Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that can result in profound physiological dependence when used repeatedly.^1,2 Heroin withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing, but help is available.¹

This page will discuss heroin withdrawal and its symptoms, what heroin detox entails, and how to find heroin addiction treatment near you.

What Is Heroin Withdrawal?

Heroin withdrawal is a characteristic set of symptoms that result when a person suddenly cuts down or stops using heroin after chronic use.^2,3

When someone is physiologically dependent on heroin or other substances, their bodies adapt to the presence of the drug, and they need it to function normally.²

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides the guidelines used by medical professionals to diagnose opioid use disorder (or OUD, the diagnosis for opioid addiction), and opioid withdrawal.³

The manual explains that opioid withdrawal refers to a characteristic opioid withdrawal syndrome that is relieved or avoided by continued drug use.

Experiencing heroin withdrawal is one of the signs of a possible heroin addiction and is one of the diagnostic criteria for OUD.³

In the case of heroin addiction, a person may try to stop their use, experience withdrawal symptoms, and then return to heroin use to reduce withdrawal symptoms.³ Restarting heroin use after stopping increases a person’s risk for a fatal heroin overdose.⁴

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:³

Although not typically life-threatening, heroin withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe discomfort.¹

The specific symptoms a person experiences can vary by individual and depend on several factors.²

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

The development of heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin shortly after a person’s last use.³ The opioid withdrawal timeline and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.¹

For most people who are physiologically dependent on short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms usually:³

• Begin within 6-12 hours after the last dose.
• Peak in intensity within 1-3 days.
• Gradually subside over a period of 5-7 days.

In some cases, certain symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal may reappear or linger several weeks to months following use. These symptoms may include insomnia, anxiety, dysphoria, and anhedonia (reduced ability to experience pleasure).³

Specific factors that can influence the severity and timeline of heroin withdrawal include:

• How much heroin a person typically uses.¹
• How long they’ve used heroin.¹
• The interval between doses.¹
• The use of other substances, including other opioids, stimulants, alcohol, or other depressants (polysubstance use).^1,5
• A person’s unique physiological, genetic, and psychological makeup.¹

Heroin Detox

Heroin detox, also called medically managed withdrawal, is a set of interventions designed to address acute intoxication, manage withdrawal, and foster a person’s entry into treatment.¹

Medically-supervised detox can be a helpful way for people to undergo withdrawal because it helps keep them as safe and comfortable as possible and can address withdrawal symptoms and potential complications.¹

Detox typically involves the use of medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and discomfort, and offers medically supervised monitoring, support, and attention to a person’s individual needs.¹

Receiving treatment can help support a person’s recovery and help them remain abstinent. This can be especially important as returning to opioid use after a period of withdrawal is a risk factor for fatal overdose.⁴

During detox, a person will receive repeated assessments to monitor symptoms and adjust medications as needed.¹

Heroin Withdrawal Treatment Medications

In addition to various medications used to help people stay as comfortable as possible, there are specific medications that can be used to manage heroin withdrawal symptoms. These medications include:

• Methadone, a full opioid agonist that is used to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, ease cravings, and block or blunt illicit opioid effects.⁵
• Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that can help minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms, blunt cravings, and reduce the effects of illicit opioids.⁵
• Clonidine, a medication that is not an opioid agonist, is commonly used off-label to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.¹
• Lofexidine, a nonopioid medication that has been approved by the FDA to help mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms.⁶

Your medication plan will be determined by addiction treatment professionals to address your individual needs.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Near Miami, FL

If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin use or addiction, effective treatment is available. Please do not lose hope; recovery is possible.

Recovery First Treatment Center, an inpatient rehab facility near Miami, offers detox and inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment in a residential setting, as well as outpatient levels of care. Our treatment team will create a customized treatment plan that’s just right for your needs and includes different types of evidence-based treatments.

We also provide treatment for people with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety, and offer specialized treatment programs for Veterans and first responders, as well as healthcare professionals.

If you’re ready to reach out, please call us at to speak to a compassionate admissions navigator about your treatment options or to ask any questions you may have.

You can learn more about handling the cost of rehab, using insurance to pay for rehab, and how to get admitted today. Use our secure online form to easily .