Stages of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is one of the most devastating drugs. It creates dependency and addiction that’s intense and hard to stop. Most people cannot simply stop using on their own because they’ll experience intense heroin withdrawal. At Serenity Light Recovery, we provide you with the treatment and support you need to get through detox without the pain that often comes with it.

What Happens During Heroin Withdrawal?

Heroin withdrawal is what occurs when a person stops using the drugs their body has become dependent on. When you take this away, the brain and body react through withdrawal symptoms. This can include pain and distress. The process or stages you go through can range from mild to severe, depending on the complexity of your addiction. During heroin detox, you may experience a range of feelings. Common symptoms of withdrawal from heroin include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Agitation and irritability
• Depression
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Cravings
• Muscle pain and spasms

These withdrawal symptoms can be managed with medication and medical attention.

Understanding What’s Happening with Your Body

Take a look at what happens during heroin withdrawal for those with a moderate to severe addiction to it.

6 to 24 Hours After Last Use

It can take as little as six hours for a person to begin to experience the first withdrawal symptoms. This generally includes aches and pains but may also include anxiety and intensifying feelings of being ill.

72 Hours After Last Use

By this point, most people will be experiencing more intense symptoms. This includes psychological complications such as trouble sleeping, depression, and intense mood swings. They may also start to feel cramping, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea as the body begins to work to remove the substances.

3 to 5 Days After Last Use

In the coming days, the symptoms of heroin withdrawal can intensify. Often, for the next five to six days, you will feel dysphoria. That includes symptoms like strong muscle pains and spasms. You may also feel as though you are no longer in control. Shivering and shaking can occur.

6 to 7 Days After Last Use

This can be the acute phase. The symptoms will peak at this point and may become quite worrisome at first. However, once through this phase, where sleeping is hard to do, and you feel sick, things begin to turn around. Keep in mind that this step in the process can take the longest. To get fully through it, it may take several weeks.

What Happens in a Heroin Detox Program?

Heroin detox at Serenity Light Recovery is a bit different. You still have to go through this same process as your body works to remove the substances from it. However, much of the pain and withdrawal symptoms you have are minimized. That is because you are given medications to make it easier. You are also given a healthy diet, which can help to balance out those symptoms and refuel your body. Your medical needs are met throughout this time. You feel safe.

Our team provides this type of treatment for you in a comfortable setting. You will feel at ease as you begin to work on your addiction. We offer a comprehensive treatment program designed to provide you with customized care.

• Full drug detox services
• Residential addiction treatment
• Intensive outpatient program
• Women’s specific rehab programs
• Men’s specific rehab programs

Because heroin is such an intense drug, you don’t want to go through detox on your own. Here, you don’t have to.

Take the First Step in Getting Help by Calling Serenity Light Recovery

Heroin withdrawal is a difficult process, but one you can work through safely when you choose our detox program. At Serenity Light Recovery, we provide you with a safe, comfortable treatment program designed to support your needs. Your first step is to call our counselors to learn more. Reach out to us today at (281) 431-6700.