Heroin is by far the most well-known opioid right now. With the opioid epidemic in full swing, detox and drug addiction centers are seeing an influx of patients. Many are wondering what they can expect during a opiate detox. Here are the most common symptoms that are associated with opioid withdrawal.
Common Symptoms
A typical withdrawal can include multiple symptoms, although not everyone will experience the same ones or at the same severity. Symptoms are both physical and mental. Typically someone experiencing a heroin withdrawal will feel the following:
- Strong drug cravings
- Moodiness, such as anxiety, depression, and fear
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating, running nose, and/or watery eyes
- Restlessness
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Muscle spasms, tremors, and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
These symptoms are severe but are not life-threatening. While experiencing them though, many patients fear they will die. The pain can be intense, causing many people to use again just to alleviate it. Seeking professional help can make the experience better though. A professional heroin detox or rehab program can help alleviate many of these symptoms with medication, 24/7 monitoring, and support from staff.
Timeline
Patients usually start feeling heroin withdrawal symptoms 6-12 hours after their last heroin dose. Without the aid of medication or professionals, these symptoms peak and are at their worst around 3-4 days after the last dose. More severe cases of heroin abuse lead to longer and more difficult detox experiences, which is why we encourage people to seek professional help.
Final Thoughts
Heroin detox is rough, but it’s the first step to reclaiming your life. Seeking help from a professional detox and rehab clinic can lessen symptoms and make the experience less unpleasant. Detox centers can also provide guidance on next steps, such as therapy, medications, or additional support. Contact us today to learn more or to begin a detox program.