Heroin use has doubled over the last decade and is one of the most addictive substances that can quickly form a powerful addiction. Long-term use can create irreversible brain damage and physical symptoms that are painful and unsightly, like muscle aches and pains, mouth sores, and gum disease. A heroin addiction treatment program can help you get through the painful, yet short, heroin withdrawal timeline and let you focus on your recovery.
At Arkview Recovery Center, we understand how difficult it can be to go through heroin withdrawal symptoms alone. That is why we are here to help you with various addiction treatment plans to help you reach your goal of a long-lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction and is ready to make a real change, call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our caring staff about our heroin addiction treatment program.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin is a short-acting opioid. It creates a powerful effect rapidly and leaves the bloodstream within six hours, when withdrawal symptoms begin. Heroin may not be in your bloodstream, but tests can still show heroin in saliva, urine, and hair for up to 90 days.
Heroin floods the body with endorphin-releasing chemicals that quickly bind to opioid receptors in the body, filling you with an extremely euphoric feeling that only lasts a few minutes. Other symptoms of heroin use can last up to six hours or longer depending on the length of use and amounts taken.
Short-term heroin use will also create the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heavy feelings in arms and legs
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Cloudy judgment
- Slipping in and out of consciousness, known as “on the nod”
With long-term use, symptoms will worsen in severity, and the risk of permanent mental and physical damage increases:
- Collapsed veins
- Damaged tissue
- Cardiovascular infection
- Abscesses
- Severe constipation and cramping
- Increased depression and anti-social personality disorder
- Decrease in sexual function
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
How long does heroin withdrawal last? Heroin doesn’t have a lengthy withdrawal timeline, with most patients beginning to feel relief after one week. Some patients who have abused heroin for an extended period of time may experience longer withdrawal timelines over ten days. Your withdrawal symptoms will be worse the longer you abuse heroin.
6-12 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms will begin as soon as heroin is out of your bloodstream, typically between 6-12 hours, depending on the amount you take. You will begin to experience worsening withdrawals like muscle aches, anxiety, diarrhea, and insomnia during this time.
Those who try to detox without help will feel like they have the flu during this stage of their heroin withdrawal timeline.
1-3 Days
Heroin withdrawals typically peak around day 2 or 3. Painful withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Stomach cramping
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense drug cravings
- Depression
A pharmacotherapy program can help with the worsening withdrawal symptoms by reducing the painful cramping and muscle aches and reducing your cravings. Those who detox alone are more likely to give in to their cravings at this point without adjusting the amount they normally take, creating the potential for an overdose.
1 Week
Heroin withdrawal symptoms will begin to dissipate between 5-7 days, but you may feel lingering symptoms for several months after, depending on the level of addiction. Some lingering symptoms may include fatigue, depression, cravings, and muscle aches.
The best chance you have for getting through heroin withdrawals is through a heroin addiction treatment program with medication-assisted treatment available to reduce the painful withdrawal symptoms.
Arkview Recovery Center Can Help You With Our Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
At Arkview Recovery, we can help you with your heroin addiction in our warm and inviting facility in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. We combine behavioral therapy with individual, group therapy, and family therapy for a well-rounded treatment program. To learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program, call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our professional staff about your heroin withdrawal timeline.
