Heroin addiction is generally a result of prolonged use. Depending on the duration of abuse, the quantity of abuse and how you abuse this drug will contribute to how your brain system will turn. As a result, different people have different withdrawal durations. People with prior drug withdrawal or mental issues might have profound withdrawal experiences.
Generally, heroin abuse suppresses your central nervous system functions, including blood pressure, temperature regulation, heart rate, and respiration. It also increases your brain chemical that is responsible for your feelings of pleasure.
Most people suffering from heroin addiction find it challenging to overcome their situation. However, although it might take some time, it is possible to regain a sober life. Withdrawals are usually the first step towards coming out of heroin addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
While withdrawal might be a challenging process for most heroin and other substance addicts, it is crucial. Withdrawal symptoms are usually uncomfortable, but they are manageable.
Additionally, withdrawal symptoms differ from person to person based on various factors.
Following are the common heroin withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process.
• Intense heroin cravings
• Sweating and chills
• Muscle aches bone
• Tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Abdominal cramping
• Runny nose and tearing eyes
• Vomiting and nausea
• Concentrating issues
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Quick heart rate
• Anxiety
• Difficult breathing
• Depression
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Different factors determine the duration within which a heroin withdrawal and symptoms can last. It is also significant to note that the timeline might vary for everyone.
The withdrawal symptoms may last for some days or even several weeks based on your condition. However, you might experience psychological symptoms for some months though they fade with time. Additionally, some withdrawal symptoms are not constant, but they might come and fade during the withdrawal process.
6 to 24 Hours
Although detox from heroin might take few days, the withdrawal symptoms can start few hours following the last dose. This is especially after six hours. The common symptoms could include insomnia, drug cravings, anxiety, diarrhea, poor concentration, muscle pain, and aches.
1 to 3 Days
Within the first three days, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms fooling your last heroin dose. New withdrawal symptoms will develop at this stage, including vomiting, stomach aches, irritability, nausea, and fatigue.
4 to 7 Days
Following three days of heroin withdrawal, the symptoms will begin to grow less severe and fade with time. Although the acute withdrawal symptoms will subside within seven days, you may experience some psychological symptoms for some time.
One Week to Few Months
People who have been in heroin abuse for a long time might experience a lengthy heroin withdrawal timeline. Additionally, the psychological symptoms might also persist. Most heroin patients often struggle with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. If these symptoms persist for a long time, your specialist can recommend co-occurring disorder therapy to manage the situation.
While you can deal with most of the heroin withdrawal symptoms from home, the detox process might be challenging. That is because most patients experience severe heroin cravings and other related withdrawal symptoms. This could lead to relapse if they don’t get proper support during the withdrawal.
Causes of Heroin Withdrawal
Frequent use of heroin or any other substance causes your body to depend on them for proper functioning. With time use of heroin binds your brain receptors. This means that your brain will cease producing adequate opioid chemicals. Once you withdraw from heroin use, the body will respond to the substance absence leading to withdrawal symptoms.
Factors That Affect Heroin Withdrawal Duration
Different people react in different ways during the withdrawal process. Some people will only experience some temporally uncomfortable symptoms, while others will have severe and lasting symptoms. Below are the common factors that may affect how long your heroin symptoms of withdrawal can last.
- The severity of your addiction
- Overall health
- Tolerance
- Length of heroin usage
- Polysubstance abuse
- Past opioid dependence
Overcoming Heroin Withdrawal
Generally, overcoming heroin addiction might be challenging and uncomfortable regardless of your drug tolerance or duration of usage. If you or your loved one is struggling with heroin withdrawal symptoms, seeking help from a professional might yield quick and better results.
At our detox center, we offer patients a supportive and safe environment for the heroin detox process within the shortest period possible.
We do not only provide physical support to our patients, but also guidance and compassionate care. This is very crucial in relapse prevention.
Are you, a friend, or a family member struggling with heroin withdrawal symptoms or addiction? If so, be sure to visit or call us today for at 833-680-0165 help.