Heroin is a highly addictive opioid. Sustained use has a massive impact on the reward centers in your brain which is why it is so difficult to discontinue use. Let’s develop a brief understanding of where heroin comes from and how it is used.
Heroin comes from morphine, which is found in the seed pod of certain types of opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. The user doesn’t know how much heroin is being used, which increases the risk of overdose.
Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Usually, high-purity heroin is snorted or smoked. It is commonly mixed with other powder-like materials such as powdered sugar or cornstarch. Heroin users are at high risk of overdose or death due to uncertainty about the drug’s strength and contents.
Withdrawing from heroin is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, heroin users have a high relapse rate because of how addictive it is. Understanding withdrawal symptoms and how long they can last can help us offer better support to someone going through detox. In this article, we will discuss what you can expect if you or a loved one is going through heroin withdrawal.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
When the body gets used to a drug, it becomes dependent on it. If someone reduces their use or stops suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
In simpler terms, when someone is physiologically dependent on a substance like heroin, they feel like they need it to function normally. This can lead to compulsive drug use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
For individuals who have become physiologically dependent on heroin, slowing or stopping usage will cause withdrawal symptoms to emerge. The severity of withdrawal symptoms varies, depending on the amount of heroin used and the duration of use.
Symptoms of Withdrawal:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body aches
- Diahrrea
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Excessive yawning
- Depressed mood
- Strong cravings for heroin
Is Heroin Withdrawal Life Threatening?
Heroin withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable, and the cravings are intense. It is typically not dangerous to go through withdrawal. It is good to be mindful of some symptoms that could lead to complications.
Dehydration. While it is not common, withdrawal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, requiring oral fluids with electrolytes or IV therapy for treatment.
Lowered Tolerance. When someone stops using heroin for a while, their body becomes less tolerant of the drug. If they start using heroin again, they are at a higher risk of overdose because they need less heroin to feel its effects.
Pharmaceuticals. Medications are an essential tool during withdrawal to help manage symptoms and minimize cravings, reducing the risk of relapse. Support during heroin withdrawal and beyond is vital for long-term recovery.
How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
Withdrawal symptoms can begin as quickly as six hours after the last dose. Everyone is different. In general, people experience the heroin withdrawal timeline below:
- Day 1-2 of withdrawal: Symptoms may start to show as soon as 6 hours after detox begins. Pain typically starts in the muscles during the first day and becomes more intense over the next 48 hours. Other common symptoms that emerge include difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, anxiety, trembling, and diarrhea.
- Day 3-5 of withdrawal:> During this intense phase of heroin withdrawal, you may experience nausea, vomiting, shivering, sweating, and abdominal cramping.
- Day 6-7 of withdrawal:> Acute heroin withdrawal typically lasts about a week. Symptoms such as nausea, aches, and pains will diminish, and although you may feel fatigued, you will start to feel physically better at this stage of detox.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which involves symptoms persisting beyond the typical timeline.
These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and cravings for heroin for weeks or even months after the initial withdrawal period. It’s important to note that PAWS symptoms can be effectively managed and will eventually decrease over time.
Heroin Detox and Treatment
Withdrawal from heroin is rarely deadly. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can lead individuals to relapse and use heroin again in order to avoid these symptoms.
Medical detox can help make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable as the body adjusts to the absence of heroin. This can make it easier for people to begin treatment.
Blue Star Recovery provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for heroin withdrawal, outpatient rehab, and sober living to support individuals throughout their recovery journey.
Our highly skilled clinical team recognizes the vital role of integrating behavioral therapy with medications to effectively bolster your long-term recovery. We utilize a range of therapies to equip you with the necessary tools to get you feeling like yourself again.
Heroin addiction is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.If you or a loved one is struggling and needs treatment, contact us today.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment; a Treatment Improvement Protocol
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Heroin
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
- NIH: Withdrawal Management
