If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, the thought of detoxing can feel overwhelming. Heroin is a highly addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms can be both physically and emotionally challenging. But detoxing is the first step toward recovery, and with the right support, it is possible to regain control of your life.
At The Recovery Lodge, we provide a safe and supportive detox environment, ensuring individuals receive professional medical care to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. In this blog, we’ll go through how long heroin detox takes, what symptoms to expect, and the safest way to detox from heroin.
Understanding Heroin Detox
Heroin detox is the process of removing heroin from the body, allowing your system to begin healing from dependence. Because heroin affects the brain’s opioid receptors, withdrawal can be intense and uncomfortable. However, medical detox can help ease these symptoms, making the process safer and more manageable.
Heroin withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, but it can make you very sick. Many people relapse during detox due to the severity of symptoms, which is why professional support is highly recommended and paired with long-term detox through the use of Methadone (a prescription medication to help balance withdrawal symptoms).
Heroin Detox Timeline: What to Expect
The length and severity of heroin detox depend on several factors, including how long a person has been using, the frequency of use, and overall health. Most withdrawal symptoms appear within hours after the last dose and can last up to 10 days.
6 to 12 Hours After Last Use
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin 6 to 12 hours after the last dose. This early stage can bring discomfort as the body starts to adjust to the absence of heroin.
Common early withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Sweating and chills
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
- Runny nose and excessive yawning
24 to 72 Hours: Peak Withdrawal Symptoms
The most intense withdrawal symptoms occur between 24 and 72 hours after the last use. This period is often the most challenging, and without medical support, it can be difficult to resist the urge to use heroin again.
Common peak withdrawal symptoms include:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Intense muscle cramps and body aches
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- Dilated pupils and light sensitivity
- Strong cravings for heroin
During this stage, hydration and medical support are crucial to prevent dehydration and complications from severe withdrawal symptoms.
4 to 7 Days: Symptoms Begin to Subside
After the initial peak, withdrawal symptoms start to ease. While physical symptoms become less severe, emotional symptoms can persist. Common symptoms during this phase include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Depression and irritability
- Sleep disturbances and vivid dreams
Many people continue to experience cravings during this phase, highlighting the need for psychological support and relapse prevention strategies.
8 to 10 Days: Recovery and Stabilisation
By day 8 to 10, most of the acute withdrawal symptoms have subsided. However, some individuals may experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which includes prolonged emotional and psychological symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings and irritability
- Cravings that come in waves
This phase can last for weeks or even months, which is why continued therapy and support are essential.
Factors That Affect Heroin Detox Duration
Each person’s detox experience is unique, and the length of withdrawal can vary based on several factors:
- How long heroin has been used – Long-term users may experience a longer withdrawal period.
- Dosage and frequency – Higher doses and frequent use lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Overall physical health – Underlying health conditions can impact detox duration.
- Polydrug use – Using heroin alongside other substances can complicate withdrawal.
- Previous detox attempts – Withdrawal symptoms may be more severe for those who have relapsed before.
The Safest Way to Detox From Heroin
Due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, medical supervision is strongly recommended when detoxing from heroin. At The Recovery Lodge, we offer medically supervised detox to help individuals through this process safely and comfortably.
24/7 Medical Monitoring
Heroin withdrawal can cause severe dehydration and dangerous symptoms, making professional monitoring essential. Our medical team ensures that individuals are kept stable, hydrated, and as comfortable as possible throughout detox.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Common medications used during heroin detox include:
- Methadone – A long-acting opioid that reduces withdrawal symptoms without producing a high.
- Buprenorphine (Subutex/Suboxone) – Helps shorten withdrawal and reduce cravings.
- Clonidine – Helps manage anxiety, high blood pressure, and muscle aches.
These medications can significantly reduce discomfort and improve the chances of successfully completing detox.
Nutritional and Hydration Support
Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration. Proper hydration and balanced nutrition help support the body’s recovery and prevent complications.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Heroin detox isn’t just a physical process—it also involves emotional and psychological challenges. Many individuals experience depression, anxiety, and strong cravings. Our counselling and therapy sessions help individuals develop coping mechanisms and emotional resilience during and after detox.
What Happens After Heroin Detox?
Detox is only the first step in recovery. To prevent relapse, it’s important to follow up with ongoing treatment and support. Options include:
- Inpatient or residential rehab – Provides structured therapy, group support, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Outpatient programmes – Allows individuals to receive treatment while living at home.
- Therapy and counselling – CBT and DBT can help address the underlying causes of addiction.
- Support groups – Connecting with groups like Narcotics Anonymous provides ongoing peer support.
At The Recovery Lodge, we offer comprehensive aftercare planning to help individuals transition smoothly into long-term recovery.
FAQs About Heroin Detox
Can I detox from heroin at home?
Home detox can be extremely challenging and is not recommended. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, leading to relapse or medical complications. A medically supervised detox ensures safety and comfort.
How long do heroin cravings last after detox?
Cravings can persist for weeks or even months after detox. Therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups can help manage cravings effectively.
Is heroin withdrawal life-threatening?
Heroin withdrawal is rarely fatal, but severe dehydration, heart complications, and suicidal thoughts can occur. That’s why professional detox support is recommended.
What is the best way to prevent relapse after detox?
Ongoing treatment, therapy, and a strong support system significantly reduce the risk of relapse. Many individuals find long-term rehab programmes essential for maintaining sobriety.
Final Thoughts
Detoxing from heroin is a challenging but essential step toward recovery. While withdrawal symptoms can be intense, they are temporary, and professional support can make the process safer and more manageable.At The Recovery Lodge, we provide medically supervised detox, therapy, and ongoing recovery support to help individuals break free from heroin addiction. If you or a loved one is ready to start the journey to sobriety, contact us today for compassionate and professional care.
