Heroin and painkiller addiction are on the rise in America. The problem continues to intensify as people wrestle with a social environment fraught with so much uncertainty. Unfortunately, these types of addictions cause a never-ending trail of problems. With heroin addiction, even the process of giving the drug up creates withdrawal issues. In most cases, the user will have to deal with some significant detox withdrawal symptoms. The information we provide here will give you an idea of what to expect from a heroin detox timeline.

About Heroin Addiction and Detox

Alignright Wp Image 5610Before discussing the typical heroin detox timeline, a little information about the addiction seems in order. Both heroin and painkillers are opiates. Opiates are not only highly addictive, but they also create health risks for anyone who suddenly decides to stop using them. Experts call these risks opiate withdrawal symptoms.

When the user decides to deny their addicted body of the drug it craves, the body and mind react. Experts call this detoxing. In some cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be quite disturbing and dangerous. The most prevalent symptoms include:

  • Tremors, convulsions, and hallucinations
  • Psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and anger
  • Stomach cramps
  • Severe muscle cramping
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
  • Heart rate and blood pressure issues
  • Breathing problems

The Heroin Detox Timeline

During the detox process, the body and mind go through a series of changes in an attempt to return to normal. Keep in mind that individual timelines may vary because of the depth of the user’s addiction. The first phase of heroin withdrawal will usually start within 12 hours of the last dose. The individual might have stomach issues and have difficulty sleeping.

The second phase starts on day two and can last up to a week. This is the most challenging phase. Here, the user might encounter heroin withdrawal symptoms like chills, convulsions, tremors, more sleeping issues, vomiting, and muscle cramping. With any luck, the user will start feeling better within a few days.

The last phase starts as cravings start to diminish. It would be a mistake for anyone to think they are out of the woods at this point. The fact is phase three could extend out several weeks to a couple of months. For the most part, the user needs to watch for blood pressure and breathing issues. All of this makes the heroin detox timeline close to unbearable. However, help is available.

Getting Detox Treatment

No one should try to tackle the heroin detox timeline without consulting a doctor. Most doctors will recommend detox treatment at a detox clinic like our Tides Edge facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The whole point of getting detox treatment is that it allows a patient to deal with the withdrawal process with minimal discomfort. In a medically-monitored detox program, medical personnel keeps a watchful eye on each patient’s progress. If any signs of distress become apparent, the staff can step in with prescription medications.

While most detox programs run from five to seven days, some heroin addiction patients need longer. They might actually need a medication tapering program that allows them to wean off the heroin slowly. This could actually take several weeks. The point of a detox program is to do what it takes to get ready for rehab and counseling.

Services at Beaches Recovery

Our Beaches Recovery facility is one of Florida’s best. We offer a full range of custom treatment programs to help patients establish a strong recovery. Here’s specific information about Beaches:

Don’t let the heroin detox timeline deter you from seeking help. Here at Beaches Recovery, we can help you get safely through the process and into one of our custom treatments for drug abuse. For more information, you can contact one of our staff members at 866.605.0532. There is no time like today to start your recovery from heroin addiction.