If you are thinking about heroin detox, you may be about to make the smartest decision of your life. It is natural to have questions about the heroin detox process, such as how long it is going to take. However, it is important to know that there is not a “one size fits all” answer to that question.

We at Knoxville Recovery Center are ready to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have about our heroin detox program. Let’s take a moment to discuss what to expect when it’s time to go through heroin detox. 

Heroin Detox Timeline

When you are addicted to heroin, you start feeling withdrawal symptoms only 6 to 12 hours after your last dose was taken. Symptoms get their worst 1 to 3 days after you have last taken heroin. In most cases, after a week has passed, withdrawal symptoms begin to taper off. However, this is not the case for everyone.

Some people develop what is known as PAWS or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Basically, PAWS refers to a set of symptoms that can show up for weeks or months after you have quit abusing a substance. Around 90 percent of opioid users develop this condition. It is marked by depression, feelings of anxiety or panic and general irritability. It is also common to have strong cravings for heroin during this time. 

So, to answer the question, “How long does heroin detox last?” This depends on the individual. If you develop PAWS, you may experience detox symptoms that persist for weeks, months or even years. 

Heroin Detox Symptoms

Step one in any rehabilitation program is detoxing from the drug. Now, let’s take a moment to discuss what you should expect when you are going through heroin detox. 

How severe your symptoms are and how long your symptoms last is largely dependent upon how long you were taking heroin, how you were using it and how much was taken each time. 

If you only used heroin for a very short time, you may experience mild withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Nausea and abdominal cramps
• Runny nose and tearing
• Sweating or the chills
• Excessive yawning
• Muscle and bone aching

If you used heroin in a moderate amount for a longer amount of time, you may have:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Tremors
• Goosebumps
• Tiredness
• Trouble focusing
• Agitation and restlessness

The most severe cases of heroin withdrawal may experience:

• Depression and anxiety
• Severe drug cravings
• Rapid heart rate
• Hypertension
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to feel pleasure

Medically-Assisted Treatment

When you enter our heroin detox center, Medication-Assisted Treatment is available through the use of suboxone. Utilizing this type of treatment can help you feel much better while you are going through your withdrawal period, mitigating some of the negative effects of the opioid withdrawal process. Suboxone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain so that if you try and use heroin while taking this medication you will not get “high”.

Receive Help at Knoxville Recovery Center

Going through heroin detox can be a challenging experience, to say the least. That is why it is something you should never have to do on your own at home. Our medically-assisted detox program will help take the edge off your symptoms. Trust our team of qualified professionals at Knoxville Recovery Center to make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible. The best time to make a change is right now. Call us today to speak with a specialist about your treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you.