Heroin is an addictive substance that’s quite powerful. With any consistent use, it is likely a person will develop addiction and dependence, making it difficult to stop using these substances even when they want to do so. The best way to work through the process is with the support of a heroin detox center, as there are medications and therapies that can support your recovery.
The heroin detox center at Fort Behavioral Health provides comprehensive care for those struggling with addiction. If you or a loved one is in the midst of heroin addiction, our team can help. Learn more about the heroin withdrawal timeline and detox from our team today by calling 844.332.1807 or completing our online form.
What Is the Heroin Withdrawal Timeline?
When a person stops using heroin, they may notice significant changes in how they feel and think right away. It takes some time for the brain to recognize that the drugs are no longer present. Once that happens, the body seems to fight back against that, encouraging you to seek out the drug. Most often, the heroin withdrawal timeline consists of:
- Six to twelve hours from the last dose withdrawal begins
- One to three days is the peak for symptoms
- About one week later, withdrawal starts to subside
When Does Heroin Withdrawal Start?
Heroin withdrawal impacts people in different ways. The length of use and the amount being used are two key factors that impact what a person experiences when they stop using. If you’ve used heroin for a long time, your body and brain are likely dependent on the substance, meaning symptoms may be more intense and last longer.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms for heroin include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Nervousness and agitation
- Muscle spasms and shaking
- Sweating
- Cravings for the drug
Many people feel these symptoms at an intense level, while others do not. Some people may also experience more intense symptoms the first day, and those get better.
How Long Is the Heroin Withdrawal Timeline?
Another common question is about how long heroin withdrawal will happen. Heroin leaves the body within a matter of days. The digestive system works to metabolize and remove it from the body over a period of a few days. Yet, how long this takes often depends on not just the amount of the substance used but also factors such as how healthy your body is and if it is capable of metabolizing substances quickly.
Heroin withdrawal will continue until your body and brain are forced to move beyond their dependence. This is a difficult period for some people. That is why at Fort Behavioral Health, we offer a comprehensive addiction treatment program that incorporates medications that ease the brain off heroin. It takes less pain and frustration to get beyond that withdrawal then. For most people, you can start feeling better in a few days.
Start on the Path of Recovery
Even with medications, heroin detox takes time. During this time and for a few weeks after, you’ll need therapy to help guide your brain back to a healthy place. You will also need to develop strategies for healing, coping with symptoms, and managing stress. The goal is to not relapse.
At Fort Behavioral Health, therapy also includes programs such as:
- 12-Step program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Somatic experiencing program
- Motivational interviewing program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Face Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms at Fort Behavioral Health
Working to rid your body of addiction’s hold is important, but doing so in a safe place is essential. The heroin withdrawal timeline differs from one person to the next. Yet, it is often intense and scary. With the help of our team of professionals at Fort Behavioral Health, you’ll have the tools and resources to support your recovery fully. To learn more about our programs, reach out to us online or call 844.332.1807 to get started.
