How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?

Heroin is highly addictive and one of the most dangerous substances on the planet. Many users become hooked on the drug after the first use. People who use heroin chase the intense euphoria to the point where they become physically and psychologically addicted to the drug. If a heroin user attempts to decrease their intake or stop using heroin altogether, the withdrawal symptoms they experience are extremely painful and can be life-threatening. The fear of those symptoms keeps people addicted to heroin. If you are looking for a heroin detox program, it is essential to understand how long does it take to detox from heroin.

If you are addicted to heroin, you must cease use and endure withdrawal. Fortunately, many drug rehab programs feature excellent medical detox programs that make heroin withdrawal much safer and more tolerable. In this article, you will learn about the symptoms of heroin withdrawal and how long heroin detox programs take to work. Importantly, you will learn how to find a quality heroin detox program in Southern California.

Grace Recovery is a Los Angeles medical detox center providing drug and alcohol abuse treatment in South California. Contact us today to learn more.

What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?

The symptoms of heroin withdrawal vary in intensity from person to person. It is important to understand that heroin affects your whole being. The following are common heroin withdrawal symptoms you can experience in the physical, mental, psychological, and behavioral sense.

Physical Symptoms

The common physical symptoms associated with heroin addiction include the following:

• Track marks on the legs, arms, and neck
• Runny rose
• Shallow breathing and general difficulty in breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Constricted blood vessels

Psychological Symptoms

• The brain is unable to produce dopamine and serotonin on its own and relies on heroin for production
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Extreme paranoia
• Delusions

Mood Symptoms

• Erratic and volatile mood swings
• The onset of depression and anxiety once the effects of heroin wear off
• Intense feelings of euphoria and well-being while on heroin
• Irritability and aggression

Behavioral Symptoms

• Avoidance of family and friends
• Increased social isolation
• Defensiveness when confronted about use
• Deterioration of physical appearance
• A decline in hygiene and grooming
• Slurred speech
• Increased apathy

It is important that not all users will experience the same withdrawal symptoms. The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the length of use, the amount used, and the presence of other drugs in the system, among other factors.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Heroin?

The million-dollar question you may ask regarding quitting heroin is how long does it take to detox from heroin? Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for the detox process. The length of heroin detox depends on the amount of heroin you use, how long you used heroin, the frequency of use, if you are abusing other substances, and your overall health. Once you quit using heroin, your body and brain immediately notice that something seems off. In general, it takes 6-12 hours for withdrawal symptoms to surface. The most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Fatigue

More severe withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate
• Spasms

For up to three days after your last done, you will experience the most intense physical withdrawal symptoms. After a week, these symptoms start to subside, and you start feeling better. However, the second wave of more intense withdrawal symptoms starts to appear about 14 days after your last dose. These symptoms are more psychological and can ebb and flow for months. Because of the length of time withdrawal symptoms persist, it is important to seek intensive treatment after detox.

How to Find a Heroin Detox Program in Southern California

While heroin withdrawal symptoms can be both painful and harrowing, a professional heroin detox program will get you on the road to recovery. Heroin detox facilities can be standalone facilities, but many detox programs are a part of drug rehabs. The detox process is done in a safe, secure, and clean environment and under the strict supervision of experienced medical personnel. During detox, staff will administer the proper medications and utilize other appropriate interventions that make heroin withdrawal more tolerable and comfortable.

During this process, staff will also conduct a thorough medical and mental health evaluation. From this evaluation, they will design an individualized drug treatment program that will help you address and overcome heroin addiction. Located in Southern California, Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. Our medical detox program is evidence-based and effective in helping you wean yourself off of heroin as well as other substances.In addition to detox, we offer inpatient and outpatient rehab, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare planning. Don’t let heroin addiction destroy your life; call Grace Recovery today and regain your health and happiness with our Los Angeles addiction treatment programs.