Heroin is a drug in the opioid family. Its short-acting nature means it has a significant impact following usage but leaves the bloodstream relatively quickly. The way it rapidly leaves the bloodstream means withdrawal periods for heroin are shorter than for other drugs. While this implies withdrawal symptoms will emerge within less than a day of cessation, it also means a detox program can be relatively short compared to other substances. You can learn more about our heroin detox programs in Florida by calling us at 866.796.4720.
Heroin Detox Withdrawal Timeline
Heroin withdrawal begins as soon as six hours following a person’s last usage. Peak withdrawal generally occurs between day one and day three, with symptoms beginning to resolve after one week.
However, depending on the typical dosage and the length of time a person has been using heroin, some people who undergo detox may be at risk for post-acute withdrawal syndrome. In this circumstance, withdrawal symptoms can last for much longer than a week, stretching into months or even longer.
A medical detox program typically begins before heroin completely leaves a person’s system and can last anywhere from 5-10 days. Program length depends on the severity of a person’s withdrawal. With medications and therapy, heroin detox can support patients’ bodies and minds in recovering from heroin addiction.
Common Heroin Detox Withdrawal Symptoms
A range of symptoms may accompany heroin detox withdrawal. These are influenced by past dosage, how long someone has been using heroin, and the way they were using the drug. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:
- Nausea
- Aches and pains
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Hypertension
- Muscle spasms
Engaging in a heroin detox program does not guarantee that you will avoid experiencing any of the above symptoms. At the same time, heroin detox may help alleviate these symptoms and provide the support necessary to guide you both physically and mentally through the heroin withdrawal process.
Heroin Detox Program Overview
During a heroin detox program, a medical professional may replace heroin with a longer-acting, less addictive opioid to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Using a replacement substance in this way tricks the mind and can help avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Other medications can alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms that a patient experiences.
A major component of heroin detox programs is constant supervision by medical professionals to ensure patient safety and recovery. This can be especially helpful in cases where emotionally-based withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and depression are prevalent. A calm, supportive atmosphere can make all the difference when guiding patients through challenging mental and physical symptoms.
Another aspect of most heroin detox programs is behavioral therapy. Delivered as an outpatient treatment or at a residential facility, behavioral therapy for heroin detox usually includes methods such as contingency management or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Contingency management utilizes a reward-based system where positive perks are doled out to patients based on them meeting benchmarks related to sober living and progress toward recovery. On the other hand, cognitive-behavioral therapy works to alter the mindsets and beliefs underlying a person’s addiction.
Depending on a patient’s treatment plan, it is possible that a heroin detox program would employ both types of behavioral therapy to best support someone’s recovery.
Seek Support at BoardPrep Recovery
BoardPrep Recovery Center near Tampa, Florida, offers comprehensive addiction recovery and detox programs. We understand each person’s detox from heroin will be different and require unique care. Our highly skilled therapists and medical professionals are on hand to guide you through a detox program that will put you on the road to healing.
Reach out to 866.796.4720, or contact us online to find out how we can best support you or a loved one with heroin detox in Florida.
