Withdrawal symptoms can range from small urges to larger physical symptoms. When recovering from the consumption of a substance like heroin, knowing what to expect along the way can make a real difference in the recovery process. As one of the top addiction treatment centers in Pennsylvania, we’re keenly aware of the withdrawal timeline and what to expect during treatment programs for mental health conditions like substance abuse. To stop using heroin, understand what to expect during a physical heroin withdrawal and how long it will last.

Withdrawing From Heroin

Heroin is one of the many drugs that stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to tolerance and desire for the drug over time to satisfy the brain. As higher and higher doses are consumed, it becomes much harder to stop taking the substance. When one partakes in a detox program or decides to quit using heroin, preventing relapse becomes extremely difficult due to the body’s withdrawal symptoms as it demands more and more of the drug. 

The Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

The suppression of the central nervous system due to heroin consumption impacts various bodily functions, from blood pressure to heart rate. There are plenty of resulting factors that an individual might feel while withdrawing, and while most people won’t endure all of these symptoms, there are many people who experience various combinations of these short and long-term effects. Shorter-term heroin symptoms are listed below:

  • Increased breathing rate
  • Sweating
  • Muscle spasms and pain
  • Bone pain
  • Heightened reflexes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Dilated pupils
  • Diarrhea

Some longer-term heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Sense of dullness or lack of motivation
  • Inability to perform basic daily tasks
  • Memory problems
  • Decreased attention span
  • Trouble making decisions

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

The length of heroin withdrawal symptoms depends on a few factors. In general, it’s expected that someone will experience inconsistent withdrawal symptoms for a few months after recovering, but being on a medical detox can help one recover in as little as a week. A few questions can help you determine how long to expect the process to take. How long was the person taking heroin? How much were they taking at this time? What method was used when consuming heroin, and are there any underlying questions? These are some of the biggest questions treatment centers answer internally to outline the proper rehab program for your withdrawal. 

How to Safely Recover From Heroin Use

Heroin detox is safely completed with help from a heroin detox center. Medically assisted and supervised programs help provide you or a loved one struggling with withdrawal symptoms protection and daily assistance as needed. These symptoms can lead to harmful results to either the individual recovering or the people around them. Additionally, ensuring the proper administration of medication and keeping individuals on track can help prevent a relapse in the future. Doctors can also keep an eye out or provide appropriate treatment for underlying conditions like depression or anxiety that can complicate the recovery process.

Steps to Recovery Provides the Best Combination of Safety and Effectiveness to Withdrawal From Drugs

Dealing with withdrawal isn’t easy, whether it’s heroin or any other drug. The impact these substances can have on an individual is immense, and handling it without professional help poses real risks. To ensure effectiveness and stability during the recovery, turn to a professional treatment center like Steps to Recovery. We can help individuals withdrawing from heroin by ensuring they break the cycle through industry-leading treatment methods and techniques. If you or someone you know is seeking help withdrawing from a drug, contact Steps to Recovery today at 267.719.8528 and receive the right treatment, no matter the circumstance.