Detoxing from Heroin: How Long Does it Take?

Heroin is one of the most addictive substances in the world and it has a major impact on a person’s body. As such, detoxing from heroin can be a grueling process. However, with the proper assistance, it can be done safely and in a comfortable environment.

Detoxing from heroin with professional assistance also ensures that the process does not take as long. It reduces the likelihood of relapse while keeping the person on track even when things get tough.

So, how long does it take to detox from heroin?

How Does Heroin Detox Work?

We first need to give a short primer in how detox works. This way, you will better understand why it takes time and occurs in stages.

When using heroin regularly, the body develops a dependence on it. If the person suddenly stops using heroin, the body struggles to adjust to functioning without the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms. It is this period in which the body works to clear the drug from the system that is called detox.

Detox is the crucial first step in recovery. However, detox focuses solely on overcoming physical dependence. Comprehensive treatment programs are necessary in order to support long-term recovery from the psychological aspects of addiction.

The Phases of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin detox happens in stages, during which withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity depending.

Acute Withdrawal

Acute withdrawal begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of heroin, depending on the person’s level of dependency. Acute withdrawal symptoms can resemble intense flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. The person also experiences psychological symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal starts to subside after about three days, although this can vary for different people. Symptoms linger for up to a week or more in some cases. Since the physical discomfort can feel overwhelming, medical assistance is hugely beneficial during this phase.

Post-Acute Withdrawal

The second stage, known as post-acute withdrawal, can stretch over weeks or even months. The term post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is used to refer to lingering symptoms that affect the person during this period.

It is common to experience psychological symptoms such as depression, mood swings, fatigue, and cravings for heroin during this stage. PAWS is less intense than acute withdrawal but can still interfere with daily functioning and increase the risk of relapse if not managed properly.

Factors Affecting Detox Duration

No two detox experiences are identical and the amount of time it takes to detox is impacted by a number of factors.

Length of Heroin Use

People who have used heroin for an extended period will likely experience a longer detox process as the body has grown more accustomed to functioning with heroin.

Dosage and Frequency

The more heroin the person used, both in terms of dosage and frequency, the longer the detox process takes.

Method of Use

The way the person used heroin also impacts detox length. Injecting heroin delivers the drug more quickly to the system, potentially leading to more intense withdrawal symptoms. Other methods, like smoking or snorting, might produce slightly less severe withdrawal symptoms.

Personal Health

A person’s physical and mental health is a significant factor in the length of time detox takes.. Someone with underlying health conditions or co-occurring mental disorders may experience longer, more challenging detox periods.

Other Substance Use

Detox can take longer and is more complicated if a person has been using other drugs simultaneously. They will be withdrawing from multiple substances, leading to more severe symptoms and an extended detox timeline.

How Long Does Heroin Detox Typically Take?

There is no perfect measure for how long detox from heroin lasts. However, on average the typical detox is as follows:

• Acute withdrawal: While the symptoms begin 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, they only peak 24 to 72 hours later, before they start to lessen. This phase can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
• Post-acute withdrawal: PAWS can last for months. It is the psychological symptoms in particular, such as cravings, depression, and anxiety, that are most likely to affect the person long after acute symptoms have subsided.

Detox can seem daunting due to the length of time it can take but it is worth starting as soon as possible. The good news is that, with treatments currently available, it is possible to ease some of the symptoms and shorten the duration of detox.

Medically-Assisted Detox: Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms

Medically-assisted detox is recommended for people struggling with heroin addiction. A good medical detox center improves the process in two ways.

1. Medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings by acting as opioid substitutes without producing the same high. Methadone and buprenorphine taper down heroin use, making withdrawal symptoms more manageable. Naltrexone, on the other hand, blocks the effects of heroin, helping to reduce cravings.
2. Medical detox centers also provide constant supervision and support. Doctors and healthcare professionals monitor the patient’s vitals, manage symptoms, and provide emotional support, ensuring a safer detox experience.

Treatment After Detox

Long-term sobriety requires more than just clearing heroin from the body. Complete detox without entering a rehab program puts the person at higher risk of relapse. A holistic treatment approach, including both physical detox and mental health care, provides the best chance for long-term recovery.

During inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, therapy, group sessions, and a range of treatments address the underlying causes of addiction so as to prevent relapse.

Conclusion

Detoxing from heroin is a challenging but necessary step toward recovery. The process, including post-acute withdrawal symptoms, can last for months. However, medically-assisted detox makes the process far more safe and comfortable. Once detox is done, the person can continue the recovery process in inpatient or outpatient rehab and work towards a happier, healthier life.