Heroin Withdrawal and Detox: What Are Heroin Withdrawal Signs and Timeline

Addiction to heroin occurs very quickly, even for the first time uses. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are one of the most extreme of all drug-based withdrawal symptoms. Many people are suffering from the side effects of heroin, and only a few are admitted into a rehab facility yearly. A survey in 2016 reported about 948,000 heroin use in the United States in the previous year. 

The dangers of heroin use lie in the negative impact it has on the central nervous system. Heroin stimulates the mass production of “feel good” hormones, which makes a person addicted to the feeling. The individual develops a tolerance to the drug immediately and requires even higher doses every time to achieve the same level of high. Heroin withdrawals kick in very often, causing the individual to constantly seek the drug. Quitting heroin cold turkey is extremely dangerous and can cause the deterioration of the user’s health. 

Heroin withdrawal comes with painful symptoms that prompt users to keep abusing the drug, and this commonly leads to financial crisis and disconnection from family and friends. Heroin detox is typically recommended in this condition as the first line of action. 

What Are Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?

A common question on the use of heroin is: can you die from heroin withdrawal? Yes, it should be noted that withdrawal from opioid drugs is often fatal and may require medications to alleviate the severity of the symptoms.

 A user may start experiencing mild to severe withdrawal symptoms between 6-12 hours from the last usage. The effects may appear similar to symptoms of drug withdrawal, such as prescription opioids.

Do you nkow what is the half life of heroin? The breakdown of heroin in the body is usually faster than other opioid painkillers; this is why withdrawal symptoms of heroin occur quite frequently. 

How long does heroin withdrawal last? The peak of discomfort and pains may last for about a week. The worst effects may be felt on the second or third day. The common symptoms that are experienced during heroin withdrawals are:

• Inability to sleep
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation
• Muscle aches
• Profuse sweating

It is pertinent to note that withdrawal from heroin varies with individuals and depends on factors such as:

• The route of exposure
• Frequency of heroin use
• The history of heroin use by the individual
• Amount of substance used each time
• Underlying physical or mental health problems 

Heroin is one of the most potent substances that cause addiction, and detox from heroin is often very challenging in terms of symptomatic responses. A person who may have used heroin for a lengthy period may suffer from Post-acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) along with other excesses like inability to concentrate, irregular sleep, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, intense mood swings, depressions, poor memory retention, hypersensitivity, and others.

Post-acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) is often experienced by a large percentage of heroin addicts and the symptoms may last between 18 to 24 months. The symptoms may diminish overtime only when the individual remains free of drugs.

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

How long is heroin withdrawal experienced? Ordinarily, the heroin withdrawal timeline takes about a week.

Day 1-2

One may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms 6 hours after using. This is followed by pains, muscle aches, panic attacks, anxiety, diarrhea, lack of sleep, tremors, and other health problems. These symptoms are usual for the first 48 hours.

Day 3-5

From day 3 to day 5, the symptoms experienced at this time include nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscular and abdominal cramps, and shivers. 

Day 6-7

The average withdrawal timeline is a week, by the 6th to 7th-day symptoms such as nausea, muscle pains, and others are relieved. Users begin to stabilize at this phase.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

Neurological changes in the central nervous system may cause continued or occasional symptoms of heroin withdrawal even after the projected timeline. The common symptoms experienced intermittently are depression, insomnia, fatigue mood swings, and irritability. 

How Can Detox Help for Heroin Withdrawal?

The queries on how to quit heroin are numerous, owing to the vast number of people living with heroin addiction, especially in the United States. Those who attempt heroin detox at home without medical supervision expose themselves to extreme complications and relapse, which can be fatal in many cases. 

Detox is beneficial for withdrawal in many ways. The procedures of detox are aimed towards providing lasting relief from symptoms and also prevent relapse. A medically managed heroin detox reduces the risk of complications during the treatment. Some medications used in the process include:

• Methadone
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine 

These medications are used to taper off heroin and reduce cravings as well as the physical symptoms. The best heroin withdrawal tip or advice is to find a well-recommended rehabilitation facility as early as possible.