Heroin is a powerful and addictive drug. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and to seek professional help as soon as possible. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to detox under medical supervision. A heroin detox center can offer a safe and supportive environment for detox and recovery.

At California Centers for Recovery, our heroin detox center provides 24-hour medical supervision and personalized care from experienced professionals. Our inpatient treatment programs offer a range of therapies and support to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and learn how to live free from addiction. We offer individualized programs tailored to meet your needs, including individual therapy, 12-step groups, and relapse prevention strategies. Get started in our South Bay Area heroin detox center today by calling 877.328.5682 or contacting us online.

The Dangers of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an illegal, powerful opioid drug that is derived from opium poppies.  Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It produces a feeling of euphoria by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and flooding the body with dopamine. However, heroin is also highly addictive. Regular users build up a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to use more and more heroin to get the same high. Long-term heroin abuse can lead to serious health problems like:

• Liver disease
• Renal failure
• Pulmonary complications
• Collapsed veins  
• Infection of the heart lining and valves   
• Abscesses (swollen tissue)   
• Skin infections 
• Bacterial pneumonia

What Are Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you’ve been using heroin regularly, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as six hours after your last dose of heroin. They peak within two days and can last for up to a week. Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Muscle aches 
• Insomnia 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Rigid muscles
• Goosebumps
• Dilated pupils
• Cold sweats
• Runny nose
• Yawning
• Excess saliva

The Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms usually start within six hours of your last dose of heroin. Within 12-24 hours, you will likely experience flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, chills, and sweats. Around day two or three, you may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. By day four or five, your symptoms should start to improve; however, some people may experience anxiety and depression for weeks or even months after quitting heroin.

Long-term withdrawal symptoms can include cravings, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. It can also take a long time for your energy levels and appetite to return to normal. It’s important to note that everyone experiences withdrawal differently; some people may have more severe symptoms than others.

What to Expect in a Heroin Detox Program

If you’re struggling with heroin addiction, it’s vital to get professional help as soon as possible. A medically supervised detox program can help you safely detox from heroin under the care of experienced medical professionals. Detox programs typically last for about 10 days and are followed by a comprehensive treatment program that may include medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, group therapy, and other evidence-based treatments. Detox programs provide 24/7 monitoring and support so that you can detox in comfort and safety. 

Find Help at California Centers for Recovery 

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, we can help. At California Centers for Recovery, we offer comprehensive detox and treatment programs that are tailored to meet your unique needs. Our caring staff will work with you every step of the way to help you achieve your recovery goals. Contact us today by calling 877.328.5682 to learn more about our program or to get started on your journey to recovery.