Heroin is a highly addictive illicit substance that has become a worldwide epidemic. Heroin is an opioid drug derived from morphine – a substance made from the opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Columbia. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance also called “black tar heroin”. No matter which form of heroin is abused, it is a highly addictive substance. 

Today, many Americans fall victim to heroin abuse as they tread the path to full-blown addiction. After just one use, tolerance develops and an individual can become addicted to heroin. Moreover, many heroin users avoid seeking help in fear of experiencing withdrawal. By acknowledging and recognizing the heroin withdrawal timeline, you can enter a heroin detox program in Palm Beach, Florida with confidence and peace of mind. 

 

What is Heroin Withdrawal?

According to NIDA, “Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially to those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleep, and breathing.” This complex physiological response to heroin often leads to a potentially fatal addictive cycle. Ultimately, heroin withdrawal can provoke a range of painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal vary in severity depending on the regularity of use, average dose, duration of addiction, age, underlying chronic conditions, and method of use. 

The majority of withdrawal symptoms are painfully debilitating. Along with intense cravings, typical symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Extreme muscle aches and pains
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Muscle spasms, cramps, and tremors
  • Increased heart-rate/blood pressure
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Restlessness/Insomnia
  • Fever/chills
  • Vomiting
  • Joint pains
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Headaches

 

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

Each individual’s experience with heroin addiction and withdrawal is specific and unique. However, the heroin withdrawal timeline is generally the same for almost everyone. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal typically begin within 6-12 hours after your last dose of heroin. Symptoms will peak in severity in approximately one to three days. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal often mimic the severe flu and tend to dissipate after 10 days. 

Medical detox providers in Palm Beach, Florida use medications and therapy to help mitigate symptoms of heroin withdrawal in a safe and successful way. However, without the help of medications, the most severe withdrawal symptoms usually begin three to four days after your last dose of heroin.

 

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

 

Peak Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

After the first 72 hours of heroin withdrawal, you may begin to notice the physiological and psychological symptoms increasing in severity. Common peak symptoms include:

  • Dysphoria
  • Shivers
  • Intense stomach pains/cramps
  • Muscle spasms
  • Extreme back/leg pain
  • Intense cravings

These symptoms typically last up to five or six days into heroin withdrawal.

 

Acute Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you experience acute heroin withdrawal symptoms, you are nearing the end of the withdrawal process. Acute heroin withdrawals vary in length and duration but are generally mild in severity. During this time, you will notice your physical withdrawal symptoms subsiding as other common mild symptoms including:

  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood swings 

 

Benefits of Heroin Detox

When struggling with heroin addiction, many individuals fail to recognize that they have a problem. Fear of experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms often prevents heroin addicts from seeking the help they need. However, heroin detox at a quality rehab center in Palm Beach will help ease your mind and minimize your withdrawal symptoms. 

Heroin withdrawal symptoms peak about two to three days into the detox process, but with the support of clinical staff, you can overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably. In fact, detox is the most effective step when beginning your journey to overall wellness and recovery.

 

Heroin Treatment in Palm Beach, Florida

At Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we believe that each individual patient who walks through our doors requires and deserves their own personalized path to rehabilitation and healing. At our heroin rehab program in West Palm Beach, our compassionate treatment staff employs services that go above and beyond traditional treatment models. This includes our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

Our South Florida PHP program has been specifically designed to allow for the creation of effective, individualized plans to help you or your loved one successfully transition to the next level of health and healing. In our dual diagnosis treatment center, all patients receive individual and group therapy, counseling, medication management, and aftercare support from our compassionate and attentive professionals. 

With a variety of treatment options, Comprehensive Wellness Centers offers you and your loved ones who are struggling with substance abuse a customized plan that meets your emotional, physical and overall well-being.