Heroin addiction is a struggle for many all across the country, and withdrawal and detox from heroin can be incredibly difficult. Checking in with a licensed drug and alcohol detox program can be crucial to getting past that long first week after stopping using heroin. Heroin users typically begin experiencing symptoms of withdrawal between six and twelve hours after their last dose. The length of those symptoms generally depends on various factors, including the length of time and frequency with which the person has been using, the person’s typical dose size, and their usage method. Withdrawal exhausts the body and mind of a person in recovery, and they must have a safe and secure place to properly manage their symptoms.
Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach, California, is a licensed substance abuse treatment center. We ensure that our drug and alcohol detox center and other facilities serve as safe, comfortable living spaces where clients can enjoy a sense of peace and community with other individuals in the programs. If you or a loved one is ready to commit to detox and addiction treatment, please contact Oceanfront Recovery today by visiting us online or calling us at 877.296.7477 with any questions about our addiction recovery programs.
Heroin Detox with a Treatment Center
Treating heroin addiction often requires a medical detox that may not be necessary for others with substance abuse disorders. This medical detox is imperative for many in recovery, and due to heroin’s withdrawal symptoms, a licensed drug and alcohol detox program continually proves to be the best option for those seeking recovery. Attempting detox alone can not only be dangerous, but also deadly in some cases. Heroin addiction detoxification in a treatment center, on the other hand, offers round-the-clock care, access to professionally trained staff, and a safe, substance-free environment.
With a compassionate team of care providers and expert medication management, heroin detox can be easier and less isolating. Many treatments for their medical detox stay in a facility’s detox center for between three and ten days. After that period, people in recovery move to a rehabilitation center where a longer treatment program can begin. For lots of people, medical detox can be one of the highest hurdles in their recovery journey. However, getting clean in a facility that loves to see you succeed and provides you with the proper tools to do so makes that hurdle a lot less daunting.
The Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Every individual in recovery for heroin use is different, and the length of heroin withdrawal symptoms can differ. That said, a general guide to the withdrawal timeline is as follows:
- Day 1-2: The first few days often include many muscle aches, which intensify as time goes on. Symptoms can also include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, shaking, and diarrhea.
- Day 3-5: Heroin withdrawal is usually at its peak here. Common symptoms during this time include abdominal cramping, sweating, shivers, and nausea/vomiting.
- Day 6-7: This is generally the end of what’s referred to as “acute withdrawal.” Muscle aches and other symptoms will ebb, and people in recovery will feel better but tired and worn down.
After this period, PAWS, or Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms, may occur in some people, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. These are caused by the neurological effects of heroin use, but all symptoms can be managed by professionals in a treatment center.
Learn More by Reaching Out to Oceanfront Recovery
If you or a loved one feels that heroin detox may be the next step, don’t hesitate to reach out to our highly-trained team of compassionate staff. Contact Oceanfront Recovery by visiting us online or calling us at 877.296.7477 to speak to someone about your road to recovery today.
