The Process of Heroin Detox

Detox is the only effective way to overcome a heroin addiction. While a heroin detox is challenging, completing it in a medically supervised environment will make it both safer and more comfortable. Learn a little more about the process of detoxing from heroin and what to expect.

Who Needs a Detox?

There is no safe way to consume heroin. Since the drug is incredibly dangerous and highly addictive, it is impossible to use it one more time with any hint of safety or caution. Simply put, anyone that uses heroin is likely a candidate for addiction and ultimately, detox. More specifically, a detox is necessary for anyone struggling with a heroin addiction. Individuals who are addicted to heroin may be focused almost exclusively on accessing and consuming the drug. They might have an increased tolerance for heroin and they might have an inability to cut back or quit consumption. An addiction to heroin is an uphill battle and trying to cut back or consume the drug responsibly is futile. The only way to break the addiction once and for all is to start down the path to recovery and that path begins with detox.

How Long Does a Detox From Heroin Take?

It it normal to want to know exactly how long a detox from heroin will take. Ultimately, the timeline is different for everyone. However, most patients will complete the detox within a week. Detox starts as soon as drug consumption stops. Then, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear. They can intensify rapidly, and they tend to peak around 72 hours into the detox. After that, symptoms gradually lessen until they taper off completely. Most patients will detox from heroin in about a week. However, there are some variables that can lengthen or shorten that process. Those who have been addicted to heroin for a long time, who use large amounts of heroin or who have serious health concerns may find that the process takes closer to 10 days. Some patients will detox in just five days or less.

How Can Patients Prepare for Detox?

The best way to improve the detox experience is to have medical support every step of the way. It also helps to know what the process will entail and what to expect. To prepare for detox, patients can learn more about the necessity of detox, take care of other responsibilities, and communicate with their loved ones. Detox is effective whether or not you're passionate about the idea of withdrawal. However, it can be less stressful if you know what to expect. Reading more about detox, in this guide and elsewhere, is a great place to start. Some individuals may need to care for financial or family matters before heading to detox. Paying bills, letting family know your whereabouts, and handling other important logistics can give you peace of mind. Then, during detox, you can focus entirely on your own recovery without worrying about what else is going on back home.

What are the Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms of a Detox From Heroin?

Detox means you will experience heroin withdrawal. This is when your body responds to the lack of heroin. Withdrawal is often unpleasant, but most of the symptoms are relatively minor. Often, a heroin withdrawal is comparable to the flu. Physically, many patients will experience intestinal discomfort. Since heroin is an opiate that causes constipation, detox can mean serious abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting and dehydration are all likely. A detox from heroin can also cause fatigue, tremors and cravings. Some muscle pains or body aches can occur. Anxiety and depression are common and it is very likely that insomnia will bother you for a brief period of time.

Are There Any Potentially Severe Withdrawal Symptoms to Expect?

Most of the withdrawal symptoms already mentioned can be overcome easily. However, a heroin withdrawal can also cause more severe symptoms. These symptoms can be life-threatening, which is why it is so important to only detox in a medically supervised environment. Many patients see an increase in heart rate or blood pressure during detox, and an increase in body temperature is also likely. While these are often minor issues, in patients with cardiac concerns they can lead to stroke or heart attack. While rare, this has to be monitored. Detoxing from heroin may also have a negative impact on respiration. Patients may find it hard to breath and they might feel winded after very limited physical activity. The psychological symptoms of a heroin withdrawal can also be severe in a small number of cases. Rarely, patients can become paranoid or struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Why is Medical Detox so Important?

Outlining the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms highlights how important it is to have medical support during detox. Individuals who attempt to detox at home are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk. Medical support also decreases the intensity of withdrawal in a safe way. Medical professionals can administer medications that mitigate discomfort without causing further addiction problems. They can also monitor patients and assess the risk level 24/7. Perhaps most importantly, a medical detox has accountability. While many people attempt to detox on their own, few are successful. In a medical detox program, the chance of successful detox and lasting recovery will be much higher.

What Comes After a Detox From Heroin?

The clinical side of detox is a vital first step on the road to lifelong sobriety. However, it isn't the only element in the equation. Patients will also need to prepare for ongoing therapy, support and aftercare. For some patients, this can include inpatient or outpatient rehab. Others will thrive in sober living facilities, and still more can find peer support in local group meetings. The key to lasting recovery is understanding that addiction is an ongoing concern that can't be left alone or ignored. Knowing the process of detox from heroin can ease your mind. Prospective patients can feel confident going into detox and they will be prepared for all aspects of the road to recovery.
Tags:
Back to blog