Heroin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Heroin is an addictive opiate that creates a sedating rush of euphoria and relaxation.

The signs of heroin use can be recognized through its many side effects. One of these side effects is opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Withdrawal symptoms start anywhere from two to 48 hours after the last dose of heroin and can include vomiting, insomnia, and muscle cramps.

Symptoms can last four days to several months, depending on the severity of the heroin addiction.

Read on to learn about these withdrawal symptoms, how long they’ll last, and heroin addiction treatment options including behavioral therapy, detox, and pharmacology (use of medications).

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Opiate withdrawal has many uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms that develop as the body learns to function without heroin.

Many of the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal mimic flu-like effects.

These physical symptoms can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• hot and cold flashes
• perspiration
• abdominal cramping
• watery discharge from the eyes and nose
• diarrhea
• muscle aches and pain
• bone pain
• goosebumps
• body twitching
• fever
• runny nose
• dilated pupils
• heart pounding
• yawning
• fatigue
• tremors
• hypertension

Mental symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:

• anxiety
• insomnia
• restlessness
• depression
• trouble concentrating
• nervousness
• agitation

Find more information on the symptoms of heroin withdrawal.

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

Heroin leaves the body quicker than other opioids, such as methadone.

Withdrawal symptoms can start anywhere from two to 48 hours after the last dose of heroin. These symptoms may last anywhere from four to 20 days.

Average timeline for heroin withdrawal:

• Six to 12 hours: The first withdrawal symptoms start, such as nausea and sweating.
• 24 to 72 hours: This is when heroin withdrawal symptoms peak.
• Four to 10 days: After about a week, symptoms start to go down gradually.

Learn more about the heroin withdrawal timeline.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Withdrawal symptoms felt after 10 days (and up to two months) are known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

Often, this involves more psychological symptoms than physical symptoms of withdrawal.

Symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome can include:

• sensitivity to stress
• trouble sleeping
• drug cravings
• mood swings

In extreme cases, post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms can last several months to a year.

In this case, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often recommended for long-term withdrawal management.

Factors That Affect Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms And Timeline

There are many factors that determine how long and strong withdrawal symptoms are felt.

Some of these factors include:

• how long someone has engaged in heroin abuse
• how much heroin has been used
• the type and purity of heroin
• pre-existing health conditions
• co-occurring drug addiction or substance abuse
• a person’s gender
• method of heroin abuse (whether it’s smoked, injected, or snorted)

Heroin Withdrawal Treatment

Some people who quit heroin decide to go “cold turkey,” meaning they detox from home without medical assistance.

However, this is never suggested, as a person can experience extremely painful, uncomfortable, or even life-threatening complications from opioid withdrawal.

Treatment centers and hospitals offer trained behavioral health care providers and special medications for detoxing.

Below are some of the most common heroin treatment practices.

Medications Used For Heroin Detox

Medications are used to reduce cravings and help the body handle uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. You may get these medications from an MAT or detox program.

A medication-assisted treatment program is a long-term program (often a year or longer) involving a combination of medications and behavioral therapies for a whole-person approach.

A detox program provides short-term pain relief and safe detox in a medical setting, typically lasting about five to 10 days.

Many of these medications are opioids. However, instead of creating a sense of euphoria, they may bind to or block opioid receptors in the brain.

There are three different types of medications used to treat opioid withdrawal:

• Agonists, which activate opioid receptors
• Partial agonists, which activate opioid receptors to a lesser extent than full agonists
• Antagonists, which block the receptors and stop the rewarding effects of opiates

The type of medication used will be determined by specific needs and history.

Methadone

Methadone is an agonist and one of the most well-known medications used for withdrawal treatment.

It’s taken orally so that it reaches the brain slower. This produces a lesser high compared to injecting opioids.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone) is a partial agonist. It should be taken at least eight hours after the last dose of heroin.

This medication relieves drug cravings and helps to lower the severity of physical symptoms.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an antagonist that prevents opioids from producing a high. Naltrexone has the lowest potential for abuse, as it does not create a sense of euphoria.

Understanding Heroin Relapse

It’s important to understand that a relapse may occur. Opioid dependence can linger for months after you’ve stopped using a detox or MAT medication.

This is why addiction treatment programs, 12-step recovery groups, individual therapy, and other supports are vital in treating heroin withdrawal and addiction.

Heroin Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

Relapse doesn’t mean recovery isn’t possible. Our inpatient drug rehab program in Massachusetts is ready to help you or a loved one with a substance abuse disorder.

At Spring Hill Recovery Center, there are several levels of addiction care, including detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient services.

Reach out to one of our specialists today to learn more.