How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?

Heroin addiction is among the worst drug addictions a person can endure. During the beginning, everything feels euphoric and peaceful. Within a short period, however, the addiction takes hold, and things quickly become unpleasant. Any attempts to stop using meet with severe withdrawal symptoms. Still, the addict has to face the fact they will have to eventually detox or remain a heroin addict until the unspeakable happens. So, how long does it take to detox from heroin?

Many addicts want to know how long does it take to detox from heroin. That’s a complicated question to answer. Much depends on the length and depth of the user’s addiction. Even then, an exact timetable is difficult to pin down.

Here’s a general timeline someone can expect to encounter.

First 48 Hours–The first 48 hours will be the worst part of the heroin detox process. The user could begin feeling stomach cramps and muscle pain, sometimes severe. Other common withdrawal symptoms one might experience in the first two days include diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, and anxiety.

Days 3-5–While the user might still suffer from stomach cramps, vomiting and anxiety, the level of discomfort should start subsiding. Eating healthy foods during this time could be very helpful.

Days 6-7–With most of the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal fading, the focus will usually turn to eating and sleeping issues. Again, the user should drink fluids, eat healthful foods and at least get some rest.

After a week, most people are focused enough to begin some form of treatment. That doesn’t mean they are out of the woods. For the next couple of months, the addict might encounter neurological issues that warrant monitoring.

Detox Treatment

Drug addiction counselors and clinicians rarely recommend a self-help detox. It’s just too dangerous. It’s not difficult to find a reputable detox program, Serenity House Detox being a great example.

With heroin addiction, the patient can expect to spend time in a medically monitored detox program. Under the watchful of the medical staff, the patient can get medication to help them with pain and sleeping issues. At all times, the detox facility wants its patients to be safe and comfortable. After clearing detox, the patient is ready to receive treatment from licensed therapists.

Details About Serenity House Detox

With Florida detox centers in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Serenity House Detox prepares clients for the rigors of rehab and therapy. In addition to heroin, we offer detox services for a variety of substances, including:

How long does it take to detox from heroin? Serenity House Detox has answers. When you are ready to get help, you can call us at 866-294-5306. We will do everything in our power to keep your withdrawal discomfort to a minimum as you look to a brighter future.

We Stand for Equality - A message from CEO Mark Gold

Amatus stands in solidarity with all of the people across the globe mourning the death of George Floyd and countless others who lost their lives unnecessarily. We are outraged and heartbroken. We support those fighting to combat hate, discrimination, and unfair treatment of our fellow humans. We stand with our staff, our clients, and all those who live in legitimate fear that they and their loved ones may be targeted based on race. We empathize with the anxiety, fatigue, and frustration of the African American community. We acknowledge that these lives matter.

Racism infiltrates every aspect of our lives. We would be remiss not to mention how it impacts the addiction community. Spurred on by The War on Drugs, African Americans and other people of color are often incarcerated for similar practices for which the white population receives treatment.

Nearly 80% of people in federal prison for drug crimes are black and brown people. This is why Amatus supports Drug Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.), a program that connects people willing to enter addiction treatment to resources and help to minimize jail time.

We know that dealing with systemic racism, fear of violence, and discrimination is traumatic. We are committed to supporting people in our communities in need of compassion and trauma-informed care. As an ongoing commitment, we will continue to develop meaningful ways to use our voice and resources to support reforming the drug policies that so negatively impact African American communities. In addition, we have set up a Social Justice Scholarship Fund, as a way to provide treatment for individuals who are facing jail time for drug-related offenses.

As a company, Amatus embraces diversity and wholeheartedly believes in the power of inclusion. We acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. We may never be perfect, but we resolve to work to make Amatus the best version of itself. We are dedicated to leading peaceful and positive change in our workplace and across the communities we serve. We have the responsibility to create a culture where there is no place for hate and discrimination.

We take a knee with those who fight oppression and who demand to make our country a more perfect union.

To a brighter future, upward and onward.

Amatus Health