Heroin withdrawal symptoms start within the first 24 hours from the last use and peak within 36 to 72 hours. The timeline for short-term withdrawal symptoms usually lasts 7 to 10 days in its entirety but longer symptoms of heroin use may take up to 6 months of recovery after the last use.
Heroin abuse changes the way the brain functions and the way the body is sensitized which can sometimes leave lasting and long-term effects.
People who use heroin chronically may experience some withdrawal symptoms very quickly after their last use and have been known to have severe symptoms for as long as three to four weeks after their last use.Â
Heroin is a highly addictive drug and its withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating. But how long does heroin stay in your system?
It’s a very difficult question to answer because of the drug’s short- and long-term side effects and variations in addicts’ metabolism and general health.Â
Heroin enters the brain quickly, where it binds to opioid receptors involved in feelings of pain and pleasure. The excess dopamine in the brain produces intense euphoria or “rush” that addicts chase but never seem to find again.
If you’ve ever witnessed someone withdrawing from heroin, you know it’s not a pretty sight.Â
If they ingest an amount similar to less than what the body needs they’ll likely experience several days of flu-like symptoms:Â
The length of time heroin stays in your system depends upon how long it takes for the brain and body to re-establish equilibrium. That process may take a couple of days or several weeks, depending on how dependent the person is.
Short-acting opioids, such as heroin, cause withdrawal symptoms to start 8–24 hours after the last dose and continue 4–10 days. This stage of withdrawal is intense and severe but usually withdrawal symptoms continue to get worse.Â
Immediate withdrawal symptoms include:
These effects usually peak within the first four to six hours and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how long someone has been using heroin.
As the physical symptoms of withdrawal begin to fade, many people feel an overwhelming sense of depression and guilt.Â
Mental cravings for the drug may be more difficult to overcome than physical ones because they are associated with memories and feelings of pleasure. For some people, these feelings can be so strong that it is extremely hard for them not to relapse back into addiction.
Long-acting opioids, such as methadone, cause withdrawal symptoms to appear 12–48 hours after the last dose and last 10–20 days. Most heroin users experience the worst of their withdrawal symptoms between days two and three. During this time all symptoms are experienced in their most intense state.
These signs include:
During this first stage of withdrawal is when most users will relapse to get rid of any negative symptoms which typically go away as soon as an opiate is ingested.
Observation and surveillance. During this period protracted withdrawal symptoms may still occur. Agitation, cravings, and lethargy will occur but the strong phsyical symptoms have subsided and the worst is over.
There are two primary types of medications commonly used for heroin withdrawal. Both medications are commonly combined with benzodiazepines for short term symptom releif.Â
Methadone is used commonly with rehab without tapering off because it does not produce the same euphoric effect as heroin. It also does not interfere with the detoxification process.Â
Buprenorphine is an opiate that has a similar effect to heroin, but it can be taken orally, so the patient doesn’t have to be monitored as closely.
If you suspect that someone you love is suffering from heroin dependence, contact your physician immediately. If you want help with quitting yourself, start by visiting a doctor or addiction specialist. They can explain the various treatment options and determine the best course to get you started on recovery.
Quitting a heroin addiction untreated has dangerous implications. Due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea, as the body dehydrates, heroin withdrawal can lead to death. This occurs most often when the user quits “cold turkey” without medical supervision. They become too weak to stand or function efficiently.
After a person stops using heroin, they will experience several withdrawal symptoms as their body tries to adjust to being without the drug. The length of time it takes for a chronic user to recover depends on how many drugs were used and if any other medical issues need attention.
Most people who have been addicted for a long period typically begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms as early as four hours after their last dose has been taken.Â
Heroin addiction only lasts as long as a person continues to use the drug, but mental and physical consequences of the addiction can continue for months or even years after withdrawal.Â
Even after a person is free from heroin dependence, they may still experience some of these symptoms:
In addition to changes in mood, many people who have been addicted to heroin find it difficult to feel happiness without being under the influence of that drug. Some have described this feeling as “going through life on an emotional island.”Â
They’re unable to connect with others at a personal level because any time spent sober leaves them feeling depressed and lonely.
Treatment for heroin addiction varies depending on the severity of your dependency and any other health issues you may be facing. If you are having trouble stopping heroin on your own, seek the help of a doctor or addiction specialist. They can explain treatment options in greater detail and determine which one is best for you to start recovering.
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Sources
Pergolizzi, J. V., Raffa, R. B., & Rosenblatt, M. H. (2020). Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 45(5), 892–903.
Manu, P., Rogozea, L. M., & Shulman, M. (2022). Pharmacological management of heroin withdrawal syndrome. American Journal of Therapeutics, 29(2).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and substance abuse treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, January 26). What is the scope of heroin use in the United States? National Institutes of Health. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states
Medical Advice Disclaimer
Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
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