Getting Over Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
It starts with mild withdrawal. At our heroin addiction treatment center in Worcester, Massachusetts, therapists frequently meet clients who used the night before. They fear what comes after the yawning, sweating, runny nose, and slight cramping. Without intervention, then the next two days will be rough. Light cramping turns into gastrointestinal upset. You feel as if you’re coming down with the flu. Besides that, you are exhausted but can’t rest. Anxiety builds up as depression increases. Your heart rate’s going up and down. You’d do anything for another fix. Muscles contract painfully and won’t relax. On day four, the heroin withdrawal signs diminish. They’re no longer as strong as they’ve been. Similarly, you sleep in short bursts. By the end of the week, you wake up without heroin withdrawal symptoms.Medical Detox Eliminates the Pain and Provides Safety
The pain of withdrawal is the reason why most at-home detox attempts fail. It’s so intense that you want it to stop. When you enroll at a medical detox facility, you overcome this aspect of recovery with relative ease. For example, interventions include:- Medication-assisted treatment for heroin withdrawal signs to eliminate pain and ease physical discomfort
- Around-the-clock supervision of the process that protects your health and ensures proper hydration at all times
- Mental health treatment to overcome anxiety and depression throughout the process
- Group therapy to express your emotions and feelings toward recovery
- Transfer to the rehab portion of care to deal with the psychological addiction to heroin
Rehab is a Necessity
That first morning you wake up without withdrawal symptoms is fantastic. You didn’t think you could do it. But here you are. You can go about your day without doing heroin. However, there’s more treatment ahead. You’ve only succeeded in ending the physical addiction. The psychological dependence’s still there. Without rehab, you have a high relapse potential. During the rehab process, therapists help you understand what triggered you to use the opiate. For some, it’s a matter of stress relief. Others wanted something that would numb strong emotions and memories. Some people began using heroin due to peer pressure. All these triggers have a workaround. You learn new coping skills and stress management techniques during behavioral therapy. Life skills training assists with setting social boundaries and dealing with peers. Most importantly, there’s trauma treatment for those who need to work through events from the past and heal.Enrolling in Rehab
It’s easy to enroll in rehab. You don’t have to be sober. In fact, many clients enter rehab after using a last dose of heroin just moments before. It’s okay. You start with medical detox and graduate to rehab after about a week. You no longer have heroin withdrawal symptoms and feel good about your progress. Connect with Washburn House today by dialing 888.721.3453 now.Trying to navigate heroin withdrawal symptoms is difficult. Whether you’re facing them yourself or are supporting a loved one as they get sober, you might not know what to expect or how long they last. Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and heroin addiction treatment is the safest way to stop using.
What Happens During Heroin Withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs as the body adjusts to functioning without heroin.
- Brain changes: Heroin disrupts the brain’s opioid receptors, which regulate pain, reward, and emotions. Withdrawal causes these receptors to overreact, leading to physical and emotional symptoms.
- Stress hormones: The brain releases excess stress hormones during withdrawal, worsening anxiety and discomfort.
- Body rebalancing: Symptoms reflect the body’s effort to regain balance, which can be overwhelming without professional care.
Everyone has a different experience during the withdrawal period—also called “detox”—but most will be uncomfortable for a few days.
Common Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal affects each person differently based on their physical and mental health, how long they’ve used, the amount taken, and whether other substances are involved. This guide to heroin withdrawal symptoms can help you understand what to expect.
Physical Symptoms
Withdrawal can take a toll on the body, leading to a range of physical symptoms that vary in intensity depending on the substance and duration of use.
- Sweating: Many individuals experience excessive sweating, even in cool environments.
- Chills: Alternating hot and cold sensations are common, often accompanied by goosebumps or shivering.
- Muscle cramps and aches: Muscle pain or cramps may occur as the body adjusts to functioning without the substance.
- Nausea and vomiting: Stomach discomfort, nausea, and occasional vomiting are frequent during the early stages of withdrawal.
- Diarrhea: The digestive system can become overactive, leading to diarrhea and dehydration if not managed.
- Runny nose and watery eyes: These flu-like symptoms often appear, particularly with opioid withdrawal.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: The body may experience heightened cardiovascular activity.
Mental and Emotional Symptoms
Withdrawal doesn’t just affect the body; it also impacts emotional well-being and mental health.
- Anxiety: A constant sense of worry or fear may arise, often accompanied by a racing mind.
- Irritability: Individuals may feel on edge, quick to frustration or anger.
- Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still or concentrating is a common emotional response.
- Cravings: Strong urges to use the substance again can dominate thoughts and behaviors.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of motivation can intensify during withdrawal.
- Mood swings: Unpredictable or rapid changes in mood are common as the brain adapts.
Sleep Disruptions
Sleep disturbances are common during withdrawal, making it harder for the body and mind to recover.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is one of the most reported symptoms.
- Frequent waking: Even if sleep is achieved, it may be interrupted by sudden awakenings.
- Vivid dreams or nightmares: Many people experience intense or unsettling dreams during withdrawal.
- Daytime fatigue: Poor sleep quality often results in constant tiredness during the day.
Intense Cravings for Heroin
You may have heard of being “dope sick” before, which describes the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of heroin withdrawal. But one of the most dangerous symptoms is the cravings. That’s because the longer someone goes without using heroin, the lower their tolerance is for the drug—and tolerance can drop quickly. Cravings during early recovery can be intense and inescapable, and are the reason many people relapse. If they were a regular or heavy user in the past, they may try to match their old normal dose, which would be too strong. They can easily overdose.
How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
The heroin withdrawal process typically follows this timeline:
- Days 1–2: Mild symptoms like sweating, yawning, anxiety, and a runny nose begin.
- Days 3–4: Symptoms peak, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and irritability being most intense.
- Days 5–7: Symptoms improve, though restlessness and anxiety may linger.
- Week 2 and beyond: Sleep issues, fatigue, and mood swings can continue as the body adjusts to being substance-free.
The exact duration varies based on personal factors like genetics or the presence of substances like fentanyl. Medical detox ensures symptoms are managed safely during this process.
Managing Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is challenging, but support is available. Most people would benefit from medical detox, especially after using heroin heavily and/or for a long time.
Practical Tips
Staying comfortable will be your biggest challenge during heroin withdrawal. Your body will be going through a lot, so take your time with things and work on some healthy new routines. You can also:
- Stay hydrated: Encourage drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids (like sports drinks) to avoid dehydration.
- Healthy meals: Focus on balanced nutrition with foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
- Create a calm environment: Ensure your space is quiet and free of stressors to promote relaxation.
- Rest: Withdrawal will be physically exhausting. Make sure you sleep or relax as you need.
- Distract and engage: Low-energy activities like watching movies, reading, or light walks can take your mind off cravings or discomfort.
- Support system: Lean on your loved ones, who will be present and offer emotional support. Speak and know they’re there to listen without judgment.
A medical detox program provides the safest, most effective approach to withdrawal. There, licensed medical professionals provide 24/7 monitoring. Nutritional support and talk therapy can also help you start building the foundation for a healthy recovery.
Treatment Options for Heroin Withdrawal
Overcoming heroin withdrawal can be challenging, but professional treatment programs provide the comprehensive care and support needed to begin the recovery process. These programs are designed to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, ensuring a safe and structured path toward healing.
Medical Detox
Relapse is a real risk when you’re detoxing from heroin. Don’t underestimate how strong cravings can be. Reach out for help early and see if a medical detox center could be the best place to start recovery.
- Medication: FDA-approved medications like naltrexone (Vivitrol) reduce cravings and discomfort.
- Monitoring: Round-the-clock care ensures symptoms are managed safely.
- Nutritional support: Proper hydration and nutrition help the body recover.
Therapy and Coping Tools
Starting talk therapy during heroin detox helps you develop coping tools that will be valuable for your entire recovery journey. Therapy can:
- Identify triggers: If certain people, places, or things make you want to use heroin again, your therapist will help identify them and how to avoid these triggers.
- Address co-occurring mental health conditions: Many people who struggle with heroin addiction also have mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Build support systems: Your therapist will work with you to build a support system of family, friends, and other recovering individuals who can provide support during difficult times.
- Teach healthy coping mechanisms: Rather than turning to drugs for relief from stress or negative emotions, therapy can teach you healthier ways to handle tough situations.
After detox, many people transition into residential or outpatient treatment. Professional treatment programs can give you continued access to therapy, MAT, and nutritional and group support after withdrawal symptoms fade.
Preparing for Heroin Detox as a Family
Families play a vital role in recovery. If your loved one is quitting heroin, here’s how to prepare:
- Learn about addiction: Understanding the disease of heroin addiction and recovery helps you support your loved one effectively.
- Set boundaries: Avoid enabling behaviors and promote accountability.
- Join a support group: Connect with other families to gain advice and emotional support.
- Be patient: Recovery takes time, and setbacks are part of the process.
- Prepare your home: Remove any items that could trigger cravings, and make sure your loved one has a safe and comfortable space to come to after treatment.
- Be active in treatment: Family counseling and involvement in treatment can greatly benefit your loved one’s recovery.
Take care of yourself, too. The better you can show up for yourself, the better you can show up for your loved one who is going through a major change.
Enroll in Heroin Detox at Washburn House in Worcester, MA
Promises Washburn House is an accredited detox center in Worcester. We also offer residential and outpatient opioid addiction treatment programs. Whether it’s your first attempt at recovery or you’ve been here before, we can help. Reach out to us at 888.721.3453 or contact us online.
Worried about the price of detox? We accept Medicaid and are in-network with many commercial insurance plans. Verify your coverage now or reach out for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms include nausea, muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Most symptoms resolve within a week, though some effects may linger for weeks.
Take your time and seek professional support early. Stay hydrated and try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. FDA-approved medications can be prescribed by a licensed professional to make symptoms easier to manage.
Medical detox is the best support option for someone going through heroin withdrawal. Detox programs offer recovery medications, nutritional support, and connection to peer groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
Acknowledge your heroin use and commit to seeking help. Reach out to loved ones for support and research treatment options. Develop a plan for potential triggers and ways to cope with cravings. Finally, approach recovery with an open mind and a willingness to change. Remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it may involve setbacks along the way.