want to see you succeed.
In addition to programs offering medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, these treatments also include medical services if complications occur. Many of the most successful detox treatment programs include patients admitting themselves to a residential facility. That way, they can move through each stage of detoxing while under 24-hour supervision.
Midwest Detox Center is Here to Help Guide You
If you have concerns about how long heroin withdrawal symptoms and detox will last, you’re not alone. Detoxing can be a scary and uncomfortable process. You’ll need the best support and substance abuse treatment options when trying to stop using heroin.
Contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 to learn more about these symptoms and treatments for them during recovery.
